the fundamentals of handling and passing

  The object of Rugby League, apart from the fin in playing it, is to cross the opponent's line and score more points than the other team.
  The most effective way of crossing the try line is to pass the ball from player to player, at all times going forward.  From this we can see how important handling and passing are to the team.

  For handling a cradle is made with the hand, having your fingers widely spread under the ball and your thumbs on the upper portion of it; in this way you can achieve ball control.
  Don't hold the ball too firmly; your arms should be relaxed with the elbows slightly bend and to your side.  You should be able to pass to left or right  Your eyes should be directed to the player you are passing the ball to.  As you pass your arms across your body and the ball is about to leave your hands, give your wrist a slight flick.  The motion is complete with the arms following through and extending in the direction of the pass.
  A pass to the left is directed as the right leg comes forward, a pass to the right as the left leg comes forward.  When you pass, pass so that the ball reaches the receiver as he runs into it - don't allow a pass to go too low, too high, over his head, or in a difficult position as he could drop it, knock-on or lose possession. 
  The only way to become good at handling and passing is practice, practice, practice.

WHEN TO PASS

  The object is to pass to a player in a scoring position - of course usually this cannot be done.  There can be no hard and fast rule as to when to pass the ball, but here are some examples:

1. Often as soon as you receive and take one step, a well directed pass can give your team an advantage.
2. After drawing the man, so that he is virtually out of play.  Sometimes all an opponent has to do is look at you and he is drawn to you.  You don't have to run right up to a player to draw him.  If you do this, often you are allowing the other side to move up onto your team, preventing a scoring movement.
3. A pass to a player in a better position, either inside or outside, can allow your team to make more ground than you yourself would.
4. You may find that by "cutting-out" one or even two of your team-mates with a long pass, you can quickly and effectively put your team in a favourable attacking position.  This method also overcomes the defender who is right on top of your supporting team-mate.

  To take a pass expertly you must concentrate on the job you are about to do.  As the ball comes along the line to you, keep your eyes on it at all times.  Forget the defending player who is moving in to perhaps tackle you - this is a major reason why so many passes are dropped in school and International matches.

1. Prepare to receive the ball with arms and fingers extended.
2. Use both hands when receiving a pass.  It is recommended that both forwards and backs when running hold the ball in their hands, ready for quick accurate passing.  The times for tucking the ball under your arm and racing for the try line are not often.
3. The receiver should develop the ability to sense a gap in the defence even when looking at the ball being passed to you.
4. Be prepared at all times for those unexpected passes - being alert often leads to tries being scored.
5. Don't overrun the passer (running in front of him) as a forward pass means your team loses possession.

Picking up the rolling ball.  At all times eyes 
are kept on the ball, hands ready to pick up.

Collecting the ball off the ground.

Receiving the pass.

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Passing under attack.

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