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Playing against much bigger players.

My under 13 school rugby team played against a school team that were much bigger than my boys. This was their first experience playing against players that were much bigger than them. What do we do for future matches?

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2 answers

ANSWERS

steveb Coach, Australia

Two years ago we played up a grade U13`s playing U 14`s and every game was against bigger opposition. This was fairly daunting for the boys. There are not many ways to counter the size factor but one that worked for us was low tackle drills. Shoulder hits thighs, head against side of leg, hands wrap around the back of the thighs and slide to behind the knees and then pull the knees forward at the joint. The player must fall forward and over your shoulder and you have to keep hanging on in the tackle until the player hits the ground.

PhilipCoach, Ireland

Have you considered having your defence work in small defensive units of 2/3 players, expanding and contracting based on the location of the ball. It provides a little more backup and confidence for the primary tackler, and may even provide a structure for turnover ball â what a confidence boost that would be for your guys!