Most under 8s, just like U7s players have very little appreciation of the game of rugby. However, if they have already been playing tag for a year, they will at least understand about “tag” rules, if not the principles of play.
However, the challenges remain the same as for under 7s: keeping the players engaged in rugby-like activities which give them a taste of the game.
Spend lots of time on simple games which develop:
Evasive skills
Ball handling, with some catch and pass
Team awareness
Remember that the players are likely:
To be selfish
To lack concentration
To be difficult put into ordered drills or activities.
So, don’t fret too much if they don’t seem to conform to a team. As long as they are having fun, and the session isn’t too long, then your job is done.
Ball carriers have a better chance of beating tacklers if they are going forward and changing their angles. Encourage players to do this, even if they are facing two or more defenders. MORE
The ball is often fumbled or passed poorly as players get used to handling. That means more ball on the ground. Help your players recover the ball and play away. A moving rugby ball isn’t an easy thing to pick up. And once gathered, the new ball carrier has to make decisions on what to do next. Use this session to work on techniques and options. MORE
With younger players catching the ball can be a major issue, even without pressure and opposition. Use this graduated exercise to improve their confidence to catch. MORE
Unless your players get into position quickly, they won’t be able to run onto a pass at speed and attack space. This exercise gets them realigning fast so they can master this challenging skill. MORE
U8 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 2 ACTIVITY: PASS THE PARCEL Split your players into pairs. Put each pair about 1m apart, facing each other with a ball. They should be about 5m from the try line. Start by having the players pass the ball to each other. When you shout “go”, the players with the ball race... MORE
U8 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 3 ACTIVITY: RUN TO SPACE Divide your players into two teams of four – make one team attackers, the other defenders. Position the teams at opposite ends of the area – attackers start behind the end line and the defenders start in the middle of their half of the area. Give a... MORE
U8 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 4 ACTIVITY: BEAT THE DEFENDERS Three defenders stand 8m apart in a line down the centre of the area. Four attackers start outside the area at one end facing the defenders. One attacker starts with a ball. The ball carrier runs up the area past the first defender with the other attackers... MORE
