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Different balls
And one should not just think of different rugby balls, but also try using tennis balls (see issue 10), footballs (have you ever tried spinning one of these?) or even beach balls. All could add an element of fun, if not enhance your players understanding of ball handling.
Resistance running and passing
Resistance running is where another player holds onto a player’s shirt or shorts as they try to run forward. The idea is to let player make some progress but making them work significantly harder than they would do normally. Have you tried this technique with ball handing? Players do not always have luxury of passing unhindered.
Cones as distracters
In passing drills, make a player carry a cone in one hand. They are allowed to use cone and other hand to catch ball, but they must release or pass ball using hand without cone. Once they have made right hand passes, then get them to change hands. Move on to getting players to take passes one-handed – replicating times in game when they need to take contact with other arm. One handed pass to one-handed catcher is not going to move ball quickly across field, but it might be very useful in a tight situation. For more articles on Rugby Coaching or to sign up for a free Rugby Coaching newsletter please visit www.betterrugbycoaching.co.uk
Dan Cottrell is the Editor and founder of Rugby Coach and has experienced rugby coaching at most levels. Dan qualified as an RFU rugby coach in 1997, he has worked with Jack Rowell (former England coach) Brian Ashton (former Ireland coach)and at Bristol, with Dave Alred, famously known as Jonny Wilkinson’s kicking coach.