Rugby Passing Square: Pass and Follow

Groups of six or seven work in a 10 m square with a line at each corner: the football moves from corner to corner with lateral passes on the run, and each passer follows the pass. It improves catching with ready hands, the lateral pass, and communication.

How to play

1. Make groups of 6 or 7 and give each group a 10 x 10 m (about 33 x 33 ft) square with a cone at each corner. Split the group into lines at all four corners, with the ball at one of them (2 min).
2. The ball carrier runs along the side of the square toward the corner on the right. With 3 m to go, the first player in that line takes off in the same direction and receives a lateral pass, slightly backward.
3. The passer joins the back of the line they passed to, and the new ball carrier repeats the pattern toward the next corner. Keep it going for 2 minutes.
4. Switch direction every 2 minutes to pass both left and right; do this twice (4 min total).
5. Add a second ball at the opposite corner: both balls move at the same time and the group has to stay alert (3 min).
6. Final challenge: complete 20 passes in a row without a drop in 90 seconds; each group gets two tries (3 min).

Rules

• Call for the ball with open hands at chest height and say the passer's name.
• If the ball drops, the intended receiver picks it up and continues from that corner.
• Safety: ball carriers run along the outside of the square and never cut through the middle.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair stays at one corner as a set receiver and passer without moving along the side.
• Visual impairment: use brightly colored balls and have the passer say 'Ball!' on the release.
• Fitness level: a tired student can stay at a corner for two turns and count passes out loud.

Learning goals

• Catch the ball on the run with ready hands.
• Pass laterally and accurately to a moving teammate.
• Coordinate with the group using voice and eye contact.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam footballs: 8
• cones: 16

Teacher tip

The typical mistake is the receiver leaving too early so the pass arrives behind them. Do a slow demonstration with one group before everyone starts.

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