What are the new skills for U9s

by Dan Cottrell in Rugby drills

The main new areas at under 9s are:

Attack: Simple decision making, to help players develop a pass before contact.

Handling after contact, because after the tackle, the next player must pass the ball.

Clearance passes (passing from the ground)
Tackle evasion
Ball placement

Building tackling confidence

Hold tackles (RFU rules)
Full tackles
Tackle on-sides (getting onside after the tackle is made)

Core skills from TAG rugby

Don’t forget to use sessions from the TAG years to work on these core skills

Short passing
Support of the ball carrier
Running onto the pass
Evasion
Line of defence

Good activities to use

Every session should have some tackling practice in it.

Try using Shoulder tackling for 5 minutes every week, with players starting at walking pace in the first few weeks.

Then add in Grapple tackle.

And use a session starter of touch rugby to get the players used to the core principles of attack.

Then, try Best support options to get the players thinking about continuity and support.

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What are the new skills for U9s

Core skills from TAG rugby

Good activities to use

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