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problem- slow start at 7s games

I coach a womans 7s team. Every two weeks we have a two game tournament. The problem is that for the whole first game the girls play like they haven't woken up yet, and only in the second game their real rugby comes out. How do I help them play strong from the start?

eliPlayer, Israel

2 answers

TOP ANSWER

Simon JonesCoach, England

Eli

I suggest that in your warm up for the first game you get the girls playing in a conditioned game.

If you have a squad of 10 this would mean that for the last 3 mins of your warm up you play 5 v 5 touch rugby. If you think their fitness will allow it you could make it grab tackling which should help the girls get mentally switched on before kick off.

Another suggestion is that you appoint defence and attack leaders. Get them to lead the final warm up game. They are responsible for getting their teamates switched on by being very vocal in the game so everyone is responding to their encouragement rather than your voice on the touchline.

I hope this helps you and sorry for the slow response - we have been on a two week holiday here in the UK.

Simon

ANSWERS

Simon JonesCoach, England

Eli

I suggest that in your warm up for the first game you get the girls playing in a conditioned game.

I hope this helps you and sorry for the slow response - we have been on a two week holiday here in the UK.

Simon

Rugby CoachCoach

Hi Eli and Simon. We have exactly the same challenge with our Under 13s team, so many thanks for these ideas. We will try them out this Sunday. Alan