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Hi there.I have a team of 11 to 13 year olds, some?

A MIX OF NEW AND EXPERIENCED PLAYERS. Hi there.I have a team of 11 to 13 year olds, some who are very new to the game, some who are experienced and have played to a high level for their age. What is the best way to set up a team to help the newer players along,and to play to the better players strengths? The players can be quite flexible as far as positions played goes.

Rugby CoachCoach

2 answers

ANSWERS

Simon JonesCoach, England

Douglas, I would suggest that to mold this group of differing abilities together as a team you empower them by giving responsibility to the better players as leaders within the team.

This could start with you asking them to lead the team warm ups and then gradually get them more involved in helping the weaker players in coaching sessions. The danger is that the better players become over confident so you will need to be careful in how you manage things. But if you succeed, you will have a team with leaders on the field and the weaker players will have become stronger.

The team will be used to working together to solve problems which is exactly what you want!

Good luck

Simon

Rugby CoachCoach

what about doing a buddy system where ur more experinced player is working with a weaker player were the stronger player shows the exercices a few times then let the weaker player have a go and remember to praise both weaker and stronger player as this will help both players with confidence and help create good friendship between players. hope this helps.