5. Senior Coaching Objectives at stations:
Station 1: Stefan Kruger assisted by Gaelen Joseph
Ruck and clean – 10mins
Games – 10mins
Station 2: Albert Michau assisted by Emile Gouws
Game based approach – 10mins
Games – 10mins
Station 3: Wayne Julies assisted by Craig Smith
Attacking Skills – 10mins
Games – 10mins
Station 4: Angelo Fritz assisted by Emile Booyens
Scrum/mauls – 10mins
Games – 10mins
Station 5: Maxwill Andrews assisted by Carl Wilters
Defense/Tackling skills – 10 mins
Games - 10mins
Total Time:
2 Hours
Warm Up (All) 10mins
5 Sessions – 20min
WB, A,WB, B,WB, C, WB, D, WB, E
(5WB – WATERBREAKS) – 10mins
Cooldown / Speech – 10mins
6. Kids go through many changes in their lives and most of the major physical changes occur before they reach the age of 10 years old.
Usually by the age of 5 years old (when they enter rugby) a kid can do all the major life skills such as walk, run, catch and throw,
however, at lower to intermediate coordination level. They are ready to take part in group activities and their curiosity level is very high.
Below is a quick overview of the phases a player will go through in their rugby career:
Phase 1 - 6-9 year olds - Fun and Fundamentals
At this age the players are ready to learn through fun activities. They have short concentration spans and need high level activity.
Phase 2 - 10-12 years olds - Skill and Structure
At this stage they still want fun games, however, they now want to know how these games are going to effect their rugby game.
They are interested in isolation skills and practicing these skills for improvement.
Phase 3 - 12-14 year olds - Technique and Tactics
The final stage of development is the stage in which the players are mentally ready to learn the different facets of the game.
They are interested in how the game as a whole can be manipulated and tactical decision making plays a large role in this development.
They are keen to learn how they as a player contributes to the team and the games successes.
Remember:
They have a short concentration span in which you have to keep changing the games or continually make things dynamic
They love enthusiasm and excitement, so when coaching try to make everything lively and fun.
Reward them with high fives and cheering, even make up a team cheer or war cry, they love these group dynamics.
Make everything simple, clear and easy to follow or you will loose them.
7. Coaching junior rugby can be a rewarding experience, giving young players an appetite for the game and a learning of the basics to
succeed. As it may seem a daunting task for new coaches to begin , it’s important to focus step by step, with an emphasis on teaching the
basics thorough ally. This can be beneficial to players development and give them a better platform for the future. There are some key
elements to consider when teaching the game, and if done correctly, can bring success in training and on the field of play.
Skills/Basics
Demonstrating the basics correctly is very important as players will carry these skills throughout their playing career.
Keep things simple for younger players (6-9 years), with an emphasis on learning basic skills such as handling, passing and running. Teach
players to run and pass with two hands along with placing the ball.
Focus on building key skills over the season, repeating these at training every week so players can develop better and keep fresh in the
mind.
Make skills and learning the basics fun and enjoyable, so that younger players don’t get distracted and bored. Put energy into the basics,
creating a positive learning environment.
As players develop in age(10-12 years), they will start to take more interest in the game. Introduce different areas of rugby to players,
such as kicking, contact, tackling, rucks and mauls etc. Teach them the next level, along with working regularly on the basics to continue
development.
Confidence and Encouragement
It’s important to give players the confidence to play to the best of their ability while having fun and enjoying the game.
Praise players for their achievements and developments in training and when playing. This will encourage them to learn more and develop
their style of play. Create a team cheer or shout when having a team huddle. This creates and energy and brings a team together.
8. Attack
Attacking with the ball is one of the most enjoyable parts of rugby, and a part of the game which younger players thrive. Teach players the
different skills and techniques with attacking as they develop through the age groups. Teach players to run with the ball in two hands. Teaching
players to support the ball carrier which can create better attacking opportunities. A successful attacking team always has players in support to
take a pass if needed. With younger players (5 -9 years), teach them to move forward as a team, passing regularly. Try not to make things
complicated by teaching set pieces, attacking moves etc. Work on the basics such as running, passing, moving forward etc. As players progress
through the grades and develop a better understanding of the game, start to teach set pieces and different attacking strategies. Work on these
at training using various drills.
Defence:
Junior players will begin with non contact (5-9 years) and progress through to tackling and contact rugby. It’s important to teach both of these
styles, demonstrating the art of defense and how to stop the opposition from scoring and gaining field position.
With non contact, teach players to keep eyes on opponents hips, with correct body position. Make sure legs are bent properly and back and
head is straight when defending. When players progress to contact and tackling (10 years +), make sure chin is up, back is straight and
players tackle the hips and drive forward. Maintain focus on opposing players and lock in with both arms. Make sure players return to their feet
to contest the ball and attempt to gain possession.
Fair Play:
Fair play must be encouraged throughout junior grades of rugby and is huge part of sport in general.
Teach players to respect the opposing team, shaking hands after the game etc. Players must be taught to respect officials, referees and the
rules of the game. Foul play and ill discipline will not be tolerated within rugby. Teach players not to use these techniques and play within the
rules of the game throughout all levels of junior rugby. Reward players with fair player awards, recognizing good sportsmanship and respect.
Junior rugby is the start of a career for many youngsters, and a huge platform for
bigger things to come. If players can be taught all elements of rugby in a positive
and creative environment, it can help them excel for many years to come...
