They pass to whoever's nearest, even if they're marked
The ball goes to the closest teammate, who gets tagged or tackled straight away
Why it happens
- Passing to the closest player is easiest, so that's what they do.
- They don't look up before the ball arrives.
- Nobody else is calling, so the nearest player is the only option they can see.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Who's free?”
- “Eyes up before you catch.”
- “Great choice! They had loads of space.”
✗ Not this
- “Why did you pass to them?!”
- Shouting the answer mid-play.
- Stopping play after every wrong choice.
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.
Scan and pass
How it works
- Four receivers stand on cones in a square. Two of them have a “marker” standing next to them. No touching.
- The passer in the middle looks up, finds a receiver with no marker and passes to them.
- Markers move to a new receiver after every pass. Rotate roles every minute.
Coaching points
- Eyes up before you pass. Look, then pass.
- Free player: call the passer's name.
- Speed comes later. A good choice first.
Ready for the next level when: Passers pick the free receiver almost every time without being told.
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.
2v1 channel
How it works
- Two attackers against one defender.
- The ball carrier runs at the defender. Pass if the defender commits to you, run if they drift to your support.
- Defender walks or jogs first, then plays full speed.
- Defenders use a two-handed touch, not a tackle.
Coaching points
- Run at the defender's inside shoulder to draw them.
- Support stays a few metres wide and calls “here!”
- Ask the carrier afterwards what they saw.
Ready for the next level when: Most reps finish with the right pass-or-run choice.
3v2 overlap
How it works
- Three attackers against two defenders in a wide channel. Defenders use a two-handed touch, not a tackle.
- The ball starts with the attacker on one edge. Attack has to get the ball to the free player.
- Defenders walk, then jog, then play at full speed. Rotate after each go.
Coaching points
- Ball carrier runs at a defender to hold them before passing.
- Free player: stay wide, call loud, be ready to catch at pace.
- Ask the carrier afterwards who the free player was and when they knew.
Ready for the next level when: The attack finds the free player most of the time with defenders at full speed.
Talk to receive
How it works
- Touch rugby, but you can only pass to a player who has called for the ball (by name or “here!”).
- A pass to a silent player is a turnover.
- Add the 3-second rule from Level 1 to combine both.
Coaching points
- Call early, not when the ball is already coming.
- The ball carrier listens and picks the best call.
- Quiet kids get a buddy who calls with them at first.
Ready for the next level when: Constant chatter, and passes are going to players in space.
Common coaching mistakes
- Only running drills with no defenders, so there is never a wrong choice to learn from.
- Shouting the answer mid-play.
- Big areas with lots of space, where any pass works.
- Telling players off for a wrong choice instead of asking what they saw.
Related problems
Handling
They can't catch a pass
Hands down, balls bouncing off chests, eyes closed
Decision-makingAttackMy players freeze with the ball
Indecisive, slow to pass, run into trouble or stand still
SupportGame senseThey stand still and wait for the ball
Most of the team watches the ball and waits for it to come to them