Balance offload rugby coaching exercise

Offloading the ball out of contact is one of the most powerful attacking weapons in the game. But an offload pass is often made when the ball carrier is off balance. This rugby coaching session has the players passing in unusual circumstances and builds to a standard offload game situation. It also considers the role of the support player.

What to think about

Passing with one or two hands? One arm is often used in the contact situation to fend off a defender. Yet the supporting player may not be on the best side to take the pass.

Therefore players should not only practise with one-handed passes, but also with the "inside" hand. This means flicking the ball out of the back of the hand.

What footwork should the passer use? The ball carrier will need to move the defender to prevent a full-on tackle being made. They should not compromise their forward movement though.

This momentum will take them beyond the tackler, allowing more chance for a cleaner offload.

What you get your players to do in this rugby drill

Stand one player with a ball at the side of the box and in the middle of the 5m strip. Two players run toward the strip. The first receiver hops as he reaches the strip, receives the pass and passes before hopping out on the other side of the strip.

Then change the hopping leg, sides and length of the pass. Have the players use one and two hands to pass. Finally, let the first receiver see if they can leap through the strip, receiving and passing in mid air.

What to call out

"Attack the ball at pace to challenge yourself."

"Look at where you are passing."

"Turn your shoulders before passing."

"Always try to move the defender before contact."

Develop the rugby drill

Put two players at one corner of the box, a defender at the opposite corner and a "feeder" to one side.

The first receiver runs forwards. As he goes past a line of cones, he angles away, taking a pass from the feeder. The support player follows behind. When the ball is passed, the defender angles across the box to tackle the ball carrier at hip height or below. The ball carrier offloads on contact.

Balance offload

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Click the link for offload touch rugby drill.