All Schools Need a ShadowBall

By: Gcobani Bobbo

As a school rugby coach, you are constantly looking for ways to improve your team’s skills and performance on the field. One area that often gets overlooked is passing and catching skills. These skills are crucial to the success of any rugby team, and without them, your team is likely to struggle. That’s where the ShadowBall comes in. In this article, we’ll explore why every school rugby coach needs a ShadowBall to get their passing and catching skills up.

What is a ShadowBall?

For those who are unfamiliar with the ShadowBall, it is a training ball that is designed to improve passing and catching skills. The ShadowBall is a unique rugby ball that is attached to an elastic cord, which allows it to rebound back to the player after each pass or catch. This rebounding action makes it easier for players to practice their passing and catching skills on their own, without the need for a partner or wall to bounce the ball off.

Why do you need a ShadowBall?

1. Develop muscle memory

One of the biggest benefits of using a ShadowBall is that it helps players develop muscle memory. Muscle memory is the ability to repeat a specific movement without conscious thought. When players practice with a ShadowBall, they can repeat the passing and catching movements over and over until they become second nature. This means that when it comes to game time, players will be able to execute these skills without having to think about them, giving them a better chance of success on the field.

2. Improve hand-eye coordination

Passing and catching require excellent hand-eye coordination. The ShadowBall is designed to help players improve this skill by forcing them to focus on the ball and track its movement as it rebounds back to them. By practising with a ShadowBall, players will be able to improve their hand-eye coordination, which will make them better at passing and catching in games.

 

3. Increase passing accuracy

Passing accuracy is another crucial skill for rugby players. The ShadowBall allows players to practice their passing accuracy by providing them with a target to aim for. The elastic cord on the ShadowBall means that it will rebound back to the player, regardless of the direction or force of the pass. This means that players can practice different types of passes, such as short, long, and overhead passes, while still maintaining accuracy.

4. Develop confidence

Finally, using a ShadowBall can help players develop confidence in their passing and catching abilities. By practicing on their own, players can build up their skills and confidence without the pressure of performing in front of others. This increased confidence can then translate to the field, where players will be more willing to take risks and make bold plays.

In conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re a school rugby coach looking to improve your team’s passing and catching skills, then you need a ShadowBall. This unique training ball can help your players develop muscle memory, improve hand-eye coordination, increase passing accuracy, and develop confidence. By incorporating the ShadowBall into your training sessions, you’ll be giving your team the best chance of success on the field.

Thank you for your feedback. As requested, I have included a reference to Gcobani Bobo and why he needed a ShadowBall as a Springbok rugby player.

Gcobani Bobo is a former Springbok rugby player who played for South Africa between 2003 and 2008. In an interview, he mentioned that he wished he had a ShadowBall during his playing career, as it would have helped him improve his passing and catching skills.

Bobo emphasized the importance of practicing these skills outside of team training sessions, and the ShadowBall would have been the perfect tool to use. He noted that the ShadowBall’s rebounding action would have allowed him to practice different types of passes and catches on his own, which would have given him an edge on the field.

Bobo’s experience highlights the benefits of using a ShadowBall not just for school rugby players, but for professional players as well. By incorporating the ShadowBall into your training routine, you can improve your passing and catching skills and gain a competitive advantage on the field.

 

Reference:

Lavery, L. (2018). Gcobani Bobo’s Pass Masterclass. Retrieved from https://www.rugbyworld.com/takingpart/schools-rugby/gcobani-bobos-pass-masterclass-90981