Passes go forward
Every move ends in a forward pass and a scrum or a turnover
Why it happens
- They run forward while passing, so even a flat pass travels forward.
- They aim at the receiver instead of the space beside or behind them.
- Support players run ahead of the ball carrier.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Support behind the ball.”
- “Pass across or back, never in front.”
- “Great flat pass! Your support was in the right place.”
✗ Not this
- “Just get rid of it!”
- Only blaming the passer. Support position matters too.
- Long explanations of the law mid-game.
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.
Flat-line walk
How it works
- Pairs walk side by side towards a line of cones, about 3 steps apart.
- The ball carrier passes across to their partner. The partner must stay level or slightly behind the ball.
- Pass back and forth all the way to the cones. Then jog.
Coaching points
- Pass across your body or back, never in front.
- Receiver: stay level or behind the ball carrier, not ahead.
- Arms swing across, fingers point at the target after the pass.
Ready for the next level when: Pairs reach the cones at a jog with every pass going across or back.
Stairs passing
How it works
- Four players line up like stairs: each one a step behind and to the side of the next.
- The front player starts with the ball and passes down the stairs. Every pass goes back to the next player.
- Walk forward keeping the stair shape, pass along the line, then come back the other way.
Coaching points
- If you can see the passer's back, you're in front. Drop back.
- Short, flat passes to the next stair.
- Keep the shape when you walk. Don't run ahead.
Ready for the next level when: The group passes along the stairs and back at a jog without a forward pass.
Wide buddy walk
How it works
- Ball carrier walks forward. Two support players walk alongside, one each side, about 5 big steps away.
- The coach calls “left” or “right”. The carrier passes that way and the group re-forms around the new carrier.
- Speed up to a jog. Then let the carrier choose the side.
Coaching points
- Five big steps wide, and slightly behind the ball.
- Support players keep their hands up as a target.
- When the ball moves, the shape moves with it.
Ready for the next level when: Groups keep their width and shape at a jog for the length of the pitch.
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.
Two-pass try
How it works
- Normal touch rugby in a small area.
- A try only counts if the ball has been passed at least twice since the last touch or turnover.
- Once they're doing it, add a bonus point for a try scored by a player who started on the other side of the pitch.
Coaching points
- Praise the passer as loudly as the scorer.
- Support players get beside or slightly behind the ball carrier, not in front.
- Ask: “Who made that try?” Let them name the passers.
Ready for the next level when: Most tries come from a move with two or more passes, without being reminded.
Keeping passes legal
- Coach every pass to go across or back, and every support player to stay level or behind the ball.
- Running forward while passing makes even a flat pass drift forward. Slow the hands down, not the feet.
- For how forward passes are refereed at your age, check the rules page for your age group and the official RFU text.
Common coaching mistakes
- Only blaming the passer. Support players running ahead cause most forward passes.
- Explaining the law mid-game. Fix it in a drill, not in the middle of play.
- Long passes too early. Short and flat first.
- Never playing with a forward-pass rule in games, so the habit never changes.
Related problems
Handling
They can't catch a pass
Hands down, balls bouncing off chests, eyes closed
AttackGame senseThey run sideways or backwards
The ball carrier drifts across the pitch away from defenders and loses ground
SupportGame senseThey stand still and wait for the ball
Most of the team watches the ball and waits for it to come to them