A ground pass is
usually used by the scrum-half... ...when
the ball is controlled... ...and
still within
the feet... ...at the base
of the scrum or at the back of a ruck.
Before the ground
pass became popular (existed?) The
scrum-half passed with a
dive... ...to
move the ball from the base of the scrum... ...to the fly-half.
It
is still valuable
in general play... ...when you find the ball at your feet
during the game... ...and a long pass is
needed... ...to get the ball to distant support
players
Note
- you have to move the ball immediately... ...or you may be
tackled as soon as you touch the ball. This is different from
the ground pass... ...from the back of a scrum or ruck... ...where
you are protected... ...until you move the ball out
from behind... ...the feet of the scrummaging or rucking
players.
Dive
pass showing the starting position
How
do you make a dive pass
Dive pass of a rugby ball showing the
middle phase.
As shown
above... ...this is a two handed pass. Lifting the ball
from the ground... ...you start turning towards
your target. At the same time... ...start a diving motion in the
same direction.
Dive pass of a rugby ball finish
position
As shown above... ...as
your dive
progresses... ...you whip
your arms from under your body... ...and fling the ball... ...towards your target.
The
photo caption says "finish
position"... ...but of course, there`s more. You have to land! To
cushion the blow... ...extend your arms towards the ground... ...and
break the fall as best you can.
I know why the ground pass became
more popular!
But why do
so many players throw in a dive... ...when scoring a try... Yes it looks good... ...but
you do risk injury... ...and
you do risk messing up
a scoring opportunity.
Just put the ball down... ...remember...it`s
for the team!
Spin
may be applied as for the spiral pass... ...if
you feel you are not doing enough already!
Memories
of playing
This brings back memories of playing
for Old Leos 2nd XV... ...against Gateshead. The ground was frozen. But
had obviously not been frozen... ...the
last time the pitch was played on... ...because all the deep
muddy
boot prints... ...with sharp and jagged edges... ...were
frozen into the ground. It
was like a cheese grater. Playing
scrum-half... ...and using the dive pass to get the ball
away... ...I was
the cheese! Ohhh...the pain and suffering...