Run the round

How to play Five-Pass Keep Ball

Step 1

Keep the ball alive in a tight grid while intercept-only defenders close the passing windows.

Step 2

Judge the pass result against the scoring rule before anyone resets.

Step 3

Reset the pass setup, rotate evenly, and stop at the agreed finish condition.

Guide details

Run it cleanly

Scoring

How the result works

Scan + support. No touching. 12×12m grid.

Example: Keep the ball alive in a tight grid while intercept-only defenders close the passing windows.

Host tip

Keep it clean

Starting the next pass attempt before the field and retrieval lane are clear.

Safety: No reaching through a player, body contact, or crowding the ball carrier. Keep the grid away from fences, posts, and other groups. Use a larger grid for newer or less mobile players.

Best for

Who it fits

5-10 who want a 10–15 min round.

Energy

Pace

Medium

Board Rugby

Category Rugby

Best for 5-10 who want a 10–15 min round.

Players 5-10

Time 10–15 min

Gear 1 rugby ball, 4 boundary cones, Optional coloured bibs

Space Open field or marked touch pitch

Energy Medium

Setup Mark a 12-by-12-metre grid. Start with three attackers versus two defenders; use four versus three for larger groups. Defenders must stay one arm’s length from the player holding the ball.

Twist it

Variations to try

Quick mode: play one short timer round, record the result, then decide rematch or switch.
Team mode: split into two teams and rotate turns so mixed skill stays playable.

Moment fit

Use it in these hubs

Five-Pass Keep Ball also fits these setup-first pages when the group starts from the situation instead of the board.

Group share

Send the setup

We're playing Five-Pass Keep Ball from Studboards. Five-Pass Keep Ball: Keep the ball alive in a tight grid while intercept-only defenders close the passing windows. Fits: Players: 5-10 | Time: 10–15 min | Gear: 1 rugby ball, 4 boundary cones, Optional coloured bibs Safety: No reaching through a player, body contact, or crowding the ball carrier. Keep the grid away from fences, posts, and other groups. Use a larger grid for newer or less mobile players. View Idea: https://www.studboards.com/sports/rugby/rugby-five-pass-keep-ball.html

Five-Pass Keep Ball

Quick start.