How to Handle a Ball

Explanation: Being able to handle a rugby ball confidently is an important part of the game. Most skills involve holding the ball, such as running with the ball, passing, catching and even before kicking, the ball must be held.

Description: The ball should be held in both hands whenever possible. This makes it easier to protect the ball from a tackler, or pass the ball to a teammate.

When in possession of the ball fingers should be spread across the seams to help grip the ball better. The palms of hands should not be used to control the ball, only the fingers should.

When running with the ball the grip often changes. Players like to hold the middle of the ball in their dominant hand and then place it under their arm. This squeezes the ball against the side of the body and the arm, allowing players to run quickly and protect the ball.

However players need to be able to quickly move the ball back to a two handed grip so that they can execute a pass when needed.

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