Performance analysis examined the attributes of ball offloading in rugby league and the association with try scoring. Every attempted ball offload (N = 5628) during the 2010 National Rugby League season was coded. A ball offload was when an attacking ball carrier while in contact with the defence attempted to distribute the ball to a supporting attacking player. Variables assessed offload type, stability of attacking ball carrier when offloading, proximity to advantage line and offload outcome. Results showed that 57 % of tries were scored as a result of a good offload outcome, where a supporting player did not need to make any postural or line of motion adjustments to receive the ball. Attacking ball carriers were more likely to achieve a good offload when they advanced the ball beyond the advantage line, displayed a stable base of support in the tackle and then used a pop offload to a supporting player. The flick offload technique was an ineffective offloading strategy as it was likely to result in a turnover. The ability of attacking ball carriers to offload the ball in the tackle effectively is an important skill in rugby league and the technical attributes should be emphasised in training.
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