Better Passing

Possibly the most important skill, passing is what makes rugby a team game, however the ball cann never be passed forward . It can only be passed laterally or backward.  This is an important skill of the USA Eagles, and really any USA rugby team.

Normal Pass
The ball carrier coils his body to add accuracy, velocity, and distance to the ball when passing it.  He swing the ball across his body and his weight will be on the opposite leg, and the shoulders will pointed slightly away, with his arms swinging in the direction of the pass.

When to Pass
Ideally, as an attacker, you want to find gaps in the defense’s lines in order to score tries.  You pass when a teammate is in better position to score than you are. 

How to
The pas should be aimed at the receiver’s chest, a little in front of the receiver so that he can catch the ball while sprinting to give him more velocity.  The passer must make the pass as easy as possible for the receiver.  Always judge the timing of your pass. 

Bringing it out Wide
It is always a good idea to “bring the ball out wide”.  Wings are the try scorers, so ideally they should be the ones getting the ball.

Drawing the Man
A good trick is to delay the pass until the last minute, then pass.  This creates a gap in the defense as you are about to be tackled, your teammate has a clear run through the defense.

Types of Passes

Spin or spiral- The hand comes up ovr the ball as it is thrown and causes it to spin, it travels quicker, but is not recommended for newer players to attempt.

Scrum-half- This special pass is used to clear balls from rucks, and must “cock his body like a gun”.  If passing left, the right foot is near the ball, knees slightly bent.  The ball pass must be made in one motion, and done quickly. 

Long-  Anything long

American football pass- The ball is thrown overhead like an javelin.  This is legal, as long as the ball goes backward.

Dive pass- A last ditch attempt by the scrum half who did not have time to sufficiently complete the scrum-pass, he dives with the ball and passes it.

Reverse pass- Usually without looking, the ball is slipped to another player (this must be timed carefully!)

Lob pass- High pass for long distance so that the ball goes over the defender’s heads (not recommended)

Pop pass- Most commonly used when the players are “tight” (close to each other), easiest to catch.

“Hospital pass”- Passing to a teammate who is not in clear position to receive due to an opposing team player close to his proximity.  Your teammate would catch the ball and immediately be tackeled, causing him to end up in the “hospital”

“Anything goes”- As long as  your teammate can catch the pass, the pass is fine.  Frowned upon, it is usually better to “go down” on the ball and wait for a ruck to form.

Dummy Pass- Ball carrier “sells the pass” by going through the necessary motions, but at the last second holds onto it and darts through a gap.