The lob pass is handy in rugby games. Valuable when you're surrounded by defenders who are running in passing lanes between you and your support. A lob pass is a high, looping pass that goes just over the outstretched arms of the opposition. 

When to lob pass.

You should only use a lob pass in very special circumstances. You need at least one supporting player fairly close and there is an opposition player in the way. 

The lob pass used end-over-end pass, but with more upward momentum. You can throw a longer distance but the further you throw the riskier it becomes getting caught from an opponent. Weigh up the benefits of the pass and the potential consequences.

Lobbing the ball to your only supporter when close to their try-line is probably worth the risk. You may get a try.

It`s very different from attempting it to one of several supporters near your own try-line - you risk giving away a try!

How to make a lob pass

You usually use two hands to execute the lob pass, but it can be performed one-handed if needed.

Use the same technique as the end-over-end pass, but let go of the ball later. Your fingers should be facing the head (or higher) of the  Use a combination of arms wrists and fingers to move the ball the required distance with a lob.

Main points

• short to medium pass

• ball passed over your shoulder

• a gentle lob to fall into path of supporter(s)

• great awareness of target needed

• wrists and fingers only propel the ball