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Ground pass

The ground pass is a specialist skill in rugby. It is a long pass used mainly to move the ball from the base of the scrum or ruck to other players on the field.

Start your passing with the basics

You play good rugby and pass...
...with great skill if...
...you have good handling skills...

...and have good rugby passing basics.
.

A specialist pass for the scrum-half

This pass is usually used...
...in one particular set of circumstances.

These circumstances occur...
...when the ball is appearing ...
...at the base of a scrum or ruck.
Usually the ball will be removed...
...by the scrum half.

Opponents cannot approach until...
...the ball is "out" of the scrum or ruck.
This means the ball has to appear...
...outside, behind the last feet...
...of the players in the scrum/ruck.

So... when you are removing the ball...
...you can take advantage of the situation.
You get set in this ground pass position...
...and get your hands on the ball...
...while it is still in the scrum or ruck.

Until you remove it...
...from behind the last feet...
...you cannot be tackled.
With the positioning shown...
...your arms are already...
...wound up ready for a pass.

Ground pass of a rugby ball starting position

Ground pass of a rugby ball starting position

Ground pass showing the starting position

Best positioning for the leg facing...
...the direction of the pass...
...is to have the heel on the ground...
...toe pointing up wards.
This will mean that when you are eventually standing...
...your foot will be pointing more directly...
...at your target...
...giving greater accuracy.

How do you make a ground pass

Ground pass of a rugby ball showing the finishing position
Ground pass of a rugby ball finish position

You simply whip your arms...
...across your body...
...sweeping the ball off the ground...
...in one sweeping, fluid movement.
At the same time you rise on your legs...
and twist your body towards the target.
You release the ball and it is on the way...
...to your target...
...usually the fly-half.
Follow through with arms and fingers
...for greater accuracy.

Ground pass advantages

There are two main advantages to this type of pass.
The positioning of your arms and body...
..."wind" them up like a spring...
...allowing you to make a good long pass.

The positioning of your arms...
...means it it un-necessary to draw...
...your arms back in preparation for passing.

This in turn shortens the time...
...it takes to make the pass...
...and gives the receiver valuable time...
...before being faced by a tackler.

Main points

specialist long pass
most suitable for scrum-half or acting scrum half
accurate body positioning needed
ensure ball stays in scrum / ruck until the last moment
look at and think about your target
follow through with arms and fingers

Return from Ground pass to Rugby passing

Evtechs Sports Training
Sydney, Australia