This is probably one of the most basic and fundamental plays in touch, yet is the most effective. It is dumping the ball behind the defender.

When you are touched, you are allowed to take 1 step forward. Then if you reach out and place the ball in front with an outstretched hand, and then step over the ball with the other leg, you have automatically gained and extra meter from where you were actually touched.

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Playing mixed touch is a very different ball game to “opens” grade with the secret being 2 things.
- Creating mis matches on attack
- Having a strong defensive pattern.

These go hand in hand really and it is obvious why. Creating a mismatch on attack allows a guy to try to burn around or step a girl. Quite often a loop/double around will create this situation.

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You are 5 meters out from scoring a try. There is a loose pass and the opposition intercepts it and takes off sprinting 70 meters down field. Your team mates look back in despair but you start chasing. You slowly run him down and make the touch. You get awarded a penalty as the opposition delays the roll ball trying to buy time for his support to come. You are out of breath but you yourself cannot afford to get touched as you have no support. What do you do?
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One of the weak points about the touch members in Shanghai is the inability to place the ball on the mark when touched instead of over running it and placing the ball down or having to back track. Everyone has probably been guilty of doing this sometime in the past.
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The only time a dummy half should be anywhere near getting touched is on the final touch and he/she has limited options outwide. Other times could be when you are up 5-nil and back yourself through a half gap straight up the middle. Else, pass the ball!

Not so much of a problem for intermediate/advanced players as they are aware of the situation and deal with it appropriately. It is also not a problem for beginners as they scoop and pass straight away, following the book.
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