EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES

Activities for U10 players

After one year of tackling, the players are now moving onto rucks, and in some parts of the world, mauling.

A ruck is where a player from each competes for the ball which is on the ground after a tackle, but cannot put their hands on the ball.

In the adult version of the game, there are 19 ruck laws! However, at this stage you only need to be aware of around five. See how our guide to rucking for the first time here.

For a guide to under 10s rugby, see our approach to coaching under 10s.

For the key skills, go to this link.

Remember, the players should be playing games more than doing just drills. There are plenty to choose from below!

Turn and tackle

in Tackling

Develop better footwork skills to get close to the ball carrier, plus good teamwork in this defensive reaction activity. This session builds a better defence by getting pairs of players to work together. MORE

Scaffolding approach to tackling

in Rugby drills, Tackling

Inspired by the work of Nick Hart, a headteacher and author of the blog,Thisismyclassroom, here is a “scaffolding” approach to teaching tackling. Scaffolding is where you build support around a task as it is introduced and built up. You then take away the scaffolding as the player becomes confident and competent. It was first coined... MORE

Coach 2 v 1s with games only

in Attack, Rugby drills

Coaching 2 v 1s to young players can be a tough task. Why not try to coach them these skills through games only? How many 2 v 1s happen in a senior rugby match, let alone young players’ rugby? In the purest sense of just two attackers facing one defender, not many times in senior... MORE

Change your 2 v 1 expectations for young players

in Attack, Rugby drills

The classic 2 v 1 exercise doesn’t work well with young players. Don’t give up on it though. Try out these ideas to work on this crucial decision-making area of the game. A 2 v 1 exercise has the ball carrier fixing the defender before passing to a support player. However, for young players, this doesn’t work well. MORE

Game changer

in Return to play, Small-sided games

Challenge players to react to the chance to have an extra player in attack and how to defend against it. It’s a quick game, so decisions will need sharp action. No match has unequal numbers unless there’s a yellow card. But sometimes the attack has an overload as a tackler is temporarily indisposed. Replicate that with this game. The “changer” will be doing most of the thinking. MORE

Load the bases

in Attack, Return to play, Rugby drills

Fast recycling players is a feature of any top team. It means that players are in a position to take the ball from the next breakdown. If they are ready, they can attack with pace. When players reposition themselves after a set-piece or a ruck, they have to read the game and know their roles. A better understanding of this will enhance your team’s attacking cohesion. MORE

Footwork bumps

in Footwork and evasion, Return to play, Touch, Tag & Sevens

Encourage your players to use good footwork in small spaces by avoiding contact. These two fun activities are excellent for warming up body and mind. Though rugby is a contact game, avoiding it is a core skill. There are no set techniques because each player will have their own style. Let them develop it in these two activities. MORE

RTP Pairs support: Great for Ready4Rugby skills zone

in Passing & Handling, Return to play

Develop your players’ ability to work in pairs in attack to beat defenders or offload under pressure to a support player. A great skills breakout for Ready4Rugby training. The ball carrier should always aim to go forward first and then beat the defender in front of him. If he can’t then he should be aware of his support players and offload the ball before or during contact. MORE

Snake footwork races

in Footwork and evasion, Mini tag, Return to play, Rugby drills

Develop your players’ go-forward skills with evasion in this competitive scenario. It’s easy to set up and you can add lots of variations. Even though some of the players will “cheat” by not exactly stepping to the side of the cones, their swerves and go-forward will help them replicate these skills in a match situation. MORE

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