Rugby: Handling - The well weighted pass

Basic skills training can be a chore, so use this plan to improve your team's overall performance, in preparation for the start of the new season

Set up a channel with two sets of defenders working in pairs inside.

Three attacking players start with the ball and run around the far cone, realigning as they run around the cone. Players then play out the 3v2.

After this first 3v2 the attackers must move the ball quickly and play out the second 3v2.

Offensive players (blue), line out in one deep line while the defence (red) line up opposite in a straight line, slightly inside player from the player that they are marking.

The offence will attempt to pass the ball across the line at speed.

Defenders will move up to stop them but do not tackle, simply press. This teachers the attackers to pass under pressure, as they try to pass across the line without making any mistakes.

3 vs 1 vs 1

Ball Carrier passes the ball into the post player and runs across the front of him and receives the ball back.

His 2 supporting players then react to his body language and execute 2 x 3 vs 1.

1) Run out (2 steps) turn and pop ball to a support player.

2) Run out (2 steps) turn and let support player take it out of your hands.

3) Run out - go to floor (facing support runner). Chest pass up to support.

Progression: Support player tells person in front which of the above he wants.