Sportplan rugby has played a large role in my team's love for the game!
My fowards seem afraid to ruck and stand around the ruck while in the way of the scrum half trying to get the ball out to the backs. They also don't support the ball carrier while he is being tackled. Please help me with any suggestions!!!
what is the difference in using a tackle suit vs a tackle bag
Hello, my 8 yr old lad starts 'contact' rugby from next year. He has seen some of his friends with various padded tops and asked me for one before next year. I instinctively said that he doesn't need one to which he replied that it would just make him feel better about tackling. From my point of view I just want him to be as comfortable as he can be. He is slight of build but not a complete shrinking violet and if it will give him confidence then it seems pretty reasonable - although I wouldn't want him overly reliant and then lose confidence if his protection was lost etc. I'd appreciate feedback as to pro's and cons of pads / protective clothing - particularly from a junior angle. Thanks in anticipation.
an RFU directive states that coaches should not hold pads/shields for juniors to run into during sessions, or even juniors holding pads for each other!!! I notice a lot of drills utilise pads as this was something we always used when I trained years ago! I personally think they are a good thing (especially since some of the juniors I coach are 'not small'!) BUT wondered what the general thoughts were out there in SportPlan world....
I have been coaching this group for a number of years, but before Covid stopped play the boys had confidence tackling. When we returned back to full contact this year, a large percentage seem to have lost their confidence. I have tried 1v1 grid, tackling on knees, and running gauntlet (1v1). If anyone would know of any other drills that can increase confidence, that would be great.
an RFU directive states that coaches should not hold pads/shields for juniors to run into during sessions, or even juniors holding pads for each other!!! I notice a lot of drills utilise pads as this was something we always used when I trained years ago! I personally think they are a good thing (especially since some of the juniors I coach are 'not small'!) BUT wondered what the general thoughts were out there in SportPlan world....
Some of my U9s players, who are experiencing contact for their first season, are showing reticence in tackling - how do you coach or get through the fear factor/element?
My fowards seem afraid to ruck and stand around the ruck while in the way of the scrum half trying to get the ball out to the backs. They also don't support the ball carrier while he is being tackled. Please help me with any suggestions!!!
How can I overcome my son's fear of tackling. He's 10 and shaping up to be a useful player in other areas but is very reluctant to engage other players in contact. What drills might help overcome this?
in more ways than one
From France's collision dominance to England's folding defence - what grassroots coaches can learn from the 2026 Six Nations.
The removal of "not-straight" on uncontested lineouts transforms your set-piece options. Here's how to exploit the new rule.
2026 brings revolutionary changes to international rugby: a brand new global tournament, historic tours, and law changes that will reshape the game. Here's everything coaches need to know.
Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.