Rugby: u9s

RFU - proposed Mini's rule changes%3A All - just a quick straw poll%3A Have any CLUBS that you are aware of officially come out in SUPPORT of these changes? If not, have they come out officially rejecting the proposed changes, or are they adopting a "wait and see" attitude? Regards Stephe

hi i coach mini rugby to u9s. wondering if you have any useful drill s to 1) introduce positions to group 2) COntrol presentation of ball in tackle

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?

Hi i was just wondering what the regulations were for u9s and the wearing of mouthguards,i have a player that wants to play but he has recently been fitted with braces on his teeth and cannot wear a mouth guard

Hi im a first time coach and is still getting the hang of how the technical details of the game works the back line is my department and whould like any help i can get to know what drills to do and anything helpfull in the backline im currently coaching for the under 9 and 10

Does anyone have a definitive answer to this question%3A can I coach basic tackling skills to U8s now, in preparation for next season, without falling foul of any RFU rules or regulations? Hugo

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....

Good day, Firstly, I would like to introduce myself my name is Werner, I love rugby I still play every chance I get, we live in Western Australia. I help to coach my sons rugby team and have done so for the past two years U7 & U8’s at Mandurah Pirates Rugby Union Football Club and I must say the kids are having a ball. As the kids get more involved and need more input and advise on how to play the game safely I.E Defensive lines, Protecting the ball, Passing, Tackles, etc. I find myself researching more and more to find good coaching materials books, dvds anything to help me as a coach and ultimately the kids. Are there any step by step easy to follow drills that you could recommend us using, I prefer keeping it simple and basic with the youngsters. Regards, Wener.

Under the new U9's rules can they run with a loose ball after picking a ball up off the floor? Or do they have to pass to another player every time the ball goes to ground?

My understanding is the rules state the when the referee calls a tackle the tackled player needs to pass the ball within 3 seconds from the call, regardless if he is on the ground or being held. My question is this, if the player goes to ground and does not make a pop pass but places the ball, do he his team mates have 3 seconds to pick up and pass the ball or an indefinite period while attacking team stays onside?

What options are there for positional play in the U9s game? What formations are recommended in attack or defence? What's a good place to start teaching this? No scrums at this level so that's out of the question. Greatful for any advice. Thank you. Matt Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

We coach U9s and one of the biggest problems is that they all swarm around the ball like bees around honey. We are repeatedly trying to explain the value of not doing this and use of space but to no avail. What coaching techniques can we introduce to get the kids to spread out and not all commit to the breakdown?

Trying to come up with tackle practice for U9s. Needs to be manageable with group of over 30. Any ideas? Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

I coach under 7s and under 8s tag rugby and we often get low numbers at training as low as 2 or 3 any ideas for games for them to play that is related to skills without having to cancel a session. Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

How to improve my u9s attack, we very disjointed and 6-7 newbies in first season

I would like to know what to do so that my u/9 team can attack better.

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?

I coach under 9`s rugby and a lot of the kids have a bad fear of tackling, they lack the confidence to get stuck in. What is the best thing to help them overcome this?

In relation U9's, I've read about the two hands on the ball ruling in U7 tag, Is there a similar requirement in U9's to have both hands on the ball when running etc (this was flagged up by a learned touchline parent?). Can anyone close the loop on this one for me?

Positional rotation at U9 level... I originally posted this as answer to a question about squad rotation, but thought I might get a better response if I posted it as a question in its own right... I have an 8 year old at the age level you are talking about - he isn't the best player at the club by any means, but has his good moments. He loves watching the game, he has a good understanding of the way it is played (to the extent that he has often shouted at the telly over recent weeks at some of our illustrious stars when they're out of position) and he has good handling skills - to be honest he's just not brave enough in the tackle yet, but I know it'll come so I'm not making a big thing of it. However, he and a couple of others are constantly stuck on the wing, and are getting fed up with the fact that they don't get the opportunity to get involved much. The coaches seem to have their "big names" and as you say seem more interested in the short term aims of winning each game rather than trying to keep the lads interested and challenged each week. I know my son's aware that I think they should move them all around, although I have made a point of not criticising the coaches at all - I think he heard me talking about it to someone else. The coaches have talked about moving players to different positions, but haven't done it, and aren't really receptive when they are asked about it. There are two coaches, and the one that seems to have the "casting vote" is pretty autocratic and doesn't seem to accept criticism or suggestions. My son has mentioned about moving to another club, where he may or may not get more of a chance to shine, but I am not sure this is the right move as it may teach him to give up rather than sticking with something. Any thoughts please?