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Ball Placement Practice

Learn to go to ground safely and place the ball back for your team.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Walk with the ball, then kneel down onto one knee and then your side.

Core: Steady. Beat your own steadiest base.

Ages
14 and up
Time
8 min
Players
Just you
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Rugby ball, mat or soft ground
Level · skill
Beginner · Breakdown

The steps

How it works

  1. Walk with the ball, then kneel down onto one knee and then your side.
  2. Land facing your own team's way with your back to the opponents.
  3. Push the ball back at arm's length.
  4. Do 10 on each side.

Coaching point

Go down strong, place it long.

Safety: Practice on soft grass or a mat. Tuck your chin and keep your arms close. Stop if your neck or shoulders hurt.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Ball-presentation game: place the ball and set a strong base while a partner reads your position aloud, with no contact. Swap.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (slow), Core (steady), More (a quick reset). Beat your own steadiest base.

Story

You are a builder laying a firm foundation.

My best

Beat your own count

Beat your own steadiest base. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

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An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.