Activities for U9 players
Under 9s rugby is the first year of contact rugby.
This is a significant challenge for players and coaches. However, if you introduce the elements of tackling and being tackled piece-by-piece, the players can adapt and grow at their own pace.
First, play games in a small area where they are likely to bump into each other. This creates awareness and resilience without getting too technical.
Second, keep tackling activities short and sharp in every session. You can have three sections of five minutes interspersed over an hour’s session.
Third, help ball carriers learn to fall when they are tackled.
Follow our guide to coaching U9s for the first time here.
For the new skills needed for players moving from tag rugby to U9s, click here.
in Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
Tackling in pairs helps players work together to bring down the ball carrier, and gives weaker players the confidence to make a contribution in the tackle. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Create good habits in attack by creating a smooth transition from tackled player to supporting player. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Quick clearing passes, the pass away from the tackle or ruck, are an essential skill which will keep your game functioning at high speed. Encourage all your players to be able to pass away. MORE
in Mini tag, Rugby coaching, Rugby drills
"There’s not much incentive to be a third receiver. The Law of the Jungle suggests that if you want to touch the ball, you get close to it." MORE
in Attack, Defence, Rugby drills, U10+
Combine a competitive passing drill and a game to switch your players on and get them working hard on both technical and tactical aspects of their game. Use this activity to replicate game tempo. MORE
in Mini tag, Rugby coaching, Tips
Know what children want and then change your way of coaching to keep them coming back for more. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Draw defenders out of position and then use short passing for the support player to run onto. Use this activity to get the timing right and then put into a game situation. MORE
in Contact, Rugby drills
Here’s an activity that can be used both for a contact warm-up and for increasing the contact skills of less confident players. Progresses into full 1 v 1 contact. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills, U10+
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
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Create low-impact tackle situations where the defender has to move into position without much time to think. A sharp response and accurate technique are called for in this defence activity. MORE
