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.
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
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
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
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
Use this activity to get your players organising themselves on the move and give the outside player room to run. It works on footwork, handling and communication. MORE
Help your players get used to completing a passing chain – that’s more than one pass in a sequence. Plus, encourage them to make quick, short passes under pressure. MORE
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
