Activities for U8 players

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.

For warm up games try:

For evasive and awareness activities try:

For ball handling games and activities try:

Click here for a guide to coaching U8s and tag rugby.

Click here for refereeing and game coaching tips.

Return to play: Minis and juniors try chasers

in Footwork and evasion, Mini tag, Return to play

Get your ball carriers used to running forward to score tries. This session can be run as a warm-up or as a proper tackling session as well. Often players fail to run forwards even when they know the try line is that way. This session should encourage them to attack a space in front them and go for it. 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

Ready, set, free pass

in Rugby drills

Create pace onto the ball from a “free pass” to a static player by encouraging your players to organise themselves quickly and work in threes. When the rules state that a free pass has to be to a static player, your players have to be at ease with repositioning themselves to be able to generate some pace onto the ball. MORE

Go-forward evasion

in Footwork and evasion, Rugby drills

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

Pick up and play – ideal for younger players

in Passing & Handling

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