How to Do a Dummy Pass in Rugby

The name of the dummy pass pretty much sums up the play itself. The dummy pass is a defensive strategy used in rugby where you attempt to fake out your opponents by pretending to pass the ball to one side, leaving the other side wide open.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Grip the rugby ball firmly in both hands directly out in front of you. Make sure the ball is upright so you can pass it in either direction. Leaning the ball one way or the other will tip off your opponents as to which direction you intend to pass.

2. Run toward your opponent and make eye contact with the teammate you want your opponent to think you're passing the ball to. This is a critical step in the success of the dummy pass.

3. Begin the passing process as you normally would in rugby. Begin to actually pass the ball to create a natural movement your opponents are sure to fall for.

4. Stop the pass just before you release the ball. Drop your shoulders, lean in the opposite direction, return the ball to your chest, and push through the opening you just created by drawing your opponent off to your teammate.