Rugby passing drills for beginners

Basic handling and warm up

Every rugby player, regardless of their position or experience, needs to learn the art of ball handling. Here’s a basic drill to get you started.

Passing squares: Organise players into groups of four, standing in a square formation. Begin by passing the ball to the player on the left. As they get comfortable, challenge them to pass faster, use both hands and change direction.

Rugby passing drills for beginners

Passing keeps the game in constant motion. A well-executed pass can break the gain line or even put your teammate in for a game-winning try. For beginners, mastering the basic of passing is essential. Here are some beginner friendly passing drills to help you get started:

• Static Passing Line:

  Learning how to pass starts here. Players stand in a straight line, facing a partner about 5 metres away. Pass the ball back and forth, focusing on the grip, arm positioning and hand follow-through.

• Running Passing Drill:

  Now that you learned how to pass when standing still, add motion. Players jog forward and pass to the next player in line. It reinforces the idea of passing while moving.

• Triangle Passing:

  Introduce a bit of complexity. With three players in a triangle, one starts with the ball and passes to the next player. This challenges players to pass under varied pressure angles.

Rugby tackling drills for beginners

Rugby is a collision sport and a core part of the game is tackling. Tackling is more than just bravery as it requires a blend of technique and timing. A perfectly timed tackle can turn the tide of a match, preventing a game-deciding try or setting up a counterattack. For beginners, understanding the fundamentals of tackling is vital. Here are some beginner-friendly rugby tackling drills:

• Shadow Tackling: Begin without contact. Players face each other with one acting as an attacker and the other mimicking the tackle movement without actual contact.

• Knee Tackling: From a kneeling position, one player carries the ball while the other executes the tackle. This drill emphasises the importance of wrapping the arms and driving the shoulder.

• Full Tackle Practice: With supervision, beginners can get a feel for the real deal. Remember, proper form ensures safety and efficacy.

Rugby kicking drills for beginners

Kicking adds another dimension to the game, whether kick for position, touch, or even kicking for goal. For beginners, understanding the basic techniques of kicking is important. Here are some beginner-friendly drills to help you learn this skill:

• Kicking from hand, not all rugby players are going to need or want to kick the ball. However, if you do, then you will need to become proficient in kicking from hand. There are two main types of kicks to work on.

• A Spiral Kick: This is where you add a spiral rotation to the ball from your foot. This kick can travel far, as well as move in the air. Focus on angling the ball and striking through the middle to add the spin.

• An end of end kick: Is where to kick through the bottom of the ball on a vertical drop. This kick doesn’t often go as far as a spiral kick, however it is much more accurate.

• Placing Kick: Only a few players will be asked to kick for goal, but if this is you, then making sure you get the technique right is key. When practicing place kicking, ensuring you follow a similar routine is key. Place the ball on the tea, however you prefer, and work on your walk back to ensure that when you come to kick the ball, you are able to do so with your plant leg down alongside the ball, allowing your kicking leg to drive through.

• Grubber Kick: A tactical kick where the ball is made to roll along the field. Players practice making the ball skim the surface. It’s a great way to surprise and turn your opponents and can lead to exciting plays.

Prioritising safety and continuous training

As you integrate these drills into your training routine, it’s crucial to seek guidance from a medical professional, coach or a certified personal trainer. Such consultations ensure these drills suit you and align with your health and any pre-existing training routines. For expert advice, The Gym Group’s Personal Trainers are always ready to help. Plus, with our 24/7 gym access, our flexible memberships help you maintain your fitness at times that suit you best.