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i need ideas for putting together a coaching session for under 9 rugby
Neil
I don't know what experience the children have had so it is hard to judge what skills you need to do.
I have attached one simple warm up practice but the main thing is to just get them to play small sided games. Tag with a ball etc. If you get them working in small groups they have more time with the ball and therefore more fun!
I hope this helps you and good luck.
Simon
When working with kids that age, organization is the key. Down time is bad time, even in transitions. Split them into small groups. Name each of the groups something cool or fierce, and have the groups playing games. Use something vocal or kinetic to get their attention other than a whistle. Perhaps raising your hands and slowly yelling your club's name until they all join in and do the same, teach them this at the beginning and you'll have a clear signal and no problems corralling them. What you do is not as important as how you do it--if it's fun, basic, and positive you've done your job as a U9 coach. At this point retention is the name of the game.
I agree with John - organise. If you have an hour session, plan activities for 90 minutes, so you are never at a loss for something to do. You have to teach 'how' (to do things), and 'why' (to do things). Kids don't want to pass the ball, so show them WHY it's a good idea. For my first sessions, I used to have a big tackle bag with a player painted on one side. This was the 'BEST TACKLER IN JAPAN.' I told the kids if the bag tackled them, they would never get up, made it fierce and fun. So, if they had a reason to pass (I awarded team points for good passing too), they didn't mind doing it. Lots of simple games (drills under another name really) - 2 on 1 practice? Make 2 teams, give Team 1 one minute to see how many times they can do it, then Team 2 get one minute. Always reward/recognise the winners. Incidentally in a 2 on 1, I give 4 points for a good pass, and 1 point for actually scoring.
Hi Neil, Simon Brereton posted this link on the site under an earlier question, really good ideas and lots of them:
http://www.teddingtonrfc.co.uk/index.ph ... &Itemid=84
Also a few other ideas for games / drills at:
http://www.uafc.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=8797&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
Good Luck ![]()
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