Ultimate Rugby | Playworks

This is a non-contact, high-paced passing game designed to teach rugby skills.

To score by grounding the ball–touching it to the ground while holding it–in the opponent’s try box, emphasizing quick passing in any direction.

Divide players into two teams.
Identify game boundaries.
Explain that when a team has control of the ball, they are on offense, trying to score a try. When they do not have control of the ball they are on defense, trying to block the other team and regain control of the ball.
Demonstrate how to ground the ball to score a try
- A player must be inside the “try zone” and touch the ball to the ground while still holding it. If the ball is dropped, or the player let’s go before the ball is fully on the ground the try does not count.
One player from each team plays Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine which team will start on offense.
Teams start lined up in each end zone.

Designate a clear, rectangular playing area large enough for the group size. Use cones to set up a “try zone” at each end of the playing area.

To start the game, the player with the ball (the offense) can take up to three steps.
After those three steps, they must pass the ball to a teammate in any direction.
Players keep passing every three steps to move the ball down the field. A point (called a ‘try’) is scored by grounding the ball (touching it to the ground while holding it) in the other team’s try zone.
The defense tries to steal the ball by intercepting a pass. If they catch a pass, the roles switch. The defense is now the offense and runs the ball toward the other try zone.
- No swatting at the ball to mess up a pass! If a player swats, the offense keeps the ball.
The defense gets the ball (a ‘turnover’) if the offense:
- drops a pass.
- takes more than three steps while running with the ball.
- takes the ball out of bounds.
Safety First! No touching, tackling, or grabbing. Keep a safe distance from the person with the ball.
After a team scores a try, both teams reset. The team that didn’t score gets the ball to start the next round.

Speed Challenge: Players must pass the ball within 3 seconds. If they don’t, it’s a turnover.
Traditional Rugby: Players can only pass the ball backward, like in traditional rugby.
Teamwork Bonus: Teams must complete a certain number of passes (like 5) before they can score a try.
Try Zone Pass: A try can only be scored if the ball has been passed to a teammate inside the try zone before they ground it.