They drop the ball under pressure
Fine in drills, then fumbling as soon as a defender gets close
Why it happens
- They've only practised catching without defenders, so pressure feels new every time.
- They look at the defender, not the ball, at the moment of the catch.
- They carry the ball in one hand, so any contact knocks it loose.
- Worry about getting it wrong makes hands tense and stiff.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Eyes on the ball until it's in your hands.”
- “Two hands, ball tight to your chest.”
- “Soft hands. Catch it like an egg.”
- “Good try. Next one, watch it all the way in.”
✗ Not this
- “Butterfingers!”
- Groaning or sighing when the ball goes down.
- Taking a player out of a game for dropping the ball.
- “Don't drop it” right before the pass. It makes them think about dropping it.
The drill ladder
Move a group up a level only when they hit the "ready for next level" sign. It's fine for groups to be on different levels.
Toss and catch
How it works
- Each player tosses the ball just above their head and catches it with hands up, fingers spread.
- Then in pairs, 2 big steps apart: a gentle underarm pop to your partner's hands. 10 catches, then one step further apart.
- Make it a challenge: how many catches in a row can your pair make?
Coaching points
- Hands up and out as a target before the ball comes.
- Watch the ball all the way into your hands.
- Soft hands: give a little as you catch, like catching an egg.
Ready for the next level when: Every pair can make 10 catches in a row from 4 big steps apart.
Shadow catch
How it works
- A receiver jogs down a channel. A “shadow” defender jogs alongside them, close but not touching.
- The passer passes to the receiver, who must catch and keep running with two hands on the ball.
- Then the shadow waves their arms and calls out. Still no touching.
Coaching points
- Eyes on the ball, not the defender.
- Two hands, tuck it in after the catch.
- Shadows never touch. It's about noise and distraction.
Ready for the next level when: Receivers catch cleanly with a noisy shadow beside them nearly every time.
Two-hands touch
How it works
- A normal touch game, with one extra rule.
- Any ball carrier holding the ball in one hand gives a turnover.
- After a few minutes, add: a dropped ball is a free pass for the other team, not a scrum.
Coaching points
- Ball in two hands, tight to the chest.
- Shift it to the hand away from defenders only to pass.
- Praise clean carries.
Ready for the next level when: Ball carriers keep two hands on the ball under pressure nearly every time.
Shield walk-ins
How it works
- A partner of similar size holds the shield firmly, feet wide, one foot forward.
- The ball carrier walks into it and drives with their legs for 3 seconds.
- Go from walking to marching to jogging, then swap roles.
Coaching points
- Players hold the shields, never an adult.
- Ball held in both hands, tight to the chest. Shoulder into the shield, head up and to the side.
- Shield holders give a little and stay balanced, not rigid.
Ready for the next level when: Every player drives into the shield at a jog without slowing down.
3-second touch
How it works
- Normal touch rugby in a small area.
- If the ball carrier holds the ball for more than 3 seconds without running or passing, it's a turnover.
- The coach counts out loud at first.
Coaching points
- Praise quick choices, even wrong ones.
- Support players call for the ball early.
- Keep the area small so there are lots of touches.
Ready for the next level when: Turnovers for holding the ball have almost disappeared.
Common coaching mistakes
- Only practising catching with no pressure.
- Making a fuss about every drop.
- Ignoring one-handed carrying until it costs a try.
- Going into contact drills before ball security is solid.
Related problems
Handling
They can't catch a pass
Hands down, balls bouncing off chests, eyes closed
PassingHandlingPasses go behind or on the floor
Catchers stretching backwards, balls bouncing, moves dying after one pass
Ball carrierConfidenceBall carriers stop dead when they meet a defender
They run, see a defender, freeze, and get tackled standing still