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What plans do coaches have to deal with players joining?

What plans do coaches have to deal with players joining age groups late, especially where they are joining an age group with full contact?

Rugby CoachCoach

2 answers

ANSWERS

Simon JonesCoach, England

Ian

I would suggest that, since we need them to feel part of the team straight away, you involve them in everything possible but moderate the contact etc until they are up to speed.

It takes a gentle touch to include latecomers but most youngsters will appreciate not being treated as a special case as it makes it harder for them to fit in.

It would be interesting to hear other coaches comments on this.

Simon

Rugby CoachCoach

Ian, You should get him involved right away as Simon say's you could considder a 6 weeks non-playing-just-training periode to start learning the basics rugby skills and insight's. Develop a program, to present to the new player, so he know's what to look forward to. A fun and rugby way to introduce players to the team, so they can feel accepted right away , is to introcue him to a "buddy" for that six weeks. The buddy introduces the player to the members off the team and habits/ rituals of the team. sign him up for some newby activity during that periode. John