Rugby footwork drills to boost passing on the run

This set of seven rugby drills will help your players practise passing on the run by encouraging them to use fast feet with some off-balance challenges.

Scrum halves have the advantage of a steady platform from which to pass, but the rest of your team will usually be passing on the run. So how do you improve passing when their feet are not in their best place?

Here's one way - practise with rugby drills that get them off balance first!

The idea is to create situations where the players are not in full control of their next step and yet have to pass the ball. (Assuming they are capable of passing the ball accurately when they are balanced!)

Footwork drills

1. Through ladders

Using footwork equipment, such as ladders, gives players the opportunity to practise fast feet and passing at the same time. Simple passes can be done at a set point, such as after three steps and in the next ladder after four steps.

One drill variation is that a coach or receiver could shout for the ball at anytime, which would have to be delivered immediately. With more confidence in ladder work, players could be performing some complicated footwork drills combined with passing.

2. Off tyres

Use old tyres instead of ladders. Tyres should be free as garages are often keen to get rid of them. Get your players to step through or even balance on them to give and take passes.

You can also set up obstacle courses with a pass having to be made at specified tyres.

3. Off one foot

Get players to pass when they are hopping. This rugby drill helps to improve the ability of players to pass the ball when they are running normally.

In this drill it's best to get the player to run first, then revert to hopping before passing the ball. It is easier to pass left hopping on the right foot and vice versa, so ensure that the players are challenged to pass the ball both ways.

4. Backwards

Although running backwards does not happen that much in a game, it provides an interesting diversion from the normal passing drills, as well as enhancing a player's awareness of the passing dynamics.

To get the most benefit, players should pass to players running towards them, then to players running away from them. It certainly keeps the heads of the passing players up and the challenge of staying out of harm's way promotes quicker feet.

5. Surprises

Running through a random "minefield" of cones, bags and clothing can cause enough of a distraction to increase the pressure on the pass. As players try to avoid the various traps, they will be encouraged to pass to team mates in the clear.

Advance this drill by including tackle bags being tipped over as the players approach, with a pass executed immediately the bag has been hurdled or avoided.

6. Hurdles

Hurdling obstacles is the natural progression from ladders and tyres. Again, passes should be made after the hurdle has been cleared. It could be on the run, or a series of jumps back and forth or side to side, with the ball given and taken at certain landing points.

7. Sprinting

Most players slow down to make a pass. I don't advocate passing while sprinting in a game, but it is still a challenge to work outside what is comfortable, so get them to give it a go.