Improve your child’s spin pass with these rugby coaching tips

How to teach a great rugby spin pass: The technique, common mistakes and an easy drill to help your child improve.

Passing is one of the most fundamental skills in rugby and getting it right early will set your child up for success on the field. A well-executed spin pass can help them move the ball quickly and accurately, keeping the game flowing and their team on the front foot.

Head Coach Ben breaks down where to start when working on the perfect spin pass, sharing a host of rugby coaching tips below. Here’s what you need to know to best help your child develop this skill at home.

The secret to a great spin pass

Many young players struggle with passing because they rely too much on one hand. They are often told that the bottom hand spins the ball while the top hand guides it. But as Ben explains, the real key is getting both hands to work together in harmony – just like the pros do.

The breakdown

Step 1. Thumb hand placement

Your child should place their bottom hand at the lower back of the ball (not underneath it). Their thumb should be spread across the ball, pointing in the direction they want the pass to go and maintaining a soft grip is key as too much tension reduces control.

Common mistakes and fixes:
❌ Holding the ball too tightly, this limits control.
✅ Encourage a relaxed grip for better feel.
❌ Placing the bottom hand too low, this makes passes wobble.
✅ Adjust the placement for better stability.

Step 2. The role of the top hand

The top hand does more than just guide, it also helps add spin. As the ball is released, the top hand should ‘pinch’ down, reinforcing the spin created by the bottom hand. The hand position should be comfortable, Ben recommends finding the right spot and using a point of reference on the ball.

Common mistakes and fixes:
❌ Only guiding, not actively pinching. This weakens the spin.
✅ Reinforce the pinch motion when practicing.
❌ Holding the top hand too far forward, this affects control.
✅ Keep it slightly behind the midpoint for better execution.

Step 3. Synchronising both hands

It is crucial that both hands must release the ball at the same time. The wrist of the bottom hand should turn slightly to help roll the ball off the fingertips. Then the follow-through should be smooth, with hands finishing together.

Common mistakes and fixes:
❌ One hand releasing too early, this causes wobbling or misdirection.
✅ Make sure both hands release the ball at the same time.
❌ Wrists staying stiff, this stops the ball from rolling smoothly.
✅ Encourage a slight wrist turn for a cleaner spin.

Drill: The pinch and spin

This simple rugby drill is an excellent way for your child to develop their spin pass at home:

1. Have them stand in a comfortable stance with the ball in both hands.
2. Encourage them to focus on gripping the ball correctly. The bottom hand at the lower back, top hand in a comfortable guiding position.
3. Start with small spin passes to themselves, just a few inches into the air and build from there as their confidence increases.

Helping your child improve faster

It’s our philosophy at The RTA that players can make immense progress by consistent small efforts with their own individual rugby skills. So, we recommend that you encourage daily practice, just 5-10 minutes can make a big difference. Most importantly, keep it fun! Set up challenges like hitting a target or completing a certain number of clean passes in a row. Don’t forget to use positive reinforcement, focus on progress rather than perfection.

By mastering these key points, your child will develop a more accurate and powerful spin pass, setting them up for success in games. Rugby skill development starts with small, focused improvements, so encourage them to practice and enjoy the process!

 

Want more support?

These tips will help your child get started, but the real difference comes with consistent, structured practice. That’s where our Passing Masterclass comes in. With 4 weeks of expert coaching, drills and video walkthroughs, it’s the fastest way to develop an accurate, confident spin pass. Check out how your child can access all the insider info on rugby passing techniques from ex-pro Head Coach Ben here.