This week we look at the bad passing skills
of Rodney So'oialo, the All Black loose
forward,
when he passes a torpedo or slip
pass to his right hand side. We also look at
the correct techniques of passing the torpedo
or slip pass.
" No loose forward can become a top player if he can't passes a torpedo pass to both sides.
It is incredible that Rodney got to that level without any skills coach correcting his problem. It
already cost the All Blacks a try in the last Tri-nations test and more and more teams will now
force him to pass to his right hand side.   "   -
Jan Oberholzer
Lets look at his bad passing skill
He starts with the pass - look
at the grip on the ball with
both his hands across the
center of the ball
He starts with his swing -
look  how his weight is not on
his right leg and his back
swing is to swallow (You
need a full back swing to give
a straight and fast flight to the
ball)
He is swinging - his weight is
not on his right leg and the
ball is not held horizontally,
but pointing upwards for a
looped pass.  
He let the ball go far too early
without completing his full
swing and his left leg is not
swinging across his right leg
so that he can follow the ball
and keep his balance.
Video Clip of So'oialo passing.
The correct basic technique for passing the torpedo or slip pass
The grip on the ball
The technique
Look at the master - Stephan Larkham
    Look at :

  • His full back swing
  • His correct grip on the ball
  • The ball swinging horizontally
  • His full weight on his left leg
  • His right leg already swinging across
    his left leg for balance
  • and his eyes already fixed on the  
    hands of the receiver.
Basic Rugby Skills
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Week 30
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