How to Make a Spin Pass in Rugby

The spin pass sends the ball quickly over longer distances with a spiral. Hold the ball with your back hand driving and front hand guiding, sweep it across your body, and spin it off your fingers with a follow-through to the target.

Technique (passing left)

StepKey point
GripRight hand at the back of the ball provides power, left hand guides
PositionBall at the right hip, eyes on the target
SweepSwing the ball across the body
SpinRight hand rolls over the top, fingers imparting spin
Follow-throughHands finish pointing at the receiver

Drills

  • Stationary spin passes at increasing distances.
  • Passing on the run in lines.
  • Equal practice on both sides.

Laws referenced follow World Rugby’s Laws of the Game for rugby union; rugby league, sevens and domestic competitions can differ, so check the current laws for your competition.

Frequently asked questions

When should I use a spin pass?

For longer, quicker passes out wide.

Why does my spin pass wobble?

Often uneven hand pressure or no follow-through.

Who uses spin passes most?

Scrum-halves and backs.

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Sam Ayed
Sam Ayed

Sam Ayed is a soccer player, coach and lifelong sports enthusiast. As the editor of Sportmentary, he writes and reviews the site's guides, checks rules content against the official rulebooks of each sport's governing body, and keeps pages updated when those rules change.

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