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Rugby: run pass

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Rugby is a game of decisions. Every second, players choose: pass, carry, or kick? Blitz or drift? Jackal or get back in the line? The team that makes better decisions more consistently wins matches - not necessarily the team with more talent or better fitness.

Game management is the skill of making these decisions correctly under pressure, with fatigue setting in, with the crowd noise, with the stakes rising. It can be developed.

The Decision-Making Framework

Good decisions start with good information. Players need to see the game clearly before they can choose correctly.

The OODA loop in rugby:

Observe: What do I see? Defensive structure, space, support
Orient: What does this mean? Opportunity, threat, neutral
Decide: What's my best option? Pass, carry, kick, hold
Act: Execute with commitment

The faster and more accurately players cycle through this loop, the better their decisions. Training should develop each stage.

Developing Observation Skills

Many poor decisions come from poor observation. Players who don't see the full picture can't make informed choices.

Training observation:

Pre-scan: look before receiving the ball
Peripheral awareness: what's beside you, not just ahead
Key cues: what specifically to look for (defender's hips, space, numbers)

Drills for observation: Play games where the coach calls "freeze" and asks players to describe what they see. What options exist? Where's the space? Where's the threat?

Situational Awareness

Understanding the game situation frames decision-making. The right decision at 0-0 in the first minute differs from 3-0 down in the 79th minute.

Situation factors:

Score: leading, trailing, or level
Time: first half, second half, final minutes
Field position: own 22, midfield, attacking 22
Conditions: wind, rain, surface
Momentum: who's on top right now?

Players need to know the situation without thinking about it. Score, time, and field position should be automatic awareness.

Risk Management

Every rugby decision involves risk. The question is whether the potential reward justifies the risk in this specific situation.

High-risk decisions:

Running out of your own 22
Offloads under pressure
Speculative kicks without chase support
Committing extra players to the ruck

When high-risk is acceptable:

Trailing with time running out
Attacking in the opposition 22
Momentum strongly in your favour

When to play conservative:

Protecting a lead late in the game
Deep in your own half
Opposition on top and looking for turnovers

Pressure Moments

Certain moments in matches carry extra pressure. Decision-making under pressure deteriorates without specific training.

High-pressure scenarios:

Final play of the half or game
Penalty opportunity to win/draw the match
Defending a one-point lead in your 22
Restart after conceding a score

Training pressure: Create pressure in training through consequences, time limits, and competitive scenarios. Players who've experienced pressure in training cope better when it matters.

Communication in Decision-Making

Rugby decisions are rarely individual. Communication coordinates group decision-making and ensures everyone understands the plan.

Essential communications:

Ball carrier: "Carrying!" "Kicking!" "Looking left!"
Support: "With you!" "On your shoulder!"
Defence: "Up!" "Drift!" "Numbers!"
General: "Time!" "Space outside!" "Keep it!"

Leaders must take ownership of communication. The fly-half and captain should constantly talk, directing the team's decision-making.

Learning from Decisions

Post-match review should examine decisions as much as execution. Why did we make that choice? What did we see? What would we do differently?

Effective review questions:

"What was your thinking there?"
"What options did you see?"
"Given what you know now, what would you do?"
"What can we learn from this?"

Avoid blame. Focus on understanding and improvement. Players who fear judgment stop taking responsibility for decisions.

Developing Decision-Makers

Coaching approaches:

Guided discovery: ask questions rather than give answers
Constrained games: rules that force specific decisions
Decision overload: faster game speed to develop instinct
Post-play review: brief discussions about choices made

The goal is players who can read, decide, and act without waiting for coach instruction. Games move too fast for external direction - players must be autonomous decision-makers.

Key Coaching Points

Good decisions require good observation - train players to see
Situation awareness frames every choice
Risk must match the situation
Pressure can be trained - create it in practice
Communication coordinates group decisions

Drills to Develop Game Intelligence

Choose the Hole

Loop Move (Simple)

Kick Tennis Game

Confidence in the Tackle

VIEW ALL DECISION MAKING DRILLS

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Rugby Rugby Trends Game Management: Decision Making Under Pressure

Game Management: Decision Making Under Pressure

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DRILLS (27)ANSWERS (19)

run pass DRILLS

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Pass and run Passing - Rugby D...

Tell the players the following.... Player 1 starts with the ball. Player 1 passes the ball to player 2 and then quickly moves off their cone and runs to the cone where player 2 is and back to their cone. Player 2 then passes to player 3, follows the pass to the position of player 3 and back to their starting position. Change your passing hand each time The aim is to for the players to be back in their starting position before the ball returns back, but main thing is that they provide a good pass to the receiving player.

General

Channel & Lane Running Passing...

Set up a 8 channels of cones 5 metres apartA group of 4 players start on the side line, and all players need to work around the nearest/corner cone.The first player with the ball will run into the nearest channel of cones (lane 1) and all the other players will work around the corner cone and filter into the proceeding channelsThe 1st player passes the ball as soon as the 2nd player gets into the 2nd channel. The ball is passed down the line of 4 players until the 4th players receives the ball.Once the 4th player receives the ball, the ball is placed down and all the players work around to get into their respective channel to repeat the process.

General

Inside Shoulder Running Passin...

Four attacking player start behind cones on the try line. Place an object a couple metres in front of each player, this can be a cone, pole, tackle pad etc. Attackers must pass the ball down the line and run on the inside of the object.

General

Passing Race Passing - Rugby D...

Using just one hand they should pass the ball to each other. The pass should come from on, or behind the hip. They should make 10 passes on one hand, and then 10 passes on the opposite hand. That's it, lets get going - it's a race. Any dropped balls - and your group has to start again. That's it, get working.

General

Drop Off Passing - Rugby Drill...

4 cones with 2 balls.Players start running at the same time and when the meet in the middle, the blue players give a drop off pass to the red player before both continuing their run to the opposite end to which they started.

General

Pass and run Passing - Rugby L...

Set-up a 10 meter grid with a player on each corner. Player 1 starts with the ball. Player 1 passes the ball to player 2 and then quickly moves off their cone and runs to the cone where player 2 is and back to their cone. Player 2 then passes to player 3, follows the pass to the position of player 3 and back to their starting position. The aim is to for the players to be back in their starting position before the ball returns back.

General

Continuous Passing Square 1 Pa...

Set up 4 cones in a square, and get the players to form equal lines behind each cone.The ball starts with a player on one cone who runs towards the cone to his right and passes the ball across the square to a player from the next cone running onto the ball. He catches the ball and continues his run, passing the ball to someone from the next cone running onto the ball.Change the direction which the ball is goingProgressions:Get the players to change direction on your command (shout/whistle)Multiple balls at a timeAs a group must complete 10 successful passes before the session can move on, every time a ball is dropped the whole group does an exercise (e.g. 10 press ups).

General

More Loop Passing - Rugby Dril...

Tell your players the following...... The ball carrier (A) runs straight in a line and makes a normal lateral pass to the supporting player (B) After passing the ball A runs towards and behind B After B catches the pass they angle their run towards the direction the pass has come from and so create space A runs around B and straightens as they receive the pass In effect you want the players to loop around the new ball carrier after they make their pass.

General

Switch Drill Passing - Rugby D...

Drill to practice inside running lines (switches) in attack.Set up a 10m x 10m square (green cones) with two attackers (blue) on one side of the square, and one defender (red) on the other side of the square on the left hand side (see diagram).The attacker with the ball runs forward, then diagonally across the square towards the diagonally opposite cone, to get the defender to chase him.The second attacker also runs forward, then switches back across the square towards where the defender has come form.The ball carrier turns towards his outside and passes to the other attacker who is running a switch. They then score over the try-line marked by the green cones.If the defender holds for the switching player, the ball carrier should continue running and score over the try-line marked by the green cones.

General

Pass and Follow Warm Up - Rugb...

They pass the ball around either clock wise or anti clock wise, you can decide to change the direction youself at any point during the exercise. After the player passes the ball they have to follow their pass, touching the cone of the player they passed to - then get back to their cone before receiving the next pass. The tempo of this exercise should be high.

General

Catch and pass channel Passing...

8+ players Ball Players stand at equal distance away at differnt points along the grid. One working player runs in the middle of the channel. The players on the outside pass the ball into the running player. The Working player must complete 2 sets of passing - 1 run off each hand.

General

Zig Zag Relay Passing - Rugby ...

Tell the players to do the following...... The player with the ball passes to the next player and follows the direction of the ball. The chasing or support player must touch the cone of the player they passed to. The player who receives the ball does the same and so on to the last player who receives the ball and runs around the group to the first cone and restarts the drill. The player returning to their cone, must backstep their way to their starting location.

General

Passing Grid Progressions Pass...

Start out with a grid of 10 x 10Passing progressions are based upon the ability of players to fix defenders - ensure the exercise reflects match situationsStart with three groups of three or four, each on a corner of the square leaving one corner freePlayers need to come around the corner, bending their runs before straightening up before popping the ball off to the next groupThe ball needs to travel through hands of all the players in the group

General

Round The World Passing - Rugb...

Tell your players the following..... The first player picks the ball up at the cone passes the ball to the next player, they then run around the back to receive the ball from the last player who puts the ball down by the cone and picks it up and stars the passing again. Each player runs around the back to the next side of the grid to receive and pass the ball on. The players attack all the sides of the grid. Players loop around the back, not in front of the attack.

General

Passing Along The Line Passing...

Simple hand drill that can be progressed onto many simple backline movements. 1 ball, 4 players, area of 20-30m by 20m 1st player starts with the ball who commences the sequence by running, 2nd player run from depth and receive the ball then pass to 3rd player who will do the same to the 4th. From this point the order will reverse to get another repetition through everyone's hands so you can score at the end of the grid.

General

Relay Passing Race Warm Up - R...

With each new instruction to players you'll be having a race, lets see which group is the fastest - no cheating! Don't spend too much time talking, get the players into their groups quickly and tell them to do the following: Pass the ball between your legs to the person behind you - keep going until the ball reaches the end of the line. Same thing as above, but this time when the ball reaches the end of the line, the player at the end runs the ball back and the ball starts the same journey again. This is repeating until the every player has run from the back to the front of the line. Same idea but this time under legs then next person passes over head, next under legs (under/over/under etc.) Same idea but twist hips to pass to person behind first to the left then to the right - back person runs to front. As above but just over the head. Progress this with your own ideas e.g. pass to the person behind you with one hand etc. This warm-up should be full of fun.

General

Running Lines with Defence Pas...

Running straight and changing your running line will make players better attackers and underpins an effective 2 v 1Start with a 5 v 3 situation, all five attackers start in a slightly angled line with the end player with ball in handOn Go, the play starts and the first pass is made. The receiving player runs a straight line toward the opposing player and 'fixes them up', meaning the defender is square on and must make the decision to either tackle or anticipate the pass

General

Passing circle Passing - Rugby...

Tell your players the following..... There will be 4 players on the outside of the circle, starting at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. There will be one player in the middle. The players on the outside of the circle jog around the circle. The player in the middle will have a ball, and will pass the ball to one of the runners - for them to run onto it. The new ball carrier will pass the ball back to the static player in the middle of the circle. And the same happens again, but the passer cannot bass to the same player twice. Players will have to respond to the calls: SLOW JOG, FAST JOG, FASTER, CHANGE DIRECTION, TOUCH THE GROUD WITH YOUR RIGHT HAND, TOUCH THE GROUND WITH YOUR LEFT HAND, etc. Don't forget to change the static player.

General

Passing Grid Passing - Rugby D...

Set up a grid of about 10 x 10Aim to have 12 attackers and 2 defenders3 attackers spread out on each side of the square. One player starts with the ball and runs towards the first defender, before passing off to a supporting attacker, who runs towards the next defender and passes off to the other attacker in the threeThe ball is popped off to the end attacking player on the opposite side of the squareThe same play happens with three new attackers and same two defendersThe ball is then popped off to the side, and play continues until all four groups of attackers have run through twice.Then switch defenders.

General

Passing Lines of 5 Passing - R...

Set up an area of about 15 x 15m. Have 2 teams of 5+ players, with 1 one ball.The players can run anywhere in the area but can't run with the ball. The first team that get 10 passes wins a point. If the ball in intercepted or dropped then turnover. The 1st pass is after the turnover is free.Stop the game every 1 minute to stretch for 30 seconds.PROGRESSIONPlayers can run with the ballPlayers can run with the ball for 2 seconds onlyOverhead passes onlyTouch the ball on the ground before passingCan't pass back to the person you've received it from

General

Rugby: Straight running and pa...

3 players line up in a straight line, approximately 10m apart, each standing opposite an agility pole. The ball is passed by a scrumhalf to the first receiver The reciver runs straight at the pole and passes the ball to the next player who does the same. Play continues until the third man has completed the exercise

General

Simple Catch and Pass Drill Pa...

Easy drill to do with the playersSplit players up into groups of three, one ball per groupPlayer 1 to Player 2Player 2 to Player 3Player 3 to Player 2Player 2 to Player 1Continue for a minute, before players switch positionsP1 > P2. P2 > P3. P3 > P1.

General

Crossover Relay Passing - Rugb...

Keep your player briefing short. You may consider having a demonstration group. Give two players opposite each other, one ball each. On your call they will come forward, towards each other, sidestepping to avoid contact before passing the ball either left or right. There should be no forward passes and the players need to communicate to avoid both balls going in the same direction. When the receivers collect their pass - they do the same as the first set of ball carriers. Players that have completed their run and pass within the grid should join the end of the opposite line. Players should seek opportunity to pass off both their left and right hands.

General

Miss Pass (M1) Passing - Rugby...

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's important to get your players working as quickly as possible. Lets get the ball and the players moving with lateral passing through the hands. Each training area only needs one ball, and that ball should start with the any of the two players at the very ends of the L. Tell players to move forward, passing the ball down the line. When the ball gets to the last receiver, that player will pass it to the first receiver in the next line that is waiting to go. They should advance right away. Allow the players to simply move the ball down the lines, don't mention the Miss Pass. After you feel the players are comfortable, tell them that on their call they can miss pass (M1) a player in the line. So the first ball carrier might decide to Miss Pass (M1) the first receiver in the line, and move the ball directly to the second receiver. Any player, if they have the option open to them, can call a miss pass. Allow the players to discover, though questioning, the best possible way of executing and calling the (M1) move. Players should change position in the line after each run.

General

Loop Pass Passing - Rugby Leag...

The ball carrier (A) runs straight in a line and makes a normal lateral pass to the supporting player (B) After passing the ball A runs towards and behind B After B catches the pass they angle their run towards the direction the pass has come from and so create space A runs around B and straightens as they receive the pass

General

2 vs 1 - with running support ...

The lead attacker runs at straight at defender. Attacks runs into space, either on the left or the right, takes the tackle and then off-loads to the support player who should be running down the opposite channel to the first attacker (so if the the first attacker runs left the support player goes right).

General

2 x Hit then pass Off Loads - ...

Set up the practice as shown inside a 30m x 30m Grid. 6 Shields and 1 Ball. Player 1 carries the ball before passing the ball to player 2 who bursts through the shields. Once through the other side, 2 passes to 3 and receives a return pass before bursting through the next set of shields Once they are through the last two players with shields can move and try and block the runners. Player 2 has the option to pass to either player or go it alone.

General

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run pass ANSWERS

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Tips for teaching kids to pass?

Tips for teaching kids to pass? Under 7's%3A Posture, feet position, ball holding,action, short and long passes. Any guidance / links to websites please

Archived User Coach

5 answers

how do you teach players to ralign to take a pass running?

how do you teach players to ralign to take a pass running from deep

Frank Hewett-Smith Coach, England

1 answer

How do i get more zip in my backline attack. At 16s?

How do i get more zip in my backline attack. At 16s level players seem to just go through the motions.

Paul cromack Coach, England

3 answers

what are the rules of tag rugby?

Chris Mason Coach, England

2 answers

i am just starting to play scrumhalf could you give?

i am just starting to play scrumhalf could you give me some tips on how to be a quality scrumhalf

Archived User Coach

1 answer

Moves from Penalty Situations

Can anyone suggest some attacking Penalty Moves I can use with my U13s?

Archived User Coach

1 answer

u8s running sideways not forward!

What drills would anybody reccomend to encourage forward running in an u8s side,whilst keeping it fun?Some players tend to crab along the pitch.

Archived User Coach

7 answers

Any tips / drills to teach my team to support the No. 8?

Any tips / drills as to what rest of team can do to support so No 8 doesn't charge ahead and get isolated.

Archived User Coach

2 answers

Tap penalty - Running onto the ball

When taking a tap penalty can a member of the kicking team be running onto the ball before the tap is taken?

Archived User Coach

2 answers

U9 Positional Play Advice

What options are there for positional play in the U9s game? What formations are recommended in attack or defence? What's a good place to start teaching this? No scrums at this level so that's out of the question. Greatful for any advice. Thank you. Matt Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

Matt Potter Coach, England

4 answers

U13s rules explained

I'm just after a little clarification regarding the current U13s rule changes as several teams we have played this season have different interpretations:0Can the scrum half scoot straight from the base of the scrum?Can 1st receiver on a free pass run with the ball once he's received it?What are rules around the movement of a scrum?I think we've got the rules right, i'd just like some confirmation.ANdrew

Andrew Wood Coach, England

4 answers

delay to run to catch pass

how do I time a run in animation, such that the runs co-ordinate. the delay function does not seem to work?I'm try to pass a rugby ball but all players run at the same time so have to stop for a long while before taking the pass

David Coach, England

0 answers

My son will not run with the b...

My sons plays for the U9 team, his position is number ten, he was put there due to his kicking power, drop kicking accuracy, etc - I have been teaching him over time to tackle this has helped him build his confidence - what I have been noticing is the fact that when he gets the ball, he wont run - he just refuses to do anything with it...I need to find a way to encourage him the move forward with it, but nothing ever happens, now his own team mates are starting to look down at him, since he has giving the game away far to many time. Help!

john mcqueen Coach, New Zealand

4 answers

u8s running sideways not forwa...

What drills would anybody reccomend to encourage forward running in an u8s side,whilst keeping it fun?Some players tend to crab along the pitch.

Archived User Coach

7 answers

Looking for day 0 skills to te...

I am looking for a Day 0 type of session for American children who may have never held a rugby ball. If I move forward with a rugby exhibition/team creation in the neighborhood, I want to make sure I know how/what to teach Day 0. I'm hoping that interest is growing for touch and flag rugby due to the recent in Philadelphia between the USA Eagles and the Maori All Blacks. I was there. It was fantastic. Tickets sold out so fast, I think there will be more of these in the area. Thanks.

Doug Jones Coach, United States of America

5 answers

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6 Things Changing Rugby in 2026

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Matches are won by the team that makes better decisions under pressure. Learn how to develop game intelligence and manage critical moments.

November 2025

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Rugby: run pass

The Decision-Making Framework

Developing Observation Skills

Situational Awareness

Risk Management

Pressure Moments

Communication in Decision-Making

Learning from Decisions

Developing Decision-Makers

Key Coaching Points

Drills to Develop Game Intelligence

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

6 Things Changing Rugby in 2026

Women's Rugby 2025: A Record Year for Coaching

Game Management: Decision Making Under Pressure

Pass and run Passing - Rugby D...

Channel & Lane Running Passing...

Inside Shoulder Running Passin...

Passing Race Passing - Rugby D...

Drop Off Passing - Rugby Drill...

Pass and run Passing - Rugby L...

Continuous Passing Square 1 Pa...

More Loop Passing - Rugby Dril...

Switch Drill Passing - Rugby D...

Pass and Follow Warm Up - Rugb...

Catch and pass channel Passing...

Zig Zag Relay Passing - Rugby ...

Passing Grid Progressions Pass...

Round The World Passing - Rugb...

Passing Along The Line Passing...

Relay Passing Race Warm Up - R...

Running Lines with Defence Pas...

Passing circle Passing - Rugby...

Passing Grid Passing - Rugby D...

Passing Lines of 5 Passing - R...

Rugby: Straight running and pa...

Simple Catch and Pass Drill Pa...

Crossover Relay Passing - Rugb...

Miss Pass (M1) Passing - Rugby...

Loop Pass Passing - Rugby Leag...

2 vs 1 - with running support ...

2 x Hit then pass Off Loads - ...

Tips for teaching kids to pass?

how do you teach players to ralign to take a pass running?

pre season training for rugby

lateral pass coaching games

how do i coach the miss pass in rugby?

What are the key learning points of a miss pass?

How do i get more zip in my backline attack. At 16s?

what are the rules of tag rugby?

i am just starting to play scrumhalf could you give?

Moves from Penalty Situations

u8s running sideways not forward!

Any tips / drills to teach my team to support the No. 8?

Tap penalty - Running onto the ball

U9 Positional Play Advice

U13s rules explained

delay to run to catch pass

My son will not run with the b...

u8s running sideways not forwa...

Looking for day 0 skills to te...

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6 Things Changing Rugby in 2026

Women's Rugby 2025: A Record Year for Coaching

Game Management: Decision Making Under Pressure

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