Coaching the U6s - any drills or ball games for this age?

Sportplan TeamAdministrator, United Kingdom

Hello Christopher,

I'm sure the other Sportplan users will be able to provide you with lots of advice in this area but just to get you started I thought I'd direct you to the free tag rugby sessions which we have on this site:

• Tag Rugby - Lesson Plans

Please also feel free to have a look through the drills categories for more ideas to try out at your first training.

Best of luck for next season,
The Sportplan Team

Sportplan TeamAdministrator, United Kingdom

Updated:

Here are links to two answers from our archive which could be of use to you and your players:

• How can I keep my U6s interested and engaged?
• How can I keep my young players onside during a game?

All the best,
The Sportplan Team

Gary DCoach, Northern Ireland

Hi Chris,

If you get yourself a copy of the "IRB Coaching Comment July 2012‏" you will see at the bottom I have sent in some ideas for the age group 4 to 6 yr olds.  If you dont get it sent to you automatically I am sure Simon at [email address removed to prevent spam] could get you a copy if you asked.

B Rgds

Gary

Rugby CoachCoach

Hi Chris,

The key thing for under 6’s is to get them having fun.In Ireland we have no contact so is tip so the main thing is to have them running around having fun and then try to sneak some physical literacy and ball work in. Typically an hour long and here’s an example of what we started with last year. Some kids will fly some will struggle but generally they can do a lot more than you realise I find

Typically we start with stuck in the mud with coaches chasing kids and freed by climbing through legs. Keep it mixed up and change rules where coaches freeze or hop on one leg etc. Bulldog great as is domes and dishes.

We then do 10 mins of running stretching agility and balance. So kids on goal line and incorporate sprint hops jumps one legs sideway running , then simple balances and stretches which can be made more complex throughout the season.

Then 10 mins of ball work with groups of 3or 4 in lines coming out simple roll and pick, hula the ball , throw and catch, score and pick, score soldier roll then pick and pass. Theses simple ones should be made more complicated during the season.

Typically we then split into stations of 5 or 6 to mix up so maybe 4 stations with a lot of ball focus 5 mins for station.

1. Obstacle course
2. Ball work running a simple line focus on passing backwards
3. Rob the nest, four corners run in to pick balls
4. Rugby tennis
5. Finally small sided games 5 a side for last 15 mins.

There are loads of stations and games , I think we counted 60 we used last year. The big thing is to organised and no delays or they lose focus. Enjoy it’s great fun

Shaun

christopher jenkinsCoach, Wales

Feeling embarressed. Obviously asked this question, without being able to navigate the site. Thank you Amal for answers and help. MUCH APPRECIATED. at the moment , it is me and 1 other coach running, 8s, 10s and a bunch of 5 year olds . We have had to turn it into a 2 hour session, splitting age groups due to lack of help. I Have just asked another question relating to the under 10s. Be great to have your help with that one too. Under the headinG of defending drills.AMAl should read all. Not ipad fluent!!!!!!

Rugby CoachCoach

This question is for Shuan Gilbride in Ireland, Can you explain the following in your answer to Chris.

"Then 10 mins of ball work with groups of 3 or 4 in lines coming out simple roll and pick, hula the ball , throw and catch, score and pick, score soldier roll then pick and pass. Theses simple ones should be made more complicated during the season."

Thanks.