4-8year olds activities that aren't boring?

Rugby CoachCoach

One general and one specific suggestion that we have found works for us%3A

Have a higher coach to kids ration or smaller groups of kids at one time. This means that they are generally easier to handle. 

Instead of having a passing circle for handling skills we decided to go for a passing semi circle with the coach standing in front and the kids in an arc around them - it means that the coach never has their back to any of the kids - which is when they tend to mess around... 

Rugby CoachCoach

Do groups of no more then five children. Always changes the members of the groups. Always elect a captain, so this responsibility will make him take care of others.

Works here in Brazil!

Rugby CoachCoach

I have no experience of 4 & 5 year olds, as we start at U7s  - age 6 and up. 

For 6-8 year olds, try starting with a game of Bulldog or Stuck in the Mud with the full squad.  This is fun and gets rid of the fidgety element from the start. 

I agree with the other comments that you need a good coach-child ratio, approx. 1%3A5 and work in small groups, rotating the drill sessions, so that they don't get chance to get bored with doing the same thing.   If you don't have coaches, ask the parents to help.

Everyone learns better if they are having fun and playing games.  We run practice drills as races - this works very well as the competitive element ensures that the majority of the kids concentrate.

If you have a large range of abilities, split the kids by ability for the practice exercises.  We do this, then mix up the teams when we play. 

The most important thing is to keep the exercises to a minimum and start playing rugby as quickly as possible.

Good luck.