Rugby Backward Pass Lines
A flag rugby warm-up in lines of four that move diagonally down the field, always passing the oval ball backward. It warms up the whole body with gradual running and reinforces the lateral pass, staggered alignment, and communication.
How to play
- Form groups of 4 along an end line, about 10 feet apart and slightly staggered back. Mark a finish line with cones 30 yards away.
- Minutes 0-2: ball mobility: passing the ball around the waist and knees, trunk twists, and hand-to-hand passes in place.
- Minutes 2-4: the line moves forward at a fast walk and the ball goes from one end to the other with short lateral passes; at the finish they jog back and pass the other way.
- Minutes 4-7: same drill at a jog; every pass must go slightly backward and in front of the receiver, who calls for it with open hands.
- Minutes 7-9: on the final pass, the last player sprints 10 yards and touches the ball down past the finish line; rotate positions in the line every run.
- Minutes 9-10: each group counts how many runs they finished without dropping the ball.
Rules
- The ball is never passed forward; if it is, the line starts over.
- Keep the 10-foot spacing and stagger; don't bunch up toward the ball.
- Touch the ball down by bending over, never by diving.
- Groups start when the group ahead is 10 yards down the field.
Variations
Easier
Lines of 3, closer together, and the whole run at a walk.
Standard
Lines of 4 at a jog with backward passes and a final sprint.
Harder
Add a skip pass: the passer can skip one teammate with a longer pass.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student in a wheelchair takes one end of the line and the group matches their speed; a foam ball may be used.
- Visual impairment: the receiver says their name before each pass and the ball is brightly colored.
- Lower skill level: use a foam football, which is easier to catch.
Learning goals
- Warm up the body gradually using rugby movements.
- Pass the oval ball backward accurately while running.
- Coordinate staggered positioning and communication along the line.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rugby balls: 7
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
The most common mistake is turning the whole body toward the receiver and slowing down: ask students to run facing forward and pass with just the arms and shoulders.
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