Fundamental skills form the foundation of all sports. Regarding rugby, running with the ball, passing, catching, and handling will give you confidence and control.
Doing ball-handling drills is the best way to build confidence and control of the ball.
Ball-handling drills enhance players' hand-eye coordination, passing, catching, and control.
Here are a few drills you can do at home or before to improve your ball - handling:
Throw and Clap
This is a fun, simple activity that kids of all ages can do independently or in small groups.
Standing with their feet firm on the ground and holding the ball with two hands, players throw the ball up in the air and clap once before catching the ball.
Once players have gained confidence and mastered one clap, they can do two, three, or four claps before catching the ball.
This a great way to improve their hand-eye coordination and catching skills.
Back-to-Back Passes
In pairs, players stand back-to-back and experiment with different ways of passing the ball.
Players can pass the ball overhead, between their legs, around the shin, and side to side. Players must be ready to pass, receive, and hold the ball in two hands.
To progress the drill, players can time themselves to see how many passes they can complete in 30 seconds or to make it more challenging, players can stand apart and explore more ways to pass the ball.
Around the Back
Standing with their feet firm on the ground and keeping their head up, players hold the ball with two hands.
Holding the ball at waist height, players will move it around their back from one side to the other.
Players must refrain from gripping the ball or slapping the ball. They should pass the ball from hand to hand and have soft fingers.
Once players have moved the ball in one direction, they can switch and move the ball in the opposite direction.
Start the drill slow and get a good rhythm. The more confident you get at the training, the more you can speed it up.
This drill is excellent for helping players with ball control.
Reflex Catches
Reflex Catch is a great drill to improve hand-eye coordination and catching skills.
Working in pairs, you will need a rugby ball, mini rugby ball, or, to challenge yourself, a tennis ball.
Throwing the mini rugby ball or tennis ball, one person will hit it back with the rugby ball. Using the rugby ball, players are not too sure what direction the ball will go.
Players must have their hands up and watch the ball closely. Encourage players not to grab at the ball but to have soft hands.
After a few turns, swap around.
Tennis Ball Drop
This is a simple and fun activity that helps improve player's ball handling and catching skills.
Holding two tennis balls out in front, drop one to the ground. Once the ball bounces, the player must catch it without dropping it.
This drill also develops the player's reactions, hand-eye coordination, and concentration.
Players can challenge themselves by catching the ball before it bouncers to make it more challenging.
To get the most out of these handling drills, you can do three sets of 5-10 repetitions at least three times a week or challenge yourself by seeing how many repetitions you can complete in 30 seconds.
You can practice these handling drills with dad, mum, brother, or sister at home or get some of your friends involved and head down to the pitch to practice these skills.
Remember, the more you practice your fundamental skills, the more comfortable and confident you will be with the ball on the field.
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