Purchase Links

UK: Gilbert Men’s Reflex Rugby Catch Trainer, Size 5

US: GILBERT REFLEX TRAINER BALL – SIZE 5

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The “Gilbert Reflex Trainer Ball” is one of the only widely distributed “solo rugby tools” on the market. With a cm thick metal hoop on each point of the ball, about a meter’s length of durable elastic rubber tubing runs through, with comfortable enough wrist straps on the end. 

Although the elastic band rugby training ball is a size 5, it’s usable for most ages about about 10 (allowing for the fact that it’s a larger ball than a 10 year old would be used to). The length of the band suited myself as a 5’10, 80kg, 19 year old very well.

The elastic band rugby training ball is ideal for anyone wanting to get a lot of practice in a short amount of time, not having to go and retrieve the ball after it leaves your hands is obviously the major benefit of this piece of rugby equipment. However, it is worth mentioning that in order to ensure the ball returns to the passer’s hand’s perfectly, some compromise in the generic spin passing technique does have to be made. So if you were to buy a solo rugby tool in order to focus purely on the technical aspect of the pass, as oppose to endless repetitions, I would have to recommend the Shadow Half Rugby Ball (which has a separate review). At about $25USD / £15GBP for the elastic band rugby training ball, why not get both if you are serious about stepping up your handling game.

The main perk of the elastic band rugby training ball is it’s versatility and utility, I personally threw it up and down sitting on the sofa, practicing spinning it in my hands (obviously doable with a regular ball, but mum’s get less angry when the elastic prevents it from rolling away if you do drop it and it knocking over her flower vase). I also use it just walking down the street to get from A to B, the regular temptation of throwing a ball up and down on the sidewalk on a busy road is granted knowing that if you drop the ball, it can’t run into the road. It adds another element if you’re going for a run or doing some speed and agility work.

Anecdotal research claims that the handling skills of the All Black’s and many other professionals is all down to passing and catching frequency at a young age. Even when just watching TV, spinning a ball up and down is cementing the skill neurologically until it’s instinctive. The elastic band rugby training ball is a great tool to boost that kind of frequency.

Advantages of the elastic band rugby training ball: 

• multipurpose and adaptable
• affordable
• lots of passing and catching frequency
• good for hand-eye co-ordination

Disadvantages of the elastic band rugby training ball:

• some compromise in passing technique is needed
• slightly longer bands would give more hang time
• only featured in size 5

FAQ / Frequent Reviews

So is this not suited for U10s? U10s usually use Size 2, 3, or 4 ball’s so it’s not as specific to their current experience. However, they should get on absolutely fine with the size 5, it’ll prepare them for the future and get a good feel for what the next age group up might feel like. The straps have enough elasticity in them to fit most wrists, so shouldn’t fall off anyone over 5 or 6 years old.

can you use it to kick? my experience was that the bands were on the elastic band rugby training ball were too short to do any serious kicking practice but walking down the street tapping it with your feet is pretty addictive.

how long does it last? theoretically as long as any other rugby ball, if it’s well kept and not left outside, a couple of years maybe. The ball is in no way hindered by the hook and is of as high a quality as any other Gilbert product.

Where to Buy

Amazon offers a good option for the Elastic band rugby training ball, but some large rugby shops may also sell them:

UK: Gilbert Men’s Reflex Rugby Catch Trainer, Size 5

US: GILBERT REFLEX TRAINER BALL – SIZE 5

To find out what other tools you can use to up your reaction speed and coordination game, check out this blog post:

https://rugbyreview1.wordpress.com/2016/04/24/boost-reaction-speed/