Scrum Half Passing?

Question

I'm a freshman and its my 1st year playing rugby. I play scrumhalf. I'm right handed, so I'm having problems throwing 2 the right. Our a-side scrumhalf said its normal to have problems throwing to the right your first year. Are there any tips or drills to help me get my right side pass down?

Answer 1

As a new scrum half myself I have made some pretty good progress over the season. (Haven't thrown a hospital pass this year.) Nothing replaces practice. Work both sides (every other pass, left, right, etc...) Throw from a loose ball on the ground for handling skills. I use a practice ball with straps that is just for passing drills. (You can get these online) I also use a 10# medicine ball - its about the size of a rugby ball in diameter and really lets you exercise your wrists and get speed and distance on the pass. Make sure you are throwing from the hips and extending to the target.  There are no 'tricks' to weak-side passing... just a lot of work. I would not suggest modifying your throw by turning your back to the defense... we get clobbered enough as scrum halfs without making it easier for the other team.  Also - the other team will quickly pick up on the fact that you are weak on that side and adjust...

Good luck

Answer 2

I just got back from a development camp coached by Kathy Flores, the National women's team coach for USA Eagles.  We did some FANTASTIC drills for scrum half passing.  As you approach a ball on the ground, stop with feet together, then scoop the ball as you step wide WITHOUT a back swing, making sure to look at your target.  TO begin the sequence, she had us stand in line next to each other and standing still, scoop the ball with one hand, each way to work on both hands.  Then the same with a step, adding the other hand, with a spread out line.  we then moved over to the goal post and she put the ball on the ground right next the the post.  this reduced the back swing before you pass.  The purpose is to have a quick pass from the ground where the power comes from your step, not just a shoulder turn.  the back swing adds another variable and decreases you accuracy and increases the amount of time it takes to complete the pass.  practice on both sides!

to get a good start on a spiral, I usually have my rookies begin holding the ball palm up and flat (horizontal) and let the ball roll of the fingers, flicking it as it rolls off.  then move the hand more vertical, remembering to let your fingertips roll the ball.

Answer 3

unless you are ambidextrous you have to put alot of work into practising. As a former scrumhalf and with luck on my side being ambidextrous i had the luxury of passing left or right without problem but since i was mainly a right hander i could pass longer and stronger to the right. Firstly i suggest is for you to first find out which way you feel comfortable with passing to the left i.e. where you should position your hands on the rugby ball. Once you find that sweet spot try passing to the left. At first it will go all wobbly but eventually it will turn out well. So remember, find your sweet spot and practise, practise, practise. Another suggestion is simply turn side ways so that your back is facing the opponent, although i wouldn't recommend this alot of half backs usually do this if they want to pass a bit further but the disadvantage i they are blind meaning a opponent can blindside them and he wouldn't c it coming. All the best

Answer 4

Start off with short distance passes to the right.

They will be rubbish, but stick with it and concentrate on the spin of the ball rather than speed to start with.

Practise when ever you can by throwing anything in the air - doesn't have to be a rugby ball. A tennis ball will do just to get the action to become second nature. Make sure you are spinning the ball anticlockwise.

Get a scrum half ball (heaver) and practise throwing it right handed. If you have no-one to pass to, mark a spot on a wall and hit it from different positions.

Answer 5

The best way to practice throwing is to throw with one hand.  Use your back hand (left if its to your right and right hand if its to your left).  Your other hand is really more for support than mechanics.  By doing this, you will isolate the mechanics of your primary (back) hand and your secondary (front) won't get in the way.  

The easiest way to do this is to just walk forward with someone 10 meters away parallel to you and hook the ball with your back hand just below the middle of it.  Keep your arm straight and loft the ball quasi under hand on a 45 degree angle (picture the points of the ball touching the high and low corners of a square) across your body.

This technique isn't exact but from my experience it's the best/easiest way to start.