How to Throw a Rugby Ball

Rugby is popular throughout Europe, but in America the sport is still in its infancy of popularity. For this reason, many people don't understand the basics of the sport. You play rugby with something resembling a football, but throwing a football and rugby ball requires a very different throwing techniques.

Instructions

    • 1

      Throw the ball backwards or to the side only. This is where American football fans have the biggest difficulty understanding the two sports. In rugby, the only way to move the ball forward is by running it or kicking it. You must execute every other pass in the game sideways or towards the back.

    • 2

      Hold the ball with both hands, extending the fingers across the ball's seam. Although the grip may feel unnatural at first, it becomes easier if the player stays relaxed throughout the pass.

    • 3

      Keep the chest facing forward with your feet about chest-width apart, one foot slightly in front of the other and slightly turned inward towards the target.

    • 4

      Pull the ball down towards the back hip, and at the same time, turn the chest away from the target. Keep the elbows bent slightly so the arms have some spring in them.

    • 5

      Scoop the rugby ball away from the hip, moving the hands in an arcing motion and keep the elbows close to the body. Flick the wrists and fingers to throw the ball. The hands and fingers should end pointing toward your target with the chest once again facing the target as well.