MINI RUGBY

COACHING
RESOURCE
Munster Rugby Coaching Children Resource
CONTENTS
SECTION

1 – Introduction

2. Munster Player Pathway

3. FUNdamentals
a. The Game - FUN
b. The Coach - GUIDES
c. The Player - PLAYS

SECTION 2

1. Sample Cornerstone Session Plans

a. Catch & Pass
b. The Ruck
c. Ball Carry & Evasion
d. The Tackle
INTRODUCTION
The ethos of mini rugby is to foster and develop
young players (boys & girls) of all ability in the
game of rugby in a safe, non-competitive,
enjoyable environment through activities
which ensure progressive skill development
for all participants in line with the IRFU Long
Term Player Development (LTPD) pathway,
Safeguarding and the Spirit of Rugby.
 U L O N G
IR F V
E R M D E
T T P
O P M E N
R A M M E
G
MUNSTER PLAYER PATHWAY
1. Fundamentals. 4. Train to Compete.

2. Learn to Play & Practice. 5. Train to Win.

3. Train to Train. 6. Retirement & Retention.

FUN
FUNDAMENTAL

DAM
THE PLAYER - PLAYS
Players in this category are age-grade players (5 - 12 approx)
The capacities of young players dictate that most learning
activities are best promoted through the medium of play.
This theme does not just apply to modified games but also to
reduced exercises and drill activities. Specific techniques and
corrections can be integrated throughout the activity while
still maintaining maximum participation and enjoyment. This

ENT
will also ensure that players receive a positive and motivating
experience.

THE COACH - GUIDES

To facilitate the needs and capacities of younger players the
coach should act as a Guide, providing the environment for
players to explore in a safe and exciting way. Corrections and
guidance should be subtle and simple, dealing with issues in
a broad rather than detailed perspective.

THE GAME - FUN

The end product should be a fun and safe experience. The
emphasis is placed on open play (general movement) with all
players running, passing and tackling. Younger players will
continue to participate in activities that are enjoyable and
rewarding. As players mature and develop greater capacities
their needs and the demands of the game will also change.
THE GAME - FUN
MUNSTER CORNERSTONES PROGRAMME
95% of mini-rugby consists of general play attack and
defence. Therefore it is important that coaching reflects this
with an emphasis on what we call the 4 Cornerstone Skills, to
develop a well-rounded rugby player who has developed the
basic skills required to play the game of rugby. 1st phase and
position specific skills are very much secondary in terms of
importance in the development stage of a mini-rugby player.
Players should be given opportunity to play in all positions
on the pitch, and coaches should place an emphasis on them
developing their 4 Cornerstone Skills in general play.

95% is general play, multi-phase, collective team

attack and defense. 5% is 1st phase play.
 Varies from 10m x 20m to 30m x 40m and or
N/A N/A 50m x 70m depending on no. of participants.

UNDER 8 MINI RUGBY 1

BALL SIZE MATCH TIME PLAYERS PER TEAM TACKLE HEIGHT
Max. Per Half Max. number of Coaches to teach
Single Match players per team correct technique.
15min 8 Waist high – penalty
Forwards for tackles above the
Festival/Events

3
N/A waist. Dangerous
7min tackles (e.g. High/
Max. Minutes Backs Swinging/Dump tackle)
Per Day/Event N/A penalised immediately.
60min Safety Zone Ripping/Tackling ball:
Min. Minutes allowed between pitches Not allowed and will
for Half Time 6m be penalised.
1min

HAND OFF RUCKS & MAULS KICKING IN PLAY START MATCH

No. of Players:
No more than 3.
Time Allowed:
5 seconds ‘Use it or
lose it’ rule applies.
Illegal to collapse
a maul Referee/Coach
to count down
“5, 4, 3, 2, and 1”
from moment ruck/
Pass-off: Must be off the ground and after
Not Allowed. Carry ball in two hands. maul is formed. Not allowed. the referee’s whistle.

METHOD OF SCORING: TRY LINE-OUT SCRUM PITCH SIZE

Minimum
40m x 30m

N/A N/A

UNDER 9 & UNDER 10 MINI RUGBY 2

BALL SIZE MATCH TIME PLAYERS PER TEAM TACKLE HEIGHT
Max. Per Half Max. number of Coaches to teach
Single Match players per team correct technique.
15min 8 Waist high – penalty
Forwards for tackles above the
Festival/Events

3
3 waist. Dangerous
7min
tackles (e.g. High/
Max. Minutes Backs
Swinging/Dump tackle)
Per Day/Event 5
penalised immediately.
70min Safety Zone
Ripping/Tackling ball:
Min. Minutes allowed between pitches
Not allowed and will
for Half Time 6m
be penalised.
1min

HAND OFF RUCKS & MAULS KICKING IN PLAY START MATCH

No. of Players:
No more than 3.
Time Allowed:
5 seconds ‘Use it or
lose it’ rule applies.
Illegal to collapse
a maul Referee/Coach
to count down
“5, 4, 3, 2, and 1”
from moment ruck/
Pass-off: Must be off the ground and after
Not Allowed. Carry ball in two hands. maul is formed. Not allowed. the referee’s whistle.

METHOD OF SCORING: TRY LINE-OUT SCRUM PITCH SIZE

Minimum
60m x 40m

3 players incl. thrower. 3 players.

All ‘forwards’ must be involved in lineout. No contest. Players must stay bound
No lifting allowed. until scrum is over.
 3 players incl. thrower. 3 players.
All ‘forwards’ must be involved in lineout. No contest. Players must stay bound
No lifting allowed. until scrum is over.

UNDER 11 & UNDER 12 MINI RUGBY 3

BALL SIZE MATCH TIME PLAYERS PER TEAM TACKLE HEIGHT
Max. Per Half Max. number of Coaches to teach
Single Match players per team correct technique.
20min 10 Waist high – penalty
Forwards for tackles above the
Festival/Events

4
5 waist. Dangerous
7min tackles (e.g. High/
Max. Minutes Backs Swinging/Dump tackle)
Per Day/Event 5 penalised immediately.
70min Safety Zone Ripping/Tackling ball:
Min. Minutes allowed between pitches Not allowed and will
for Half Time 6m be penalised.
1min

HAND OFF RUCKS & MAULS KICKING IN PLAY START MATCH

No. of Players:
No more than 3.
Time Allowed:
5 seconds ‘Use it or
lose it’ rule applies.
Illegal to collapse
a maul Referee/Coach
to count down
“5, 4, 3, 2, and 1”
from moment ruck/
Not Allowed. Carry ball in two hands maul is formed. Defence zone only. Drop kick on halfway.

METHOD OF SCORING: TRY LINE-OUT SCRUM PITCH SIZE

Minimum
70m x 40m

5 players incl. thrower. 5 Players – 3 front row, 2 second row.

All ‘forwards’ must be involved in lineout. 1 step allowed before the put in & strike
No lifting allowed. allowed. Players must stay bound.

UNDER 12 MINI RUGBY 4

(ALL PLAYERS MUST BE AGED 11)

BALL SIZE MATCH TIME PLAYERS PER TEAM TACKLE HEIGHT

Max. Per Half Max. number of Coaches to teach
Single Match players per team correct technique.
20min 12 Waist high – penalty
Forwards for tackles above the
Festival/Events

4
6 waist. Dangerous
7min tackles (e.g. High/
Max. Minutes Backs Swinging/Dump tackle)
Per Day/Event 6 penalised immediately.
70min Safety Zone Ripping/Tackling ball:
Min. Minutes allowed between pitches Not allowed and will
for Half Time 6m be penalised.
1min

HAND OFF RUCKS & MAULS KICKING IN PLAY START MATCH

No. of Players:
No more than 4
Time Allowed:
5 seconds ‘Use it or
lose it’ rule applies.
Illegal to collapse
a maul Referee/Coach
to count down
“5, 4, 3, 2, and 1”
from moment ruck/
Below shoulder. maul is formed. Defence zone only. Drop kick on halfway.

METHOD OF SCORING: TRY LINE-OUT SCRUM PITCH SIZE

Minimum
70m x 40m

6 players incl. thrower. 6 Players – 3 front row, 2 second row,

All ‘forwards’ must be involved in lineout. 1 back row. 1 step allowed before the put in
No lifting allowed. & strike allowed. Players must stay bound.
THE COACH - GUIDES
‘EMBRACE THE CHAOS’
For players to perform well at any level of rugby they must acquire a
number of skills. It is one of the coach’s primary responsibilities to
provide each player with opportunities to learn and practise skills in a
FUN, positive and constructive environment.

1. Choose the best position for the demonstration, i.e. consider wind,
sun, group size, sound effects, echo, etc. Have the children sit or kneel
and have no distractions. Use simple language, not too many words and
ask questions regularly to ensure clear understanding.

2. Select the appropriate activity to practice the skill, preferably in a

game like activity that includes a dynamic decision making environment.

3. Use I.D.E.A. as a template for coaching each game & activity.

Introduce the skill/activity/game – place it in context tell the players why

they are doing this.

Demonstrate the skill/activity/game - create an ‘image of the skill’ in the

mind of the child. Don’t demonstrate what not to do.

Experience – let the children experience it and give them time before
providing feedback.

Assist improvement – provide feedback during practice, but be specific,

constructive and immediate, you DO NOT need to stop the activity to
provide this feedback, use questioning to provide feedback. Adjust the
constraints to the level of the players, keep the challenge appropriate.
GAME SENSE

Game Sense can be defined as:

‘Designing a sequence of games to achieve particular outcomes, asking
questions to stimulate thinking and reflection, and ensuring there are
opportunities for group discussion, collaboration and the formulation of
ideas/solutions that are tested and evaluated’ (Light, 2013).

GAMES

One of the best ways to learn how to play the game safely and
effectively is to play modified forms of the game that reinforce the
Principles of Play and the 4 Cornerstones, e.g. Any game where
players use cornerstone skills and includes a dynamic decision making
environment. It’s best to begin with small side team games (e.g. 3 or
4 players in each team) in a smaller playing area, as each player gets
to be more active by being closer to the ball and being more actively
involved than in a regular game on a full-size field. The game should
involve as much handling as possible as this will give all the players the
opportunity to run and pass the ball. The size of the playing field should
be adjusted according to the number of players on each team and the
skill focus.
QUESTIONING

The coach should use questioning to stimulate dialogue and thinking. A coach should use open questions to stimulate the players
to think and talk about the challenges of the game. This does not come without it’s challenges as many players may resist this
approach as they want the easier option of the coach simply giving them the answer.
GROUP DISCUSSION/COLLABORATION

The coach should give players the opportunity to come up with

collaborative ideas and solutions to game challenges. The simplest
way to do this is for any small sided game:

• Use I.D.E.A. to introduce the challenge of the game.

• Let them Experience (i.e. play) with little if any coaching intervention
for example 3 mins. Adjust the constraints of the game to ensure the
appropriate level of challenge.

• Give the players 1 min to huddle up and discuss how they can meet
the challenge better, coach can pose them a few questions.

• Let them Experience again (i.e. play) with little if any coaching
intervention for example another 3 mins and see if there is any
improvement in meeting the challenge.
COACHING CHILDREN

‘You are a not a rugby coach,

you are a coach of children who play rugby!’

The physical and emotional differences Children’s behaviour and lack of focus
in the development of 7-year-old and a can often be challenging for coaches, skill
12-year-old kid can be enormous, therefore development won’t happen if the players
coaching them in the same way can create are not focused. If you are not organised
huge problems. This is one of the main and the children are not active, lack of focus
reasons why we have four separate Mini and misbehaviour is almost a guarantee.
Rugby Levels. Your coaching must be
appropriate to the development level of the Here are a few key principles to keep your
children and not related to the level of your players focused:
rugby knowledge.
• Keep your communication short and to
Keep everybody engaged at practice. Don’t the point.
leave anyone out. It is very easy to spend
a lot of time with the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ kids. • Use a high intensity FUN warm-up to burn
The big groups, that don’t provide you with off all that excess energy, and set a positive
any stress, are just as important. tone for the session.

When coaching young rugby players there • Follow that high intensity warm-up with a
is so much to consider that coaches often relatively simple or well-known game that
forget the prime role that they have, which won’t take much explanation to burn off
is to guide the players in learning the even more energy, and give the players a
relevant skills of the game of rugby. positive start to the session and a chance
for the coaches to give plenty of positive
Children are easily intimidated, especially in feedback.
a contact environment like rugby.
• Now that the players have less energy
Therefore, we must progress through in they will be less easily distracted and can
stages to match the players’ personal and concentrate on a few short sharp pieces
physical development. of instruction on the skill that is the focus
of the session. Remember to use I.D.E.A.
Skill development in these grades should be In these reduced activities, endeavour to
well-organised, positive, and enjoyable! use small sided games where possible and
avoid queuing.
• Replicate activities and games to keep • Kids love to be empowered and engaged
numbers in each activity low, use all in the learning process, so include them.
available coaches to maximise the players
activity levels and ball touches, passes, ball
carries, tackles, rucks etc, depending on the COMMUNICATION
session focus.
Players need to recognise by your
• Finish with a high intensity game where tone of voice and manner when you
the players can practice the skill focus in mean business, or a boundary that
a game like scenario and the coach can they must not cross.
assess progress.
• Yelling just does not work
• Standing still at trainings helps no one, • Use a firm voice and a strong look –
player or coach. Take different positions DEMAND attention.
when coaching. Don’t stand in the same
place. By moving around, you will get a • Make it clear that some things are non-
different perspective of the practice. If negotiables - and the chance that they will
you find effective and ideal angles to view listen will improve significantly.
during activities, you will be a better coach
and your analysis will be more accurate. • However, observe your players’ reaction
carefully as what might scare U7 kids with
• You can also motivate your kids while a tone of voice may encourage U13s to
walking around. You can work wonders think. The message here is to adjust to your
for every kid on your team if, during each audience.
practice session, you walk around to each
player, address them by their first name, Use a quick, firm word, action, whistle or
and say something positive to them with a clap to get activities back on track. If this
smile. doesn’t work, don’t yell or recklessly run
around to get the attention of the players –
• Comments sink in best immediately just STOP the group – DEMAND that they
before or after practice. Use this critical all stop talking and look at you – WAIT until
time wisely. What you say at these times everyone does so before trying to start with
will usually be remembered, for example, your comments.
suggest that each player could go home
and come up with an activity of his or her For example: ““Freeze”
own for a skill that was just taught. This or “1-2-3 Eyes on me”
reinforces what you have been doing.
If someone starts clowning around or Sometimes, a player may not understand
chatting in the background after you start why something is against the Rules. In these
talking – STOP! Confidently re-demand cases, it is important to explain why you are
silence before continuing. Keep doing displeased, and explain what you want in
this until they learn. Eventually, the other the future.
players will know your boundaries and they
may even start to tell a player to be quiet If one team-mate started it, and the other
themselves. When the disruptive player finished it – make them both apologise, then
starts to get negative attention from their make the player that finished it explain to
peers, the behaviour tends to cease swiftly. you how they plan to handle things next
time i.e. come to you. The instigator should
have to do the same AND say two good
things about his foe (usually effective in
EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES healing the wounds all around).

When misbehaviour disrupts the

activities of the other players, the
coach needs to use “the Voice” and TIME-OUT OR SIT-OUT
“the Look” to stop the behaviour
instantly. A time-out is very effective.
Most players want to be with
Talk to the players in terms of Rules. They everyone else – even if they are a
tend to remember Rules better as they troublemaker.
have them at school and home. So, tell
them that “Pushing a team-mate is against The coach can give the player the choice of
our Rules”. Then, quietly get the offender returning when the player decides to behave
to tell you WHY this is against the rules. or if the player is refusing to take part in an
Getting the offender to put into words why activity which they don’t like, then sit the
other players might not like to be pushed player out for the remainder of the practice.
shows the other players that this kid This may seem harsh but otherwise the
knew better. Once the player admits that coach will send the message to the team
they knew better, make them apologise. that, if you don’t want to do an activity, just
The apology is likely to be reluctant but go sit down - and you won’t experience any
requiring them to apologise helps to breed repercussions.
good sportsmanship. If they initially refuse
to apologise make them sit out the activity Once the players witness that they don’t get
until they do. to pick and choose activities, they will work
out that they can’t avoid doing hard work.
The perfect spot for a player to sit out is
where you (or another adult) can keep
them in sight, but far enough removed they
cannot easily distract the rest of the group.
Don’t let a playmate join them for company;
if two players must be sent out, send them
to opposite ends of the field.

PRAISE WORKS BETTER

Good behaviour should be praised and
rewarded to reinforce behaviours you want
at practices and games. Praise goes a long
way in turning a good team into a great
team.

Another angle to improve a whole team

that’s indifferent and unfocused is to make
the most of the players’ favourite part of the
practice: THE GAME. Try this:

“The sooner we learn to do this,

the longer we can play a game”
SESSION PLANNING

‘Failing to plan is planning to fail’

Before a rugby practice can start the coach
needs to plan the session. Just turning up
with a bag of balls isn’t good enough, they
deserve better. You Plan to:

• Catch Them - kids need to be motivated

(you can’t have too many). The more times
and a simple game or activity will help.
a player has a ball in their hands during
practices, the more opportunity there is for
• Coach Them - Select one key skill at a
skill development. Make sure that the balls
time. Introduce technique.
are the recommended size for your players.

• Practice Them - you need to give ample

• Cones – These are really handy in
opportunity for players to learn the skill.
marking out an area, grids, relays and line
They are NOT learning while queuing so
formations. They clearly define the playing
plan to avoid.
areas for your games and activities. Great
for setting boundaries.
How Many Players Do You Have?

• Hit Shields & Tackle Bags – Not really

Depending on your grade and availability
required or recommended for mini-rugby
of children, this will vary. The important
there are other ways to make contact
things to remember is that you need enough
safer as explained in the session plans e.g.
equipment and enough room to carry out
walking instead of running. Tackle pads can
your practice. You must also consider how
lead to bad habits as the cushioning masks
many replications of a game/activity you will
poor technique
need to maintain players activity levels.
Essential Equipment List
• Poles – Good for evasion skills, i.e. side-
step, swerve, etc.
• A Whistle – is an essential tool for keeping
control of your practices. It is the best way
• Bibs – Essential for modified games and
to teach children the idea of rules discussed
team runs but turning grouping the players
earlier. It can also be a good way to save
by the colour of the shirts they are wearing
your voice for getting the attention of the
can also work.
players.

• Mouthguards – Needed in all games and

• Balls – Make sure you have enough balls
practices.
MAJOR CONSIDERATIONS over an hour may exceed the attention span
of this age group, all the attached session
The Conditions – You need some ground plans are for an hour. If the session is at the
to practise on and depending on your required intensity an hour is plenty, if your
personal situation this may vary, but you players are not tired after an hour, you might
can get away with a very small area e.g. need to reflect on how much the coaches
20m x 20m if needed. Half a field is a good are talking and how active the players are.
rule of thumb.
Practice should be a fast-paced
Make sure you define your boundaries. You environment, where you don’t always need
also need to consider the weather. Do you to stop to explain or reinforce a skill, try to
have a plan if it rains? keep things moving and use short concise
simple language for coaching interventions
Check the safety of your training area. Make (examples given in attached session plans).
sure bikes, pot holes, scrum machines, glass Kid’s attention spans increase as they get
or other obstructions/ hazards aren’t near older – by one minute per year. At practice,
this area. keep kids busy doing something, not waiting
in lines or standing around. Simple warm-
up passing, catching and running in small
groups is better than relay lines or running

MY PLAYERS CAPABILITIES around the field. It’s best if you work on

10-15-minute segments. Any longer and the

• What are the capabilities of your team? group will lose interest.

• Who has played before and who hasn’t?

• How old are they? ‘ Just because you saw munster
• What skills do they have, and which ones senior team performing an
need development the most?
activity doesn’t make it a good
Too often coaches perform skills and activity for children! ‘
activities that aren’t appropriate to the level
of the players capabilities.

TIME
Most teams can only fit one practice in for
the week; therefore, time is crucial in the
development of the players. Practices going
EXAMPLE SESSION SCHEDULE

Preview, expectations and praise

1. Warm –Up 5-10 mins 3. Development Of Rugby Skills Activity

• In this phase FUNdamentals - Agility 1&2 10 mins x 2
Balance Co-Ordination and Speed should be • Examples as per session plans
the focus.

2. Introduction Of Rugby Skills 4. Rugby Game Variations 15-20 mins

15 mins (Game Zone) (Game Zone)
• Fun Games. • Rugby Prime
• Tag Rugby
• Mini Rugby Game

5. Review - Praise - Finish

THE PLAYER – PLAYS
U8 - WHAT CAN I DO?

I have no practical concept of space or I will pass to teammates as a last resort and
teamwork and I have very little tolerance for rarely side-on.
complicated rules or jargon.
I can run with the ball in two hands but
My attention span is not at a “competitive” prefer one.
stage. It increases with age – about one
minute each year. I can catch a ball when stationary but
usually bring the ball into my body.
The puddle at halfway is usually too
tempting to resist. My heart rate peaks quickly and I can
overheat rapidly. I need to get adequate
I don’t know how to pace myself, I will go water breaks.
flat-out until I drop.
I want everyone in the team to like me –
All I think about is me, me and me! But I will even the coach!
share the ball with teammates - sometimes!
I am always moving e.g. rocking, scratching,

I will gladly run after someone to try and jiggling or fiddling.

recover the ball but rarely to support my

teammate. I can kick a ball on the ground.
U7’S COACHING
U7’s COACHING STRATEGY
STRATEGY SHEET SHEET
1. Goals
1 To introduce the players to basic skills
2 To help the players enjoy rugby
3 To introduce the players to the tackle

2. Objectives
1 Introduce the players to running with the ball
2 To familiarize the players with the rugby ball
3 Introduce the players to passing & receiving the ball
4 Introduce the players to evasion games
5 Introduce the players to tackling from the knees

3. Drills & Exercises

Evasion games, e.g. bulldog, tag other team, stuck in the mud
Ball familiarization, Agility, Balance, Coordination, e.g. relays, lunges, squats, etc
Ball handling, reach for the ball, point to passing target, e.g. stand & pass,
Ball handling games, e.g. how many passes

Tackling, from kneeling position at walking speed

4. Skills Addressed (under 7)

CORNERSTONE SKILL Tick when covered
Catch & Pass Basic pass
Picking up a ball/ falling on a ball
Placing ball on ground
Receiving a pass

Ball Carry & Evasion Swerve

Holding a ball

The Tackle On knees

Walking speed

The Ruck Ball placement

 1. Goals

U8’S COACHING STRATEGY

1 To continue to develop the players basic skills
2. Objectives
2 To help the players enjoy rugby
1 Develop the players skills when
3 Torunning withthe
introduce theplayers
ball different types of tackle

SHEET
2 To familiarize the players with
4 the
To rugby ballplayers to the ruck & maul
introduce
3 Develop the players passing & receiving of the ball

4 Continue with evasion games

2. Objectives
5 Introduce the players to different types of tackling
1 Develop the players skills when running with the ball
6 Introduce the players to the lineout
1. Goals 2 To familiarize the players with the rugby ball
1 To continue to develop the players basic skills 3 Develop the players passing & receiving of the ball
2 To help the players enjoy rugby 4 Continue with evasion games
3 U8’s COACHING STRATEGY
To introduce the players different types of tackle SHEET
5 Introduce the players to different types of tackling
4 To introduce players to the ruck & maul 6 Introduce the players to the lineout

3. Drills & Exercises

2. Objectives
1 Evasion
Developgames, e.g. bulldog,
the players tagrunning
skills when other team, stuck
with the
U8’s COACHING STRATEGY SHEET
ball in the mud

2 Agility, Balance,
To familiarize theCoordination, e.g.
players with the relays,
rugby balllunges, squats, etc
3 Ball handling,
Develop reach for
the players the ball,
passing point to of
& receiving passing
the balltarget, e.g. passing waves

4 Ball handling
Continue withgames,
evasione.g. how many passes, end ball
games 3. Drills & Exercises
5 Tackling,
Introduceside, front, from
the players behindEvasion
to different games,
types of e.g. bulldog, tag other team, stuck in the mud
tackling
6 Ruck,
Introduce the players to
ball placement, Agility,
the lineout
protect head, Balance,
push Coordination,
ball towards e.g. relays, lunges, squats, etc
own team
Ball handling, reach for the ball, point to passing target, e.g. passing waves
Maul, Ball carrier plus rip the ball.

Lineout, jumping & throwing theBall

ballhandling games, e.g. how many passes, end ball

U8’s COACHING STRATEGY SHEET

Tackling, side, front, from behind

NOTES Ruck, ball placement, protect head, push ball towards own team
Maul, Ball carrier plus rip the ball.

Lineout, jumping & throwing the ball

3. Drills & Exercises
. bulldog, tag other team, stuck in the mud
ordination, e.g. relays, lunges, squats, etc
for the ball, point to passing target, e.g. passing waves

s, e.g. how many passes, end ball

from behind
nt, protect head, push ball towards own team
us rip the ball.
hrowing the ball
 4. Skills Addressed (under 8)
CORNERSTONE SKILL Tick when covered
Catch & Pass Basic pass
Picking up a ball/ falling on a ball
Placing ball on ground
Receiving a pass
Tap kick & pass

Ball Carry & Evasion Swerve

Holding a ball

The Tackle On knees

Walking speed
Side
Front
Behind

The Ruck Falling with the Ball

Ball placement

Kicking Grubber

Catching a high ball

Set-piece Lineout Jumping

Throwing
3 Man Maul

NOTES
THE PLAYER – PLAYS
U10 - WHAT CAN I DO?

I do not understand the concept of depth. I am beginning to understand that the game
can have a pace of play.
I have limited appreciation for space.
I am beginning to have some measure of
I am developing an understanding of ‘width’. positional play, closely aligned to my level of
understanding.
I am beginning to think in terms of making
planned passing more of a realistic tactical I can only kick the ball accurately over a
option. short distance and usually only with one
foot.
I will move to open areas to receive passes
when given time to assess how to help my I can and usually will run away from
teammates. pressure.
 2. Objectives
2 To help the players enjoy rugby

U9’S COACHING STRATEGY

1 Develop the players skills when
3 To running with the
introduce theplayers
ball to different types of
tackle & falling in the tackle
2 Introduce the players to falling in the tackle

3 Develop the players passing & receiving of the ball

SHEET
4 Introduce the players to the draw & pass

5 Introduce the players to different types of tackling

2. Objectives
6 Introduce the players to the scrum
1 Develop the players skills when running with the ball
U9’s COACHING STRATEGY SHEET
2 Introduce the players to falling in the tackle
1. Goals
3 Develop the players passing & receiving of the ball
1 To continue to develop the players basic skills
4 Introduce the players to the draw & pass
2 To help the players enjoy rugby
5 Introduce the players to different types of tackling
3 To introduce the players to different types of
tackle & falling in the tackle 6 Introduce the players to the scrum

U9’s COACHING STRATEGY SHEET

3. Drills & Exercises
Evasion games, e.g. bulldog, tag other team, stuck in the mud
2. Objectives
Agility, Balance, Coordination, e.g. relays, lunges, squats, etc
1 Ball
Develop the players
handling, skills
reach for thewhen
ball, running
point to with the ball
passing target, passing backwards, e.g. passing waves
2 Introduce the players to falling in the tackle
Ball handling games, e.g. how many passes, end ball,
3 Develop the players passing & receiving of the ball
Tackling, side, front, from behind, falling in the tackle 3. Drills & Exercises
4 Introduce the players to the draw & pass
Ruck, ball placement, protect head,Evasion
pushgames, e.g. bulldog,
ball towards tag other team, stuck in the mud
own team
5 Introduce the players to different types of tackling
Agility, Balance, Coordination, e.g. relays, lunges, squats, etc
Maul, Ball carrier plus rip the ball.
6 Introduce the players to the scrum
Lineout, jumping & throwing theBall ballhandling, reach for the ball, point to passing target, passing backwards, e.g. passing wave
U9’s COACHING
Scrum, STRATEGY
3 man scrum, body Ball handling
position, SHEET
bend atgames, e.g. how
hips, head up many passes, end ball,
Tackling, side, front, from behind, falling in the tackle
NOTES Ruck, ball placement, protect head, push ball towards own team

Maul, Ball carrier plus rip the ball.

Lineout, jumping & throwing the ball
Scrum, 3 man scrum, body position, bend at hips, head up

3. Drills & Exercises

. bulldog, tag other team, stuck in the mud
ordination, e.g. relays, lunges, squats, etc

for the ball, point to passing target, passing backwards, e.g. passing waves
s, e.g. how many passes, end ball,

, from behind, falling in the tackle

nt, protect head, push ball towards own team

us rip the ball.

throwing the ball

m, body position, bend at hips, head up
 4. Skills Addressed (under 9)
CORNERSTONE SKILL Tick when covered
Catch & Pass Basic pass

Picking up a ball/ falling on a ball

Placing ball on ground

Receiving a pass
Tap kick & pass

Ball Carry & Evasion Swerve

Side Step
Holding a ball

The Tackle On knees

Walking speed
Side

Front
Behind

The Ruck Falling with the Ball

Ball placement

Kicking Grubber

Catching a high ball

Set-piece Lineout Jumping

Throwing

3 Man Maul
Scrum Binding

Body Position

NOTES
 2 To Develop the players set piece techniques

U10’S COACHING STRATEGY

3 To introduce the players to different types of
tackle & falling in the tackle 1. Goals
1 To continue to develop the players basic skills
2. Objectives
2 To Develop the players set piece techniques
1 Develop the players skills when running with the ball

SHEET
3 To introduce the players to different types of
2 Develop the players set piece techniques
tackle & falling in the tackle
3 Develop the players passing & receiving of the
2.ball
Objectives
4 Introduce the players to the
1 draw & pass
Develop the players skills when running with the ball
1. Goals
5 Develop the players techniques for different
2 Develop types
the players setofpiece techniques
tackling
1 To continue to develop the players basic skills 3 Develop the players passing & receiving of the ball
2 U10’s COACHING4STRATEGY
To Develop the players set piece techniques SHEET
Introduce the players to the draw & pass
3 To introduce the players to different types of 5 Develop the players techniques for different types of
tackle & falling in the tackle tackling

2. Objectives U10’s COACHING STRATEGY SHEET

3. Drills & Exercises
1 Develop the players skills when running with the ball
Handling games, e.g. how many passes, end ball, passing rounders, etc..
2 Develop the players set piece techniques

3 Agility,
Develop Balance, Coordination,
the players e.g. sumo,
passing & receiving sideball
of the step & swerve
3. Drills & Exercises
4 Ball handling,
Introduce reach for
the players the draw
to the ball, &
point
passto passing target, passing backwards, e.g. passing waves
Handling games, e.g. how many passes, end ball, passing rounders, etc..
5 Decision making,
Develop the draw
players defender
techniques for&different
pass totypes
support
of
tackling Agility, Balance, Coordination, e.g. sumo, side step & swerve
Tackling, side, front, from behind, falling in the tackle
U10’s
Ruck,COACHING STRATEGY
ball placement, protect SHEET
Ball handling, reach for the ball, point to passing target, passing backwards, e.g. passing waves
head, push ball towards own team, support step over player & ball
Decision making, draw defender & pass to support
Maul, Ball carrier plus rip the ball.
Tackling, side, front, from behind, falling in the tackle
Lineout, jumping & throwing theRuck,
ball, ball
introduce calls
placement, protect head, push ball towards own team, support step over player & ball
3.scrum,
Scrum, 3 man Drills body
& Exercises
position, bend at hips, head up
Maul, Ball carrier plus rip the ball.
g. how many passes,
Kicking, end ball,
Grubber & passing rounders,
chip, e.g. No etc..
man’s land, prison breakthe ball, introduce calls
Lineout, jumping & throwing
ordination, e.g. sumo, side step & swerve
Scrum, 3 man scrum, body position, bend at hips, head up
NOTES
for the ball, point to passing target, passing backwards, e.g. passing waves
Kicking, Grubber & chip, e.g. No man’s land, prison break
aw defender & pass to support

from behind, falling in the tackle

t, protect head, push ball towards own team, support step over player & ball

us rip the ball.

hrowing the ball, introduce calls

m, body position, bend at hips, head up

chip, e.g. No man’s land, prison break

 4. Skills Addressed (under 10)
CORNERSTONE SKILL Tick when covered
Catch & Pass Basic pass

Picking up a ball/ falling on a ball

Placing ball on ground

Receiving a pass

Tap kick & pass

Ball Carry & Evasion Swerve

Side Step
Holding a ball

The Tackle On knees

Walking speed

Side
Front

Behind

The Ruck Falling with the Ball

Ball placement

Support Players Bind & Drive

Kicking Grubber

Catching a high ball

Chip

Set-piece Lineout Jumping

Throwing
3 Man Maul

Scrum Binding

Body Position

NOTES
THE PLAYER – PLAYS
U12 - WHAT CAN I DO?

I am beginning to develop ‘pre-control’: I am generally pre-pubescent, but some size

vision and decision making before the ball and weight differences related to growth are
arrives. very evident.

I can attack and defend with a high level of I can control and change the pace of play.
complexity.
I am beginning to understand the concept of
I can defend with power and aggression. space.

I can kick the ball with a wide range of

techniques.
 2. Objectives
1 Develop the players continuity skills

U11’S COACHING STRATEGY

1. Goals
2 Develop the players set piece techniques
1 To continue to develop the players basic skills
3 Develop the players passing & receiving of the ball
2 To Develop the players set piece techniques
4 Develop the players draw & pass skills

SHEET
3 To develop the players ruck & maul skills
5 Develop the players techniques for different types of
tackling
2. Objectives
1 Develop the players continuity skills

2 Develop the players set piece techniques

1. Goals
1
U11’s COACHING STRATEGY
To continue to develop the players basic skills
SHEET
3 Develop the players passing & receiving of the ball
4 Develop the players draw & pass skills
2 To Develop the players set piece techniques
5 Develop the players techniques for different types of
3 To develop the players ruck & maul skills tackling

2. Objectives 3. Drills & Exercises

1 Handling
Developgames,
the players
e.g.continuity
how many skills
U11’s COACHING STRATEGY SHEET
passes, end ball, passing rounders, etc..
2 Develop the players set piece techniques
Agility, Balance, Coordination, e.g. sumo, side step & swerve
3 Develop the players passing & receiving of the ball
Ball handling, reach for the ball, point to passing target, passing backwards, e.g. passing waves
4 Develop the players draw & pass skills
Decision making, draw defender & pass to support
5 Develop the players techniques for different types of
Tackling,
tackling side, front, from behind, falling in the tackle, close down space 3. Drills & Exercises
Ruck, ball placement, protect head, push games,
Handling ball towards own
e.g. how team,
many support
passes, endstep
ball,over player
passing & ball etc..
rounders,

Maul, Ball carrier plus rip the ball,Agility,

bind Balance,
in together in scrum formation
Coordination, e.g. sumo, side step & swerve

U11’s COACHING STRATEGY Ball handling,

Lineout, jumping & throwing the ball,
SHEET
use callsreach for the ball, point to passing target, passing backwards, e.g. passing waves
Decision
Scrum, 5 man scrum, body position, bendmaking,
at hips,draw
headdefender & pass to support
up, binding
Tackling,
Kicking, Grubber & chip, drop kick, side,
e.g. No front,
man’s fromprison
land, behind, falling in the tackle, close down space
break
Ruck, ball placement, protect head, push ball towards own team, support step over player & bal
NOTES Maul, Ball carrier plus rip the ball, bind in together in scrum formation
3. Drills & Exercises
Lineout, jumping & throwing the ball, use calls
e.g. how many passes, end ball, passing rounders,
Scrum,etc..
5 man scrum, body position, bend at hips, head up, binding
oordination, e.g. sumo, side step & swerve Kicking, Grubber & chip, drop kick, e.g. No man’s land, prison break

h for the ball, point to passing target, passing backwards, e.g. passing waves

draw defender & pass to support

nt, from behind, falling in the tackle, close down space

ent, protect head, push ball towards own team, support step over player & ball

plus rip the ball, bind in together in scrum formation

& throwing the ball, use calls

um, body position, bend at hips, head up, binding

& chip, drop kick, e.g. No man’s land, prison break

 4. Skills Addressed (under 11)
CORNERSTONE SKILL Tick when covered
Catch & Pass Basic pass

Picking up a ball/ falling on a ball

Placing ball on ground

Receiving a pass

Tap kick & pass

Passing the ball off the ground

Ball Carry & Evasion Swerve

Side Step

Change of Pace

Holding a ball

The Tackle Side

Front

Behind

The Ruck Falling with the Ball

Ball placement

Support Player Step Over Ball & Player

Kicking Grubber

Catching a high ball

Chip

Drop Kick

Set-piece Lineout Jumping

Throwing

3 Man Maul

Calls

Scrum Binding
Body Position

NOTES
 1. Goals

U12’S COACHING STRATEGY

1 To continue to develop the players basic skills 1. Goals

2 To Develop the players set piece techniques 1 To continue to develop the players basic skills

2 To Develop the players set piece techniques

3 To develop the players ruck & maul skills

SHEET
3 To develop the players ruck & maul skills
4 To introduce the players to ways of supporting
the ball carrier 4 To introduce the players to ways of supporting
U12’s COACHING STRATEGY SHEET
2. Objectives
the ball carrier

2. Objectives
1 Develop the players continuity skills
1. Goals 1 Develop the players continuity skills
2 Develop the players set piece techniques
1 To continue to develop the players basic skills 2 Develop the players set piece techniques
3 Introduce the players to team work, support etc..
2 To Develop the players set piece techniques 3 Introduce the players to team work, support etc..
43 Develop the players draw & pass skills
To develop the players ruck & maul skills 4 Develop the players draw & pass skills
54 Develop
To thethe
introduce players techniques
players to ways offor different types of5
supporting Develop the players techniques for different types of
tackling
the ball carrier tackling

2. Objectives
3. Drills & Exercises 3. Drills & Exercises
1 Develop the players continuity skills
Handling games, Handling games, e.g. how many passes, end ball, passing rounders, etc..
2 Develop the e.g. how set
players many passes,
piece end ball, passing rounders,
techniques etc..

Agility, Balance,the
3 Introduce Coordination, e.g. sumo,
players to team work,side & swerve Agility, Balance, Coordination, e.g. sumo, side step & swerve
step etc..
support
Ball handling, reach for the ball, point to passing target, passingBall handling, reach
backwards, for the ball,
e.g. passing waves point to passing target, passing backwards, e.g
4 Develop the players draw & pass skills
Decision making, draw defender & pass to support
Decision
5 Developmaking,
the draw defender
players & pass
techniques fortodifferent
support types of
tackling Tackling, side, front, from behind, falling in the tackle, close down space
Tackling, side, front, from behind, falling in the tackle, close down space
Ruck, ball placement, protect head, push ball towards own team, support step
Ruck, ball placement, protect head, push ball towards own team, support step over player & ball
3. Drills & Exercises
Maul, Ball carrier plus rip the ball, bind in together in scrum formation
Maul, Ball carrier plus rip the ball, bind in together in scrum formation
Lineout,
Handling games, e.g. how many passes, end ball, passing rounders, etc.. jumping & throwing the ball, use calls
Lineout, jumping & throwing the ball, use calls
Agility, Balance, Coordination, e.g. sumo, side step & swerve Scrum, 5 man scrum, body position, bend at hips, head up, binding
Scrum, 5 man scrum, body position, bend at hips, head up, binding
Kicking, Grubber
Ball handling, reach for the ball, point to passing target, passing backwards, & chip,
e.g. passing drop kick, e.g. No man’s land, prison break
waves
Kicking, Grubber & chip, drop kick, e.g. No man’s land, prison break
Decision making, draw defender & pass to support Supporting ball carrier, look to get behind & run towards space
Supporting ball carrier, look to get behind & run towards space
Tackling, side, front, from behind, falling in the tackle, close down space

Ruck, ball placement, protect head, push ball towards own team, support step over player & ball
NOTES
Maul, Ball carrier plus rip the ball, bind in together in scrum formation

Lineout, jumping & throwing the ball, use calls

Scrum, 5 man scrum, body position, bend at hips, head up, binding

Kicking, Grubber & chip, drop kick, e.g. No man’s land, prison break

Supporting ball carrier, look to get behind & run towards space
 U12’s COACHING STRATEGY SHEET
U12’s COACHING STRATEGY SHEET
4. Skills Addressed (under 12)
CORNERSTONE 4. Skills Addressed
SKILL (under 12) Tick when covered
Catch & Pass Basic pass
CORNERSTONE SKILL Tick when covered
Spin pass
Catch & Pass Basic pass
Receiving a pass
Spin pass
Tap kick & pass
Receiving
Passing a the
the ball off pass
ground
Tap kick & pass

Ball Carry & Evasion Passing the Swerve

ball off the ground
Side Step
Change of Pace
Ball Carry & Evasion Swerve
Holding a ball
Side Step
Hand Off
Change of Pace
Holding a ball
The Tackle Side
Hand
FrontOff
Behind

The Tackle Side

The Ruck Falling Front
with the Ball
Ball placement
Behind
Support Player Clearing Over the Ball

The Ruck Falling with the Ball

Kicking Grubber
Ball placement
Catching a high ball
Support Player Clearing
Chip Over the Ball
Drop Kick

Kicking Punt
Grubber
Catching a high ball
Set-piece Lineout Jumping
Chip
Throwing
Drop Kick
5 Man Maul
Punt
Calls

Movement in the Line

Set-piece Lineout
Scrum Jumping
Binding

Body Position
Throwing
5 Man Maul

Calls
Movement in the Line
Scrum Binding

Body Position
SAMPLE CORNERSTONE
SESSION PLANS
CATCH PASS
Session 1

SESSION AIM: To improve the players ability to execute the basics of

catching and passing a rugby ball

TIME ACTIVITY
Before Session Team Preview – Coaches and Players
Very briefly layout Session Focus, Plan and Expectations.
Praise.
5-10mins WARM-UP – Roller Ball

10-15 mins GAME 1 – PIGGY IN THE MIDDLE (Mini 1) or END BALL GATES
(Mini 2,3 & 4)

10mins REDUCED ACTIVITY 1 – WAVES 4x4 passing grid

10 mins REDUCED ACTIVITY 2 – PASSING RELAYS

15-20 mins GAME 2 – SQUEEZE BALL

5 mins Team Reflection – Feedback with players.

Fix on positive outcomes from the session. Question players to
check their understanding on session focus as outlined in Team
Preview and how they overcame the challenges in the session.
Ask how they enjoyed the session and what they think they
need to work on. Give them an individual challenge to do
before next session.

After Session Coach Reflection -Traffic Lights

CATCH AND PASS

 Mini Rugby – ROLLER BULLDOG

How to Play
• Bulldogs will stand either side of the runway
and roll (NOT THROW!) balls to the far side.
• Bulldogs must execute a good rugby pass
• Runners will start at one end and on coach’s
whistle try to get to the other end without
being touched by a ball.
• If touched they join the bulldogs.
• Last man standing wins.
• Restart changing the bulldogs.

Mini Rugby – Roller Bulldog

Cornerstone Focus Variation:
Ball Carry, Evasion & Continuity
Increase Challenge
• Focus is on all players using • Increase player numbers
footwork to evade (monitor activity levels)
Desired outcomes:
1. Using footwork to evade balls • Decrease width of pitch
and fellow players • More Balls
Decrease Challenge
50% 100% • Add 1 or 2 Bulldogs in the middle
• Reduce Player Numbers who can also tag players with a
• Reduce number of bulldogs What to watch for and ball.
• Increase width of pitch Coaching Cues:
• Reduce number of balls “Feet”
• Footwork
• Power off the ‘inside foot’
• Change of pace
Coaching Questions:
Reflection
• What evasion techniques • Why did the players enjoy this
did you use? activity?
• Can these techniques be • How would I rate activity levels in
this activity?
used in a game?

NOTES
 Mini Rugby – PIGGY IN THE MIDDLE

How to Play
• 10m x 10m Grid
• 3v3 or 4v4
• Players can move and run in any direction
• Can’t run with the ball
• Can’t touch opposition
• If get 5 passes in row it’s counted as a score and
handover possession to other team
• If used as a warm-up can add that player must do
a certain movement after they pass e.g. squat,
lunge, push-up, sit up
• If used as a warm-up players have to use a
certain type of movement e.g. hop, skip, bound,
gallop, shuffle sideway left/right, backwards etc.

PIGGY IN THE MIDDLE

Decrease Challenge Increase Challenge
Catch & Pass • Decrease size of grid
• Increase size of grid
• Defender must keep 1m • Allow defenders knock ball out
Desired outcomes
away from ball carrier of ball carriers hands
- Players catch and pass using
• Decrease number of • Increase number of passes
good technique
players 50%- Players run to space to receive100% required to score
pass • Allow ball carrier to run 3 steps
• Increase numbers
What to watch for & Coaching • Make a rule it must be a
Cues: certain type of pass e.g. left
hand, right hand, above head
“Welcome the Ball” etc.
- W with hands • Player must pass within 2 secs

Coaching Questions: “Pass to the Player”

Reflection
• What should the players - Like “Spiderman shooting • How many touches of the
without the ball be doing? webs” ball did player x, y & z get?
• What can you do to help
the ball carrier?

NOTES
 Mini Rugby – END BALL

How to Play
• 20m x 20m Pitch
• Max 8 v 8
• Players can move and run in any direction
• Can’t run with the ball
• Can’t touch opposition
• If a player catches the ball over the
opposition End Line it’s a score
• If used as a warm-up can add that player must
do a certain movement after they pass e.g.
squat, lunge, push-up, sit up
• If used as a warm-up players have to use a
certain type of movement e.g. hop, skip,
bound, gallop, shuffle sideway left/right,
backwards etc.

END BALL
Decrease Challenge Increase Challenge
Catch & Pass
• Increase size of pitch • Decrease size of pitch
• Defender must keep 1m • Allow defenders knock ball out
Desired outcomes
away from ball carrier of ball carriers hands
- Players catch and pass using
• Decrease number of • Increase number of passes
good technique
players 50%- Players run to space to receive100% required to score
pass • Allow ball carrier to run 3 steps
• Increase numbers
What to watch for & Coaching • Make a rule it must be a
Cues: certain type of pass e.g. left
hand, right hand, above head
“Welcome the Ball” etc.
- W with hands • Player must pass within 2secs

Coaching Questions: “Pass to the Player”

Reflection
• What should the players - Like “Spiderman shooting • How many touches of the
without the ball be doing? webs” ball did player x, y & z get?
• What can you do to help
the ball carrier?

NOTES
 Mini Rugby – WAVES 4x4 PASSING

How to Play
• 10m x 10m Grid
• 3x3 or 4x4 or 5x5
• Pass ball from one end of the line to the
other
• Pass ball to the next line who then advance
in the opposite direction

WAVES 4x4 PASSING

Decrease Challenge Increase Challenge

Catch & Pass
• Decrease width of grid •
Increase width of grid
• Increase distance between Desired outcomes
•
Decrease distance between
waves - Players catch and pass using waves
good technique • Add a 2nd Ball
50%- Players run onto the ball 100% • Add 1 or 2 defenders in
middle of grid
What to watch for & Coaching Cues:
• Coach Calls Pass Sequence
“Set” e.g. 1 to 3 to 2
HIPS & HANDS
“Hips”
- Hips Square to Opposition Try-Line
Coaching Questions: - Outside foot forward
• Why do we say pass to the “Hands”
player? - Hands above hip
Reflection
• What does a good pass feel “Welcome the Ball” • How would I rate the technique
like? - W with hands of player x, y & z get?
• What can I do to improve that
“Pass to the Player” player?
- Like “Spiderman shooting webs”

NOTES
 Mini Rugby – SQUEEZE/CHAIN BALL

How to Play
• 20m x 20m Pitch
• Max 8 v 8
• A tackle is 2 handed touch on the waist
• When a player is tackled all the defender’s
come in & form a chain leaving space on the
outside.
• The tackled player places the ball on the
ground and another player comes and passes
the ball off the ground. Delay this player
passing until the defence has squeezed in.

SQUEEZE/CHAIN BALL
Decrease Challenge Increase Challenge
Catch & Pass
• Reduce Numbers • Decrease size of pitch
• Increase size of pitch Desired outcomes
• Increase numbers
• Hold pass to ensure all - Players catch and pass using good • Allow 1 defender each side
defenders are squeezed in technique of breakdown to stay out
and attack are set wide 50%
- Players set square and run 100% • Bump Tackle
straight to give and receive pass • Full Tackle
• Advance to Rugby Prime (2
What to watch for & Coaching Cues: touch) on 2nd touch
defenders squeeze.
“Get Ready”
- Hips Square to the Try-Line
• Allow attack 4,2,1 tackles
- Outside foot forward before turnover.
- Get width & depth
Coaching Questions:
“Welcome the Ball” Reflection
• Where is the space? • How did rule changes to
- W with hands
• Should we score off every game effect the players
breakdown? “Pass to the Player” behaviour?
• Why aren’t we scoring? - Like “Spiderman shooting
webs”

NOTES
THE RUCK
 Mini Rugby – DYNAMIC CHAIN

How to Play
• 2 players to start game by linking arms.
• Linking players to chase and tip remaining
players.
• When tipped player joins the chain.
• When 4 players are joined, they split to
become 2 groups of 2’s.
• Game continues until all players are caught

NOTES
 Mini Rugby – 1 v 1 Ball Presentation

How to Play
• 1v1
• Line players up along a line in pairs
• Defender holds the ball carrier by the
shoulders while both kneeling facing each
other.
• When the defender releases, the ball carrier
controls the fall to knees, hips, shoulders and
shows the ball (target) for the arriving players
to clean over and beyond the ball.
• Defender gets to his feet as quickly as
possible
• Focus on the ball carrier’s fall and
presentation on the ground

Mini Rugby – 1 v 1 Ball Presentation

Decrease Challenge The Ruck Increase Challenge

• 50% Intensity • Ball Carrier starts from
Desired outcomes: Standing Position
1. the ball carrier controls • For U11 & U12 allow
the fall to knees, hips, defender get to their feet
shoulders and presents the and poach the ball
ball
What to watch for and
Coaching Cues:
Ball Carrier
“Finish”
FIGHT FORWARD-SPRING BACK
“Fight Forward”
-Fight forward – Fall Forward –
Roll Forward
Coaching Questions: - Rip and Roll
• Why go forward first? Reflection
- Man on fire • How did changing distance,
• What do the rules say the - Score a try
ball carrier/tackler must do? height of starting position effect
“Spring Back”
• Where is the offside line in the players success rate?
- Recoil back
the ruck? - Long Body
 Mini Rugby – 1 v 1+1 Ball Presentation

How to Play
• 1v1+1
• Line players up along a line in 3s
• Defender holds the ball carrier by the
shoulders while both kneeling facing each
other.
• Support on knees behind ball carrier
• When the defender releases, the ball carrier
controls the fall to knees, hips, shoulders and
shows the ball (target) for the arriving players
to clean over and beyond the ball.
• Defender gets to his feet as quickly as possible
• Focus on the ball carrier’s fall and
presentation on the ground

Mini Rugby – 1 v 1+1 Ball Presentation

Increase Challenge
The Ruck • Ball Carrier starts from Standing
Decrease Challenge Position
• 50% Intensity Desired outcomes: • Support Player Starts from
1. The ball carrier controls the fall to knees, hips, Standing Position
• No contest shoulders and presents the ball
2. The Support player get to his feet and stays low
• All players start from lying
and clears over the ball position and must get to feet to
start
What to watch for and • Support starts from further away
Coaching Cues: and/or to the side
Ball Carrier
“Finish”
FIGHT FORWARD-SPRING BACK
• For U11 & U12 allow defender
Support get to their feet and poach the
“Anticipate”
WIN -SET LOW- BIND & CLEAR ball and allow support player to
“Win”
- Win the Race
clear poach threat
- Be first there avoid ruck contest
Coaching Questions:
• Why go forward first? “Set Low”
- Height Low to win the shoulder battle
• What do the rules say - L in over the Ball – Square Entry
the ball carrier/tackler/ Reflection
support must do? “Bind & Clear”
- Bind on threats over the Ball
• How could I include a similar
• Why did you win/lose - clear threats away from the ball
- Take off like a plane
activity to this in a more game
that ruck? - Eyes over sunglasses like activity?
• How did that feel?
 Mini Rugby – Rugby Prime (2 touch) Breakdown

How to Play
• 8v8
• 2 touch Rugby Prime.
• Tackle is 2nd 2 handed touch on waist
• Tackled player must go to ground and
present ball with good technique or turnover
i.e. fall forward and on the ground spring
back

Mini Rugby – Rugby Prime (2 Touch) Breakdown

Cornerstone Focus Variation: Increase Challenge
• Focus is on the ruck so adjust rules to
create ruck suitable to skill level e.g.
The Ruck • Increase width of pitch.
down and present only 2nd tackle to full
ruck contest on 2nd tackle Desired outcomes:
• Increase number of
1. Ball carrier presents the ball correctly defenders/players NB monitor
2. Support player wins race to ruck or
eliminates threats to the ball activity levels as numbers
Decrease Challenge 50% 100% increase
• Narrow width of pitch • Ruck race – if D get 2 pillars in
• Reduce number of defenders/
What to watch for and place before ball presented
Coaching Cues: and 1-2 Support in ruck =
players
BALL CARRIER turnover
• No contest at ruck, just work “Finish”
on ball presentation. • Fight Forward – score a try or man on • Increase number of players
• Allow only 50% contest at ruck. fire allowed contest in ruck
• Spring Back – like a fish out of water

SUPPORT
Coaching Questions: “Win the Race” Reflection
• Why did you win/lose that • Get there before opposition • Nominate 3 players and reflect on
ruck? “Get Low” their ruck technique in this game.
• How can ball carrier make • Win the shoulder battle • What will I do differently next
it more difficult for defence “Threat” time?
to compete for ball? • Target the threat over the Ball
BALL CARRY AND EVASION
 Mini Rugby – 1 v 3 Pod

How to Play
• Groups of 4.
• 3 players link arms to form a triangle.
• Front 2 players protect back player by
moving side to side, rotating or forwards and
backwards
• Fourth player with a ball attempts to touch
protected player with the ball.

Mini Rugby – 1 v 3 Pod

Cornerstone Focus Variation: Increase Challenge
Ball Carry, Evasion & Continuity
• Focus is on all players using footwork
to either evade or to catch opponent.
• Player must be tagged with
Desired outcomes:
ball on the back.
1. Using footwork to evade blockers • Player must be tagged with
ball on the legs.
Decrease Challenge
50% 100% • Add another blocker
• Reduce to 1 blocker
• Arrange blockers in a line 1
• Don’t use a ball, just touch What to watch for and behind the other.
with hands. Coaching Cues: • Blockers can knock ball out of
“Feet” tacklers hands.
• Footwork
• Power off the ‘inside foot’

Coaching Questions:
Reflection
• What works in this
• How many of the players
challenge? engaged in this activity?
• Who didn’t engage and why not?

NOTES
 Mini Rugby – BULLDOG

How to Play
• Players will tuck bibs into their shorts as tails.
• Nominate Bulldogs
• Run from one end to the other without
getting tail removed.
• If tail removed, they join the bulldogs.
• If no bibs available can be played as
touch with either 2 handed touch or
Bulldogs have a rugby ball each and
touch player with the ball.
• Last man standing wins.
• Restart changing the bulldogs.

Mini Rugby – Bulldog

Cornerstone Focus Variation:
Ball Carry, Evasion & Continuity
Increase Challenge
• Focus is on all players using footwork
to either evade or to catch opponent.
• Increase player numbers
Desired outcomes:
(monitor activity levels)
1. Using footwork to evade tackler • Decrease width of pitch
• Use bump tackle instead of
Decrease Challenge
50% 100% tag.
• Reduce Player Numbers
• Use full tackle instead of tag.
• Increase width of pitch What to watch for and
Coaching Cues:
“Feet”
• Footwork
• Power off the ‘inside foot’

Coaching Questions:
Reflection
• How do you make it harder • Did I observe my players footwork
for the tackler? in this drill?
• How do you as a Bulldog • What will I do differently next time?
make it harder for you
opponent?

NOTES
 Mini Rugby – 1 v 1 Reduced Activity

How to Play
• 5m x 5m Grid
• Coach calls a colour cone
• Ball carrier and defender run around that
colour cone
• Ball Carrier tries to evade tackler and score
a try
• Tackler 2 handed touch on shorts
• Max 8 players per grid

Mini Rugby 1v1 Activity

Decrease Challenge Increase Challenge

Ball Carry & Evasion
• Increase size of grid • Decrease size of grid
• Release tackler later or Desired outcomes • Release ball carrier later or
from further away - Ball Carrier uses footwork from further
and evasion to avoid tackler • Include a pass to the ball
50% 100% carrier
• Allow bump tackle
What to watch for & Coaching
• Allow full tackle
Cues:
• Make it 2 attacker v 2
defenders
BALL CARRIER
“Feet”
• Footwork
• Power off the ‘inside foot’
Coaching Questions: • Ball in 2 Hands Reflection
• What are the players who • Protect the Ball • What were activity levels?
are scoring doing? • What id player x,y & z learn?
• How can you make it
difficult for the tackler?

NOTES
 Mini Rugby – 3 v 3 or 4 v 4 Reduced Activity

How to Play
• 10m x 10m Grid
• 3v3 or 4v4
• Tackle – 2 handed touch on shorts
• On scoring Player must leave ball and all his
team retreat to halfway.
• Opposition can pick up ball immediately and
play

Mini Rugby 3v3 or 4v4

Decrease Challenge Increase Challenge

Ball Carry & Evasion
• Increase size of grid • Decrease size of grid
• Slow game down between Desired outcomes • Tackled player must roll ball
breakdowns and insist on - Ball Carrier uses footwork and towards opposition try line
opposition being back x evasion to avoid tackler and and freeze until opposition
meters. 50% keeps ball alive 100% pick up the ball
• Tackler has to retreat to • Tackled player must roll ball
What to watch for & Coaching
his own try line before he Cues: towards opposition try line
can rejoin game. and all his/her team must
“Feet” retreat to their try line
Footwork before they can play
Power off the ‘inside foot’
Ball in 2 Hands
Protect the Ball
Coaching Questions:
“Fight” Reflection
• Why did you score that
Leg Drive • How many touches of the
try? ball did player x, y & z get?
Fight the tackle
• What did you see when
you decided to carry/pass? “Play”
Pass to your team or “Finish”

NOTES
 Mini Rugby – RUGBY PRIME (2 Touch)

How to Play
• 8v8
• 20m x 20m (adjust to players ability)
• Tackle – 2 handed touch on shorts
• On 1st Tackle Ball Carrier can keep playing
but can’t score
• On 2nd Tackle (different defender) Ball
Carrier must take action dependent on
coaching focus e.g. stop and pass, turnover,
go down and present ball etc. etc.
• On scoring a try ball is left on ground and
opposition can play straight away

Coaching Challenge
• Only speak when the ball is in play.
• Get 3 pieces of feedback from a co-coach.

Mini Rugby – Rugby Prime (2 Touch)

Cornerstone Focus Variation: Increase Challenge
• Focus is on continuity so adjust rules to Ball Carry, Evasion & Continuity • Increase player numbers
keep ball alive depending on skill level
e.g. stop and pass on 2nd tackle to (monitor activity levels)
turnover on 2nd tackle Desired outcomes:
1. Using footwork to evade tackler and keep ball
• Decrease width of pitch
available • No footwork from ball carrier =
2. Passing to support runners to maintain
turnover
Decrease Challenge continuity
50% 100% • Ball not in 2 hands turnover
• Reduce Player Numbers • On 2nd Tackle Turnover
• Increase width of pitch What to watch for and • Bump Tackle only i.e. foot in
• Restart after a score at Coaching Cues: shoulder on – no grab/follow
half-way line through
“Feet” • All attacking term must be in
• Allow more time to pass • Footwork attacking half/specified zone to
after 2nd tackle • Power off the ‘inside foot’ score a try
• Ball in 2 Hands
• Protect the Ball
Coaching Questions: “Fight” Reflection
• How do you make it harder • Leg Drive • How many players achieved todays
for the tackler? • Fight the tackle desired outcome?
• What does the ball carrier/ “Play” • What will I do differently next time?
support need to do after
• Pass to your team or “Finish”
the 1st tackle?
THE TACKLE
 Mini Rugby – 1 v 1 SHADOW GRID Reduced Activity

How to Play
• Max 8 players per grid
• 10m x 10m Grid
• Tackler cannot cross his line until ball
carrier decides to cross his line.
• Ball Carrier tries to evade tackler and score
a try over the defender’s line.
• Tackler 2 handed touch on shorts

Game – Shadow
Decrease Challenge Increase Challenge
• 1v1 in warmup (all players in an Cornerstone – The Tackle • Increase numbers 3v3, 4v4 etc
area) • Vary pitch size and starting point to
• Give additional time for players Desired outcomes: challenge defensive movement
to understand their roles. - Players are tracking ▪ Each player pairs with opposition
• Less players on pitch 50% opposition 100% partner - They are the only ones
• Walking pace who can tackle their partner
• Coach counts down “3, 2, 1”, the - Staying Square and going
▪ Attacker has to offload within 2 steps
ball cannot be passed until 1 forward of tackle
giving additional time for the -players adjust footwork in to ▪ Allow turnover on e.g. 3 touch to
defence to organise contact allow for transition A-D,D-A
▪ Allow Bump Tackle
What to watch for & Coaching Cues:
“Go” ▪ Allow Full Tackle
LOOK-LINK-LINE
“Look”
-Scan
-Spatial Awareness
Coaching Questions: “Link”
- Link with your team get Spacing
- What will the attacker do if you don’t - Chest square
“chop” your feet to get your balance “Line”
-Get off the line
before making the tackle? Reflection
”Balance” • Was the level of challenge about right for
- Who will have the advantage if the CHOP-STAY BIG the desired outcomes
defender stays still and doesn’t come “Chop”
-Boxers Feet - Front load/Balls of feet • Did the defender achieve what I wanted and
forward? -Boxers Arms - Hands ready to wrap display understanding.
“Stay Big” • Identify players if any that may need further
-Stay Loaded help .
-Head up
• Was session enjoyable for players, did I
delegate coaching to assistants?

NOTES
 Mini Rugby – WALK RUGBY– DEFENCE FOCUS

How to Play
• Max 8 v 8
• 20m x 20m (adjust to players ability)
• Players can only WALK
• Full tackle
• Ball carrier can pass out of tackle
• No defensive breakdown contest allowed
• On scoring a try ball is left on ground and
opposition can play straight away
• Or On Scoring Turn and Burn (i.e. scoring
team keeps ball and attacks in opposite
direction straight away)

Mini Rugby – Walk Rugby – Defence Focus

Cornerstone Focus Variation: Increase Challenge
• Focus on tackle technique – walking The Tackle • Increase player numbers
depowers the tackle and gives
advantage to tackler (monitor activity levels)
Desired outcomes: • Decrease width of pitch
1. Tackler using good tackle technique
in the final “go” phase of making a • Encourage ball carrier to
tackle “fight” through tackle
Decrease Challenge
• Reduce Player Numbers 50% 100% • To increase intensity - On tackle
• Increase width of pitch being called all players must
• Bump Tackle only i.e. foot in
shoulder on – no grab/follow through What to watch for and get on ground and back up
• Restart after a score at half-way line Coaching Cues: before they can play the ball or
• Countdown “1-2-3” after tackle “Go”
before ball can be passed to allow tackle
more time for defence to organise EYES-FEET-BITE • Use a second ball to restart
“Eyes”
-look over your sunglasses game– coach throws into game
“Feet” at random restarts (throw to
-Foot in players not engaging)
-Boxers Jab - Punch through BC
shoulder on – hit don’t be hit
Coaching Questions: “Bite” Reflection
• What is the correct tackle -Wrap – Chop - Squeeze • What words/coaching cues did I use
technique? -Drop & Shock - Head up in this activity?
-Ear in the pocket
• What should your feet/ -Punch one more foot in the ground • Do my players understand my rugby
hands/head etc be doing in -Leg drive – chase and finish on top language?
the tackle?

NOTES
 Mini Rugby – 1 v 1 Tackle

How to Play
• 1v1
• Line players up along a line in pairs
• Vary Distance to depower tackle
1. Players 6” apart (6” Tackle)
2. Players 1 meter apart (1m Tackle)
• Vary Aspect
1. Front
2. Side
3. Behind

Mini
MiniRugby
Rugby- –1 1v v1 3
Tackle
Pod

Decrease Challenge Ball Carry, Evasion & Continuity

Increase Challenge
• 50% Intensity • Increase distance between
• Tackler Starts on 1 knee tackler and ball carrier
• When distance is increased to Desired outcomes:
1m Tackle dictate to ball 1. Tackler using good tackle • Introduce a pass to the ball
carrier which way he must go technique in the final “go” carrier
so tackler knows which 50% phase of making a tackle 100%
shoulder he will tackle with
What to watch for and
Coaching Cues:
“Go”
EYES-FEET-BITE
“Eyes”
-look over your sunglasses
“Feet”
-Foot in
-Boxers Jab - Punch through BC
Coaching Questions: shoulder on – hit don’t be hit
“Bite” Reflection
• What is the correct tackle -Wrap – Chop - Squeeze • How many of the players engaged in
technique? -Drop & Shock - Head up this activity?
• What should your feet/hands/ -Ear in the pocket • Do I have more players with good
head etc be doing in the -Punch one more foot in the ground tackle technique today than I did a
tackle? -Leg drive – chase and finish on top week/month/year ago?
• Is it easier to hit or be hit?

NOTES
 Mini Rugby – RUGBY PRIME (2 Touch)

How to Play
• 8v8
• 20m x 20m (adjust to players ability)
• Tackle – 2 handed touch on shorts
• On 1st Tackle Ball Carrier can keep playing
but can’t score
• On 2nd Tackle (different defender) Ball
Carrier must take action dependent on
coaching focus e.g. stop and pass, turnover,
go down and present ball etc. etc.
• On scoring a try ball is left on ground and
opposition can play straight away

Coaching Challenge
• Only speak when the ball is in play.
• Get 3 pieces of feedback from a co-coach.

Mini Rugby – Rugby Prime (2 Touch)

Cornerstone Focus
The Tackle Increase Challenge
- Setup 6” Tackle on 2nd touch to • Decrease player numbers
achieve a depowered tackle Desired outcomes:
(monitor activity levels)
1. Correct tackle technique • Increase width of pitch
Decrease Challenge 2. Players are tracking opposition • Encourage ball carrier to beat
3. Staying Square and going forward
• Increase Player Numbers the tackle
50% 100%
• 1 touch then tackle • Go to ground offload
• Decrease width of pitch What to watch for and encourage continuity
• Give more time for players • Overload Attacking Numbers
to understand their roles Coaching Cues • All Defence and/or Attack
“Go”
• Overload Defence Numbers LOOK-LINK-LINE
Players do a down & up after
• Reduced activity 1v1 at Tackle before they can play
pitch side running ”Balance” • 2 D into pillar positions
concurrently. CHOP-STAY BIG

“Go”
Coaching Questions: EYES-FEET-BITE
•
Reflection
How many players achieved todays
How can we make it harder for desired outcome?
the attack? • What will I do differently next time?
• Player enjoyment and coach use of
What was the person to your available resources
left/right doing?
How did that tackle feel?

NOTES
 REVIEW
Did I achieve what I had set out for the session?

I.D.E.A
Introduction - Demonstrate - Experience - Assist

What will I, STOP - START - CONTINUE?

Did the Players understand what message

I was giving them?

Be Honest

Each Coach will have different questions they ask

themselves but we would like them to be open
question’s that require more than 1 word response