Rugby: year

Hi, I’m coaching under 9s next year which involves tackling, mauls, rucks etc. I’m after advise on what to coach first and the amount of time spent on each area. Added to this I’ve somehow become the lead coach after a couple of coaches stepped down (feeling a little under pressure!) Would anybody be willing to share any sessions so I can plan the first month or so. Cheers

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?

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

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.

Coaching 4-8year olds and I want activities that aren't boring as they always seem to mess about. Help?

We have a large squad and need a transparent way to assess our players to justify the team selection - does anyone know of, or use an assessment tool to assess skills in this age group?

i shall be starting coaching later this month, hope fully the under 6s agegroup. does any one have any drills or ball games suitable for this age group? thank you, chris.

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

I will be coaching under 10 next season and need some guidance on how to interpret the rules for the maul?

Any advice on uncontested line out variations?

I saved about 87 drills from last year and my saved plans have beed deleted for this new year. Can I get them back.

you have automatically charged me for this year. Did i agree to this? i want this cancelled so it doesnt hsppen next year. thanks Clare

I purchased a year subscribtionand when i go to plan it keep telling me to ugrade, went in to the members setting and it is showing no active membership. Can youplease help

i get it that you are trying ot make money. but all the drills i had access to last year are now locked and i have to pay more to see what i paid for last year. it kind of sucks. i just wish you could make it all accessible for the sport and those of us who want to do our best at coaching it.

Hey guys,My under 10s side (u9 last year) was really lacking defence and I worked extremely hard with them to start loving the contact and defending as a team. so much that this year their defence is really good but they've falling behind in being able to attack. I started loosely having them play set positions I.e forwards and backs so the forwards pump the hit ups and backs try to spread the ball. it works well in training and they seem to get it but it goes out the window during games.Sundays game was 0-0 for 30mins with the other team slipping in for one try. mind you this same team beat us 52-0 last year.how can I help them start getting points on the board? cheers

Getting quite frustrated that my u10's are not using the space on the pitch and tend to bunch up. Despite various drills and game scenarios to force them to spread out and pass to someone in space they revert in any game to bunching up around the ball and taking it back into the thick of the opposition rather than looking left or right! Any ideas how to change their ways?

Tackling nerves - I coach 10 year old boys. Some are very nervous about being hurt when tackling opponents although the same guys are like lions with the ball in hand. As a result our defence suffers. We have tried hammering home the correct technique to give confidence but to no avail. Can anyone suggest any psychology or drills I might try?

im coaching the under 6's how do i keep them interested in the game

Offside confusion - I have been coaching mini rugby in Scotland for just over a year and had just got used to the idea that the ball is the off side line. Now under the new SRU law variations it is the same as the adult game. Can someone assist with the follwing scenario - A defender comes forward to tackle the ball carrier. The ball carrier side steps the defender and carries on going forward. The defender turns to give chase only to find that the ball carrier has passed the ball backwards across his path in attempt to reach his team-mates. If the defender catches the ball is he off-side? Would the answer to this question change if the defender was on the right side of the ball at the time the interception was made even though he was beyond the ball carrier at the time which the pass was made?

How can I teach 8 year old boys to spin pass