Touch Rugby Wraparound Play
A touch rugby progression that teaches the wraparound: a player passes to a teammate, loops behind them, and gets the ball back on the outside to create an overlap on the wing. It builds passing on the run, timing of support play, and use of outside space.
How to play
- Groups of three in 25 x 10 m (about 27 x 11 yd) lanes, team pinnies; a touch is a hand on the shoulder or hip, no flags (2 min).
- No defense: A passes to B, loops behind B, and gets it back outside; then A passes to C, standing wider. Six runs, rotating spots (5 min).
- With one walking defender, the group decides whether to run the wraparound or pass straight to C. Score by crossing the line (5 min).
- Three-on-two with defenders starting 10 m (about 11 yd) away: a wraparound try is 2 points, any other try 1. A touched carrier places the ball down and the play ends (4 min).
- Five-on-five game on 30 x 20 m: six touches, backward passes, defense retreats 5 m; wraparound tries count double (5 min). Then 1 minute: when does the wrap surprise the defense?
Rules
- Touch with a soft, open hand on the shoulder, back, or hip; never push.
- Passes go backward or sideways: the looping player must receive behind the passer.
- Safety: the looping player runs behind, never across the front of the ball carrier, to avoid collisions.
Variations
Easier
Walk through the play with a stationary defender who only raises an arm.
Standard
Groups of three without defense, with one defender, 3-on-2, and a game where wraparound tries count double.
Harder
Link two wraparounds in a row before reaching the line.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair can be the wide player who receives the last pass, without having to loop.
- Visual impairment: the looping player calls "Outside!" when arriving at the receiving spot.
- Fitness or skill level: shorten the lane to 15 m (about 16 yd) for students who tire quickly.
Learning goals
- Run the wraparound with a backward pass on the move.
- Decide when to use the wraparound based on where the defense is.
- Coordinate support runs with two teammates.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam rugby ball: 8
- cones: 20
- pinnies: 12
Teacher tip
The usual mistake is looping in front of the receiver, which leads to forward passes: have the looping player brush right behind the receiver's back. Go slowly at first so the path is easy to see.
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