Passing the ball is one of the most elementary competencies of a tag rugby player and should be the first skill taught to all newcomers. The goal of passing is to deliver the ball so that is easily caught by a teammate who is in a better position to continue the attack. Just as in all forms of rugby, the ball can’t be passed forwards. It can only be passed in a line level with the receiver or behind them.
There are many types of passes in rugby, such as a long spiral pass, lob pass and the one-handed lay off. However, before you attempt the more difficult passes it's imperative you master the basic short pass.
WHEN TO USE A SHORT PASS IN TAG RUGBY
This is the pass you should be using the most in game. You want to use this pass to give the ball to a teammate who is in a better attacking position than you and is just a couple of meters away from you, usually less than 10m.
HOW TO PASS A RUGBY BALL SHORT
When you are looking to make a pass, you first want to look and find your teammate. Should be aiming just in front of the chest of your teammate. Ideally, they should have their hands around this area to pick the ball out of the air. Your aim should be based on around passing FOR the player, rather than AT the player.
The easiest pass to make and to receive is an end-over-end pass. Although this may look unspectacular, it is important you get your technique spot on. This will also help you perfect the more complex passing moves as you develop.
Hold the ball in two hands at opposite sides just under the fatter part (middle) of the ball, palms underneath the ball and facing up, thumbs on top of the ball and facing down. The two middle fingers should be approximately halfway up the length of the ball. Point the tip of the ball towards the target and face the target chest-on.
Flick the wrists towards your target to generate the momentum of the pass. For an easier pass to catch, flick the ball less dynamically so that it rotates more slowly and travels higher in the air. When you pass, your hands should follow through and point to the target.
For a slightly longer pass, you will need to use arms and upper body more. If you are making a pass to the left draw the ball back across your right hip, keeping your elbows slightly bent, as you turn your chest away from the target. Sweep the ball off your right hip as you swing your hands through an arc, keeping your elbows close to your body. Rotate your upper body (from right to left) towards your target at the same time. Release the ball with a flick of the wrists and fingers. Follow through with your fingers pointing to the target.
If you want to make a pass to the left you follow the same process as above, but swap left and right.
The motion should be as smooth and fluid as possible. The more relaxed you are when you pass the ball, the easier the next pass becomes.
You can practice this by yourself by marking a point on a wall and aiming passes at it.