This week we look at the correct basic skill
(technique) of catching a pass,
which forms
the base of all handling skills.
" This is the most important part of handling skills. If players catch passes against their
bodies they will become ineffective players and the team will become an ineffective team.
Coaches must teach their players this very important skill  "   -
Jan Oberholzer
Lets look at the correct basic skill of catching a pass
Look at the hands of top players before they  
catch the pass
  What do you see:
  • Arms stretched towards the ball
    to catch the ball away from the
    body
  • Hands open with hand palms
    pointing towards the ground
  • Eyes on the ball
The correct basic technique to catch a pass
    Note:
    Coaches must remember that no player
    who still catches a pass against his body
    can ever become a top player.
    Why?:
  • A player can only effectively handle and
    pass a ball when the ball is away from
    his body.   
  • Defenders never know if a player is going
    to pass or run is he handles the ball
    away from his body, which creates
    confusion among defenders
    Do the following
    experiment with your
    players:

  1. Put four marker cones randomly out,
    about 2m apart.
  2. Let the players run round the marker
    cones with the ball in their hands in
    front and away from the bodies.
  3. If the players bring the ball to their
    bodies if they run round the cones,
    then coaches know that those players
    will 90% catch a pass against their
    bodies.
Basic Rugby Skills
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Week 29
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