EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
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 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
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
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
in Defence, Rugby drills, Tackling
Match-time tackling can be 1 v 1, but often it’s a team effort, especially for younger players. Use this simple activity to build confidence, communication and tackle technique. MORE
in Defence, Rugby drills, Small-sided games
Encourage all the best attributes in a good defensive line with this game of slide and hammer. It will improve your teams’ line speed and cohesiveness. MORE
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
in Tackling
Encourage good head position and leg drive in this fun exercise in tackling. It’s low impact and ideal for building confidence with your players. 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
in Rugby drills, Tackling
Use this session to get your players tackling in a competitive environment. Quick to set up, it’s part of our back pocket favourites, activities you can use to re-energise your session. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
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
