Rugby drill to coach one handed ball manipulation

Use this rugby drill to help your rugby players develop skills for one-handed ball manipulation.

One hand to two hands to pass

When defenders see the ball carrier tuck the ball under one arm it says to them that:

  • The player is not going to pass.
  • We can commit more than one player to the tackle safely.
  • It's a great chance to turn over the ball.

It therefore attracts defenders to the ball carrier. By quickly transferring the ball from one to two hands, the ball carrier not only draws in defenders, but can make a defence-splitting pass.

Develop the rugby drill so one or two initial passes are made before the attacker tucks the ball. Timing and decision-making on where and when the optimum time to do this is learned through conditioned practices.

One-handed ball manipulation rugby drill

Click the link to subscribe to Rugby Coach Weekly and get rugby drills, coaching advice and tactics delivered direct to your inbox each week.

Click the link for a rugby drill to get players practising recovering the ball following a bad pass.

Rugby coaching tips


Improve your rugby training skills. Sign up for a FREE weekly email, full of simple proven tips, advice and drills.

"Just wanted to let you know that I find your emails interesting and very helpful! Thanks very much!"
Jules Hydleman, Coach, England






Please note that Better Rugby Coaching takes your privacy very seriously. We will never rent or sell your email address to any third party.




Get our FREE weekly coaching tips email





Receive GREAT coaching tips to help you become
a better rugby coach, straight to your inbox!

Get these FREE reports when you sign-up:

  • My Five Favourite Training Games
  • 12 Handy Tools for Novice Rugby Coaches
  • Rocket Ball – Four ready-made coaching sessions
  • 20 Clever Ways to Improve Your Rugby Coaching
  • The Guide to Coaching Junior Rugby Players
  • The Guide to Coaching Senior Rugby Players
  • 11 Simple Steps to a Fitter, Faster Rugby Team

Please note that Better
Rugby Coaching
takes your privacy very seriously. We will never rent or sell your email address to any third party




Independent Coach Education