Loop and go
A handling and passing drill for U8 and up, with where the cones go, how it runs and what to say when it is not working.
Free to read with no account. It works at a pitch with no signal too.
- Age grades
- U8, U9, U10, U11, U12
- Time
- 9 minutes
- Players
- 6 to 18
- Space
- 20 x 15 m
- Kit
- 6 cones, 1 ball
- Pitch
- Fine on hard ground
- Indoors
- Fits a small space
Setting it up
Pairs at one end of a channel, one defender halfway up who can walk forwards only.
How it runs
Carrier passes, then runs round behind the receiver to take it straight back. Two passes, one defender beaten. Six goes each way. The first time it works properly they will look genuinely pleased with themselves, which is the best reason to do it.
What to watch for
- Pass then move. Do not stand and admire it
- Go round behind them, close enough to take it back easily
- Receiver holds the defender for a beat before giving it back
Make it easier
- No defender at all to start
- Walk the pattern first
Make it harder
- Two defenders
- The loop has to happen at pace with no slowing down
What it looks like when it is going wrong
What you can see from the touchline, then the one thing to say about it.
- Standing still after the pass to watch what happens
- Pass, then go. You are the next runner
- Looping so wide the ball cannot get back
- Closer. Almost brushing their shoulder as you go round
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The grades that can do it
What U8 rugby allows is the rule this sits under. Regulation 15 is reissued every summer, so the RFU's own rules of play are the ones to read for this season rather than a copy on somebody else's website. Ours included. Read against the RFU's 2026/27 appendices in August 2026.