Hi all. I am the coach for the U12s and we are about?

Andy BaldwinTeacher, England

Hi Iain,

I find that simple grid work keeps them focused but doesnt tire them out.

You can add 'fun' elements into it as forfeits just to get everyone bonding and not taking themselves too seriously but thats down to how well you know players etc.

Hope this helps

Andy

Rugby CoachCoach

Hi Iain, similar to Andys grid but we just have a circle, start with 1 ball and add another after a short period. 1 press up as a forfeit to completed before the next ball comes around. Add another ball for a laugh as it usually ends up in carnage. Their concentration levels are up but they still have a bit laugh

Mark

Rugby CoachCoach

Iain,

I avoid such things like the plague !

Let the players relax, and then build hand eye co-ordination sharpness into your pre-game warm up routine. I believe players should have relax time in between matches "ok lads you can take your rugby heads off for the next 25 minutes"

play cards , tell jokes, listen to music etc get them to socialise and bond, then when you are ready to re-engage with them ask them to " remove their fun head, and put on their rugby head"

They'll concentrate harder, become more game focused and won't get 'coach overload' , plus they'll know the difference between play & rugby time ! Trust me, because i've proven it to work time & time again.

ps, my U12's represent a large village .. & we're CB [County] Champions

William OBrienCoach, England

To Kevin Brown

What is your pre-game warm up routine.

Rugby CoachCoach

Hi William,

Adjusted for conditions [and the perceived challenges of the opposition?] , but usually include - Dynamic warm up, then handling sharpness/reaction, footwork before contact , upper body/impact aims preparation & if space permits a couple of run throughs emphasising reallignments both D & A

build up to reach playing intensity.... Oh & don't forget the stretch down after each mini match - we've athlete protection aims also