...carry the ball in one hand ?

Am I missing something here. I can not see too many advantages with this type of carry. Perhaps it can be a distraction to the defender, and I suppose it can allow an early release of the ball to a suitably placed back-up runner, but it must be less secure than when held close to the chest.

Another question; how do the refs view this type of carry if the ball is knocked from his hand, is it a ball steal or a loose carry ? And will other players now target Ratchfords carrying arm now that Whitehead has demonstrated how to do it.

Ratch has been doing this one handed carry for as long as I can remember watching him play.

He does hold it in two hands when need be and secures the ball in two hands before going into a tackle, Whitehead just got there faster than Ratch thought and knocked it out.

Showing off. I remember John Wilshere always used to do it (when he wasn't injured).

There is nothing wrong with doing a senior grip as long as pressure is being applied to the ball and it is brought into the body approaching contact.

It has benefits when running with the ball as opposed to two handed carry.

So if there are benefits when running with the ball, why don't other players adopt the same carry approach ? I would have thought a winger with a free run to the line would use the same grip if it allowed him to keep ahead of the chasing players ?

I can remember watching a one armed player against Warrington in the 80's. I think his name was Kerry Gibson & he played for Blackpool.

Personal choice really as not many players can carry the ball in this way. We always coach to get kids to carry in two hands as it enables a pass to be made easily to either side. A player carrying the ball one handed does suggest to the defending player that they are running with the ball and don't intend to pass.

But as said above a one handed carry enables a more natural running style.

Played against him a few times, he used to hand you off with his stump.... Was particularly painful if he caught you on the nose....

(he didnt drop many balls though)...

Maybe it's a homage to the god that is/was john woods