Mini Rugby Player Development Coaching Plan 2 of 5

2. Coaching Plan Under 8’s


Passing/ Handling

Passing Ball backwards along line 4-5 players- Good warm-up drill- Warm-up with ball!
Walking
Jogging

Coach in centre of player circle, passing to alternate players- Good match day warm-up
Players stationary
Players jogging round coach
Two coaches facing each other one with ball, player comes forward receives the pass and
gives pass through the hands.

Basic Ball Skills

Players split into two groups, each group in single file behind a cone- cones approx 20 ft apart. Player runs with ball to player at opposite cone to transfer ball:
Pass ball to partner
Hand off ball to partner
Place ball for partner to pick up
Introduce side step with centre cone
Toss ball and catch
Roll ball

Contact Skills

Modified Tackling
Tackle laws- height etc
Side on tackle on stationary person- tackler can kneel or crouch.
Side on tackle on moving opponent
Falling- Incorporate ball for basic ball placement
Introduce tackle bag

Simulations

Small grid two attackers against one defender
Start from opposite ends of grid
Communication
Timing of pass- draw defender
Carry ball in two hands
Dummy/ swerve
Stop/ start coaching highlighting options

Training Matches
o Tip Rugby
o Full contact matches

Small games- maximum 8 per side
Passing
Run straight with ball in two hands
Communication
Tackling
Player involvement
Sporting conduct
Stop/ start coaching highlighting options