how to keep a defensive line for u7+u8

Rugby CoachCoach

It's a common problem! It's easier to get small groups to do it to start with -  get the defenders to line up in groups of three, either holding hands or linking hands with a bib so they can stretch across the pitch. Get them to move sideways and forwards and backwards together. They have to keep holding on. Attackers can aim for the gaps between the groups - this encourages then to attack as a line and find the gaps, and defenders have to move across together to close off the gaps between the groups. Don't need to tag, just get them moving together as a line. make it fun. You can vary the defending groups as twos threes fours etc. 

Rugby CoachCoach

As the last answer, a great drill . however the "shirts"  players will react so quickly to repetative instruction. On the restart or tag! quickly shout and i mean SHOUT out  realign 1 2 3 4 5.  this also stops crowding of the ball ? bees around honey syndrome! it works !how ever after a couple of times the opposition get in on the act and follow suit. but when you step back hey presto 2 sides all lined up both in attack and defence . good luck and i hope you find this some help Denfa

Rugby CoachCoach

Try using a length of rope and have the defensive line drill with that.  Maintain spacing and have them move up and then reset on the whistle.  You can also do some fun things such as tug of war and trip the coach!!

Rugby CoachCoach

Try turning the game sideways. They will have to space out, & keep inline as the try line  is on the long side of the pitch.

Try putting goups of cones inline on the pitch & get the guys to stay in position 1,2,3,4,5 etc when the go from colour to colour.