Quick Coach: Junior Kabaddi
in Footwork and evasion, Rugby drills
One player goads another, then touches the line and races to the other end to avoid being touched by the chaser. It’s a like smaller version of the Bangladeshi game of Kabadd MORE
EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
This is my plan for my second session back after lockdown.
See my first lockdown session here.
This is my very watered-down version of Aussie Rules. Some may say that it is nothing like the real game but it’s what I have come to call it. Feel free to make your own version as authentic as you like.
Coaching points
This is a fun game to get people moving and exploring a variety of skills. Use it as an opportunity to observe what players can and cannot do and give plenty of praise throughout.
I like to run my phases as a ball carrier going to the ground so that players can practice their ground skills (for example, how to fall, ball placement, lifts to 9 ) but anything would work like immediate offload or chicken scratch.
Coaching points
How do we create and recognise the right opportunities to get three passes in?
What does our support look like to allow us to make three passes (close support, wide support)?
Do we need to reset the phase count or can we score in three phases?
You can play around with this game to suit your team. It could be that instead of three passes leading to a reset, it could be a line break or a successful 2v1 or a specific move like a switch or a loop. It could be that each team has a different reset action but we keep it a secret from the defence and see if they can work it out.
I like to do a best-of-three competition. If I have enough groups then I would create a ladder system where the winners move up and the losers move down to try and create appropriate challenge and get the competitive spirit flowing.
Coaching points
Ball carrier needs to accelerate forward to bring the team with them.
Can we receive the ball early, away from our body with our hands catching the ball in the position we want them in to pass?
Might need to support players technically if we can’t achieve the desired outcome consistently.
Is there an opportunity here for players to support each other? Allow them the time to make improvements.
Find a way to motivate and reward the defence. If the defending team can get a third phase turnover on the first attempt without any resets then they get a bonus point. You could also use things like touches behind the gain line, intercepts, double tackles or rewarding a touch on the attacking teams key playmaker.
Coaching points
How can we use our three passes to create 2v1 opportunities? Are those always on the outside or can we isolate a defender in the middle and play through them?
How do the players want to use their available timeouts? Do they want coach support at that point or time by themselves? How do we make sure what is said adds value to our play? As a coach, you may need to support how these timeouts happen. Allocating a timeout manager in each team may help the conversation have a purpose and develop some leadership skills.
Do we recognise all attacking opportunities in the game? Trying to make three passes shouldn’t constrain us from taking other options (pick and go, kick) when they are available.
Do any players need further support with their understanding of how to make passes under pressure? Can I do that away from the group via a quick comment or using my co-coaches to take them out of the game for some focused work?