Passing and catching are the foundation of every rugby attack. In rugby union and rugby league the ball must be passed backward or level, never forward, so players learn to pass while running at pace and to catch in stride without slowing down. A good pass is flat, accurate and delivered in front of the receiver so they can run onto it. A good catch starts with hands up early, fingers spread and eyes on the ball, then moves straight into the next action. Teams that pass and catch well can move the ball wide quickly, stretch defences and create overlaps.
This guide covers the main types of passes, step-by-step technique for the spin and pop pass, catching technique, how to practise, the forward pass and knock-on rules, and the most common mistakes.
Types of passes
| Pass | What it is | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Standard or push pass | A short, flat pass with two hands, no spin | Short distances between nearby teammates |
| Spin or spiral pass | A longer pass where the ball spins to fly straight and fast | Moving the ball wide quickly, often from the scrum-half or first receiver |
| Pop pass | A short, soft lob to a runner coming close by | Close support play, especially through gaps |
| Offload | A pass made in or through a tackle | Keeping the ball alive when the ball carrier is being tackled |
| Cut-out or skip pass | A longer pass that skips one or more players | Getting the ball to an overlap quickly |
| Scrum-half or dive pass | A pass from the ground at the base of a ruck or scrum | Delivering quick ball from set pieces and breakdowns |
How to throw a basic pass
- Hold the ball correctly: two hands on the sides of the ball, fingers spread, thumbs pointing up, ball held in front of your chest.
- Look at the target: turn your head to see the receiver before you pass.
- Swing across the body: swing the ball from one hip across your body toward the receiver.
- Follow through: finish with your fingers pointing at the target, hands ending in front of the receiver.
- Keep running: stay straight and keep your momentum so you draw defenders and remain an option.
How to throw a spin pass
The spin pass lets the ball travel farther, faster and flatter. Hold the ball with your back hand toward the rear of the ball, which will generate the spin, and your front hand guiding it. As you swing the ball across, roll your back hand over the top of the ball and push through with your fingers, so the ball rotates around its long axis. Follow through with your hands pointing at the target. The spin pass takes practice to control, and players should learn it off both hands.
How to catch
- Show a target: hold your hands up and out toward the passer, fingers spread and pointing up, forming a W shape with your thumbs.
- Eyes on the ball: watch the ball all the way into your hands.
- Reach early: meet the ball in front of your body rather than letting it come into your chest.
- Soft hands: give slightly as the ball arrives to absorb its speed.
- Move into the next action: keep running and be ready to pass, carry or kick.
Passing in attack
Good passing is about timing as much as technique. The passer should draw a defender before releasing the ball, so the receiver has space. Receivers should run onto the ball at pace, holding their depth so they do not overrun it. Communication matters: calling for the ball and signalling where you want it helps the passer. Deep, flat passing lines let teams move the ball wide faster than defenders can drift across.
The forward pass and knock-on rules
In rugby union and rugby league, a pass that travels forward, toward the opponent’s dead ball line, is a forward pass and results in a scrum to the opposition. Referees judge the direction of the pass from the passer’s hands rather than simply where the ball lands, since a backward pass can drift forward with the players’ momentum. A knock-on happens when a player loses control of the ball and it goes forward off the hands or arms and touches the ground or another player, which also results in a scrum to the opposition in most situations.
For exact definitions, check World Rugby’s Laws of the Game for union or the rugby league laws that apply to your competition.
Drills to practise
- Stationary passing: partners pass off both hands, focusing on accuracy.
- Passing on the run: lines of players pass across while running up the field.
- Spin pass practice: longer passes over increasing distances.
- Two-versus-one drills: practise drawing a defender and passing to the free player.
- Handling under pressure: passing in small-sided games with defenders.
Common mistakes
- Passing to where the receiver is: pass in front so they can run onto it.
- Drifting across the field: running sideways squeezes the space for outside players.
- Catching into the chest: slows the next pass and increases dropped balls.
- Looking away before the catch: leads to knock-ons.
- Only passing off one hand: practise both sides equally.
Rugby is a contact sport. Practise handling under supervision and follow safe tackling and contact guidelines from your governing body.
Passing in wet conditions
Rugby is often played in rain, which makes the ball slippery. In wet weather, teams shorten passes, keep the ball in two hands for longer, and reduce the number of wide, risky passes. Players dry their hands on towels when possible and focus on catching with soft hands and eyes on the ball. Kicking and carrying often become more important when handling is difficult.
Passing and catching for different positions
Scrum-halves need a fast, accurate pass off the ground from rucks and scrums. Fly-halves and centres need long spin passes and quick decisions to move the ball wide. Wingers and fullbacks focus on catching high balls and taking passes at full speed. Forwards need reliable short passes and offloads in contact. Every player should master the basics, but training should also include position-specific skills.
Young players should start with short, simple passes and gradually add distance, speed and spin as their confidence grows.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t you pass forward in rugby?
The laws require passes to go backward or level, which is a defining feature of both rugby union and rugby league.
What is the most important passing skill in rugby?
Accuracy, delivering the ball in front of the receiver at the right time so they can run onto it.
How do I throw a spin pass?
Use your back hand to roll over the ball as you swing it across, pushing through with your fingers so it rotates as it flies.
