How to Do Rugby Pop Passes

Rugby is a rugged sport. Players are tackled, dragged to the ground and subjected to high impact blows. Sometimes a long pass is necessary, but a short pop pass can be ideal for avoiding the tackle and getting the ball to a team mate who can advance the ball and score. Learn how to do rugby pop passes to improve your rugby game.

Instructions

1. Take the ball and advance it as far as you can. Develop a keen awareness of the location of your team mates. Get the ball to team mates best suited to receive a pop pass.

2. Position yourself close to a team mate who is clear of defenders. Know where the defenders are so that you can help your team mate after you get the ball to him with a pop pass.

3. Make eye contact with your team mate. This lets him know you intended to get him the ball.

4. Lower your arms straight down while holding the ball with your fingers on the bottom tip of the ball. The longer segment of the ball must be vertical before releasing it.

5. Flip your fingers up, ejecting the ball in your team mate's direction. Use the strength of your fingers, not your arms, as this is a delicate pass and requires a higher degree of control.

6. Follow through. After the ball leaves your fingertips, direct the tips of your fingers toward your team mate. This increases the accuracy of the pop pass.

Tips & Warnings

• Defenders will be trying to tackle you while you do a pop pass. While it's good to wait until the last moment to pass the ball, you could get tackled if you're not anticipating the defenders' attempts to bring you down.