Overhead flat-lay photograph of a worn leather Rugby Fives glove resting on a dark wooden court floor, with a hand-stitched ball nearby; deep browns, burgundy shadows, and warm cream highlights evoke a vintage sporting atmosphere.

Rugby Fives Association

The governing body for Rugby Fives — promoting play, coaching and competition across the UK

How to Play Rugby Fives Well in Cold Weather

Cold conditions change Rugby Fives in subtle ways. The ball can feel firmer, the court may be slippery, and stiff fingers can turn a reliable strike into a mishit. In Australia, winter weather varies sharply between a crisp Canberra morning, a wet Melbourne afternoon and a cool Hobart evening, so preparation needs to match the venue.

Rugby Fives remains a fast, technical wall game in every season. Good movement, accurate handwork and quick reading of rebounds still decide rallies, yet cold-weather habits help you preserve those skills when the body takes longer to warm up. A few practical adjustments can improve comfort, control and match fitness.

Players travelling to competitions, school sessions or club fixtures should treat winter preparation as part of their performance routine. The aim is to arrive warm, protect your hands and feet, manage moisture, and keep your decisions simple during the early stages of a match.

Start warming up before you enter the court

A cold court rewards players who begin their physical preparation away from the wall. Spend five to ten minutes walking briskly, jogging lightly or moving through skipping patterns before attempting full-speed rallies. This raises body temperature without tiring the legs and prepares the hips, ankles and shoulders for rapid changes of direction.

Follow general movement with dynamic exercises. Try arm circles, walking lunges, calf raises, side steps and controlled bodyweight squats. Avoid long static stretches while your muscles are cold, as they can leave you feeling loose without creating the movement readiness needed for explosive court work.

Once inside, begin with gentle hand passes and close-range strikes. Gradually increase pace, distance and power. This progression gives your fingers time to adjust to the ball and lets you identify any slick areas on the floor before competition intensity rises.

Protect your hands and maintain touch

Cold fingers reduce sensitivity, which makes it harder to judge the ball’s speed and angle. Keep your hands covered until the last practical moment with lightweight gloves, hand warmers or a tracksuit pocket. Remove bulky layers before playing, but keep the hands active rather than allowing them to become chilled during a break.

Do not rely on brute force to compensate for reduced feel. Use a shorter, controlled swing and focus on a clean contact point. In early rallies, favour dependable returns toward safe areas of the wall. As your touch returns, you can add pace, disguise and sharper angles.

Hand care matters after training as well. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly, apply moisturiser to prevent cracked skin, and cover small splits before they become painful. Players in dry inland areas such as Canberra may need more attention to skin protection than those training in humid coastal conditions.

Choose layers that support movement

Winter clothing should keep you warm between rallies without restricting your shoulders, elbows or hips. A moisture-wicking base layer, a flexible mid-layer and a removable outer layer work well for travel and warm-up. Once play begins, avoid loose sleeves, dangling cords and heavy garments that can interfere with hand movement or court awareness.

Your feet need equal attention. Wear court shoes with reliable grip and enough room for winter socks, but do not choose socks so thick that they make the footwear tight. Damp feet become cold quickly, while an overly compressed shoe can reduce comfort and stability during lunges.

Indoor venues can vary considerably. A heated facility may feel comfortable near the entrance but cooler near external walls or older playing areas. In a draughty school gym in regional Victoria, keep an extra layer nearby; in a humid Queensland venue, prioritise breathable fabrics and quick-drying clothing.

Adapt to damp floors and changing grip

Moisture is one of the biggest cold-season risks. Rain brought in from outside, condensation and wet shoe soles can reduce traction. Check your footwear before stepping onto the court, wipe the soles when necessary and tell a coach, official or venue supervisor if the floor becomes unsafe.

Adjust your movement before adjusting your tactics. Take slightly shorter steps, keep your centre of gravity low and avoid planting the foot too far ahead of your body. Controlled deceleration is safer than sudden stops, particularly when chasing a wide rebound.

A wet or humid environment may also affect the ball and the wall’s response. Begin with observation rather than assumptions. Watch how the first few strikes rebound, then modify your distance and swing speed. A player who reads the conditions early can gain an advantage without taking unnecessary risks.

Use simple tactics while the body settles

The opening phase of a cold-weather match should be about reliability. Play with a sound margin, recover to a balanced position and make your opponent move before attempting ambitious winners. Straight, well-weighted shots can help establish rhythm and reveal how the court is playing.

Communication becomes especially valuable in doubles. Call clearly, decide who is taking the ball early and avoid crossing paths while both players are still stiff. A calm partner can help maintain structure when reactions are slower than usual.

Cold conditions may encourage rushed decisions because players want to finish rallies quickly. Resist that impulse. Build pressure through placement, vary height and use the wall intelligently. Once your hands and legs feel responsive, introduce faster exchanges and more deceptive options.

Match your preparation to Australian winter conditions

Australia does not have one standard winter climate. In Melbourne, a wet commute and chilly indoor venue may make spare clothing essential. In Hobart, players may face colder mornings and need extra time for a full movement-based warm-up. Canberra’s dry cold can affect skin and hydration, while Brisbane and coastal New South Wales may feel mild but humid.

Local scheduling also matters. Early starts, school-hall bookings and evening club sessions can leave long gaps between arrival and court time. Pack a thermos, dry socks, a towel, warm-up layers and a small snack so that you are ready when the court becomes available rather than cooling down while waiting.

Cold-weather issue	Useful adjustment	What to monitor
Stiff fingers	Keep hands warm and begin with soft strikes	Loss of touch or painful joints
Damp floor	Wipe shoes and shorten your steps	Sliding, hesitation or unstable landings
Tight muscles	Use gradual jogging and dynamic mobility	Restricted shoulders, hips or calves
Chilly indoor venue	Layer clothing and remove it progressively	Shivering or reduced concentration
Dry winter air	Drink regularly and protect cracked skin	Headache, thirst or split fingertips
Humid conditions	Choose breathable kit and change wet layers	Overheating beneath clothing

For players in Western Australia or South Australia, winter evenings can become surprisingly cold after sunset even when daytime conditions are pleasant. A flexible kit bag is more useful than dressing for the weather at home. Check the forecast for the venue, not just your suburb, especially when travelling to tournaments or interclub fixtures.

Recover well after a cold session

Recovery begins as soon as the final rally ends. Walk for several minutes, then complete gentle mobility work for the calves, hips, shoulders and forearms. This helps the body transition from intense movement and may reduce the tight feeling that often appears after playing in low temperatures.

Change out of damp clothing promptly. A dry base layer, warm drink and balanced meal can help restore comfort and energy. Include carbohydrate for replenishment and protein to support muscle repair, particularly after a long fixture or coaching session.

Pay attention to warning signs. Persistent numbness, sharp pain, unusual weakness or dizziness should not be dismissed as ordinary winter discomfort. Stop playing, seek appropriate medical advice and report unsafe court conditions to the relevant club or venue contact. A consistent playing career depends on sensible decisions as much as determined competition.

Build these habits into every winter practice, whether you are attending a Rugby Fives Association event, organising a school session or playing a local club match. Prepare early, keep your hands responsive, move carefully on damp surfaces and let your tactics develop as your body warms.

Find Rugby Fives opportunities through the Rugby Fives Association, connect with clubs and coaches, and bring these cold-weather routines to your next Australian training session or competition.

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What is Fives?

A handball sport with deep roots

Rugby Fives is a fast, skilful handball game played in an enclosed court with walls. It takes its name from Rugby School, where the modern game developed. The RFA provides resources and an introductory video for newcomers eager to understand the rules and spirit of the sport.

Discover the game

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Where to Play

Courts across the country

Rugby Fives is played at schools, universities and clubs throughout the UK. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or picking up a glove for the first time, the RFA can help connect you with local venues and fellow players.

Find a court

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Rankings

Tracking the best in the game

The RFA maintains official player rankings, including a dedicated Women's rankings list and end-of-season standings. A comprehensive record book of tournament winners stretches back to 1925, preserving nearly a century of competitive history.

View rankings

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Fixtures & Tournaments

The competitive calendar

The RFA calendar includes championships, open tournaments, and school and university matches. Major events have included the National Open Singles, the South West Open, the London Open, the Scottish Open, and the Owers Trophy — alongside representative fixtures against schools and clubs.

See fixtures

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