RUGBY BACKS MUST PRACTISE HARD TO IMPROVE PASSING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18805, 6 July 1929, Page 33 (Supplement)

RUGBY BACKS MUST PRACTISE HARD TO IMPROVE PASSING.

INTERNATIONAL GIVES ADVICE TO PLAYERS. In reviewing matches of the Rugby season at Home R. T. Gabe, the Welsh international, says:— The standard of football shown in all the matches has been comparatively high in some phases. The games have been fast and strenuous, and have shown that the necessary preparations in the matter of training have not been neglected. The tackling has keen and unerring, the kicking well* directed, and the running straight and forceful. But what has struck me forcibly in all the matches I have seen has been the poor quality of the passing at the critical times when the success of a movement appeared imminent. The good work of the backs as a combination was often negatived by the pass that was given too soon or the pass that was given in a slovenly fashion with regard to direction and height. Feeble Final Passes. To give a feeble final pass as a last act in the consummation of a wellconceived and well-executed movement is like putting the final touch on a delicate work of art with a sledge hammer. It makes the spectator, especial! v- if he be an old player, impatient

with such vandalism and such little lack of foresight and appreciation. The little success that I ever attained in the game was in the main due to the care and the concern that I affected towards the correct transference of the ball. Most of the practice that I afforded was given to perfecting myself in this respect. I had many failings, and no one was more conscious of them than I was. but timing and directing a pass could not be numbered among them. My contention is that the art of passing consists essentially of giving the ball in such a manner that the taker can rarely fail to gather it, be he ever so clumsy and awkward; in short, it should be as “fool-proof” as it could possibly be. My sympathies are always extended to the player who fails to take a pass and who invariably finds the crowd showing its disapproval by a caustic reference to the purchase of a basket. The fault seldom lies with him. The responsibility rests almost entirely with the player who rendered the indifferent service.

Now what constitutes a good pass? The ball’ should be sent at moderate speed—not like a thunderbolt nor yet with the high trajectory of a howitzer shell—and should be directed about half a yard in front of the taker and about hip-high. Nor is that all. It should be properly timed as well. By that is meant that the giver should delay the pass until the opponent who confronts him is on the point of tackling him, and thereby putting himself out of com mission as far as any further aid in the defence is concerned. Two Hands, Not One. It is almost unnecessary to add that

the two hands should always be employed in giving a pass. In water polo a flip with one hand is the rule, but in Rugby football this method is the hall-mark of a novice. My advice to the young player who has any aspirations is to practise hard at giving proper passes when running at full speed. Preparatory to giving the pass, swing the ball from side to side and concentrate upon the spot to be aimed at. Be like the golfer who before he drives indulges in a few preliminary waggles in order to prepare the mind and the muscles for action. Remember that it is a rare thing j for anyone to “butter” a good pass, | and that if all your passes are not [taken the fault lies on your shoulders. Practise again and keep on practising.