The information on this page can also be downloaded Age Band Guidance for Coaching Girls'.
Using insight from our Athletic Performance Department, we have four blocks in preparing players for the start of the season or introducing new players into the sport.
These can be used to help coaches to plan progressive sessions.
The four building blocks to readiness
STAGE 1
At the start of pre-season, or when a player is new into the sport, use building blocks 1 and 2 to gradually introduce movements and fitness, before introducing contact and rugby movements and skills.
STAGE 2
As players build up their general movement skills and game fitness, use building blocks 2 and 3 to gradually develop contact skills and rugby specific movements and skills. This may not follow a linear process, and coaches are encouraged to progress and regress sessions to support the needs of individuals.
STAGE 3
As players become accustomed to the rules of play for their age band and prepare for competition, use building block 3 and 4 to progress to position-specific activity and game- or team-specific preparation. At this age group players are still growing and developing, and we suggest allowing players the opportunity to try multiple positional skills.
Top tips for coaches
So that players settle in and feel welcome, coaches should:
- Make friends from other clubs: connect with the coaches across the women and girls’ teams so you can have joint sessions to increase numbers at training (non-contact) and help support the player transitions into new age bands. Coaches may find it useful to contact other local clubs to work together or create a cluster to provide playing opportunities.
- Buddy up: ask experienced players to help new players, developing leaders and coaches of the future (be careful not to over burden an experienced player, we still want them to be a player and to feel like they are learning as well). Or use a buddy system to increase connections across friendship groups.
- Keep sessions varied: allow players to explore different actions and playing positions. Try games that use transferable skills, such as football, netball, Aussie-rules. Mix technique practice with decisions making, dialling the pressure up and down as needed.
- Connect with players: get to know your players, so you can plan your sessions to support their development.
- Mix up groups: try different groupings dependent on the activity - mix experienced and new players to help integrate the team or separate experienced and new players to enable experienced players to be challenged and new players to feel confident. Skill zones are great for this.
- Coach to the new tackle height laws: ensure your coaching and refereeing of the game is in line with the current laws of the game.
- Offer alternatives: players who do not wish to play contact rugby can play non-contact versions of the game.
U11 and below
Women in Sport has shown that from a young age, girls are surrounded by expectations and stereotypes that negatively affect how they view and experience sport. By the time they are teenagers, many girls have decided that they do not ‘belong’ in sport. Girls are less confident than boys in their ability, yet they need to feel confident in their ability before they get involved.
If you have girls playing in a mixed team, consider:
- Ask the girls what support they might need.
- Think about how you can build their confidence and belief that they belong in the team.
- Praise other players that demonstrate inclusive behaviour.
- Ensure they have the skills required and confidence in their ability before putting them into a competitive environment. If supported correctly girls thrive in a competitive environment, but not if they don’t feel they have the skills and ability to succeed.
- Run sessions or offer non-contact rugby with other local girls’ teams, older girls’ teams or mixed sessions so they have a choice of playing opportunities.
- Build a volunteer network that will support a girls’ only team.
- Recruit female coaches and volunteers that can act as role models for the girls.
U12
Who are your players?
- First year at secondary school, meeting new friends and trying new sports.
- They could be trying rugby for the first time, or they might be an existing player who is used to being with the boys and playing with experienced players.
- At the early stages of puberty.
| Player | Rugby Experience | Rules of play for age band | Coaching focus to enable progression | Build into | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No rugby played | Potentially playing other sports, may have watched rugby. | 12 a side 5 in a scrum Unlimited number at ruck and maul Handoff allowed below armpit |
Basic actions of pass and catch. Introduce tackle. Principles of play, e.g. ‘go forward’ | More decision making around pass, tackle. Introduce ruck and maul, scrum body position | Games for understanding Skill zones for technique |
| Played non-contact rugby | Running, passing and catching the ball. Some game understanding. | Continue pass and catch Introduce tackle Principles of play e.g. ‘contest possession’ | Games where there is a breakdown to help game understanding to realign | ||
| Played U11 age grade |
9 a side
|
Exploration of some positional skills for all players (players will not need to ‘pick’ a position)
|
Train all players to be able to be in the scrum (body position relevant to tackle, ruck, maul)
|
Continue to use Activate to support physical development and injury prevention Continue game understanding around breakdown |
THE FOUR BUILDING BLOCKS TO READINESS
STAGE 1
| SESSION PURPOSE – WHY IT IS REQUIRED | SESSION FOCUS – WHAT YOU NEED TO DO | TYPE OF ACTIVITY – HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviours | ||
| Social Connection Recruitment and Retention of players in new age group New player/coaches working together |
Integrate players back into a new rugby environment Connection building Confidence building |
Try some non-contact activity with U14 girls and U12 boys (if relevant) to help with transition to new age band/out of the U11 mixed team. Players choose a game/rules/warm ups (empower / discover) Focus on social conversation not rugby specific (freedom) |
| Game Fitness | ||
| Graduated increase in activity to reduce injury risk Players new to sport need to get used to new physical movements |
Functional Movements Running Change of Direction Stop/Start |
ACTIVATE Exercise and games Non-rugby specific games to raise heart rate and encourage different movements Keep ball Crazy tap touch Team races or relays Functional movement skill zones Combination movement walks |
| Actions | ||
| Developing core skills Introducing new actions to players |
Catch Pass Ball carry |
Game Zone – can still be non-rugby specific games, with ‘rugby actions’ Stuck in the Mud Skill Zone – introduce, develop or stretch the action in small groups or individually Individual Competition – challenge individuals to beat their score |
| Game Preparation | ||
| Graduated increase in contact to reduce injury risk Small sided games with smaller pitch means gradual increase in running volume |
Falling Game understanding |
Game Zone – Any direction tag can progress to passing backwards, or rugby pass. Skill Zone – Preparing to tackle games Piggy in the Middle to introduce a defender and supporting the ball carrier |
STAGE 2
| SESSION PURPOSE – WHY IT IS REQUIRED | SESSION FOCUS – WHAT YOU NEED TO DO | TYPE OF ACTIVITY – HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviours | ||
| Social Connection Recruitment and Retention of players in new age group New player/coaches working together |
Integrate players back into a new rugby environment Connection building Confidence building |
Try some non-contact activity with U14 girls and U12 boys (if relevant) to help with transition to new age band/out of the U11 mixed team. Players choose a game/rule/warmups (empower / discover) Focus on social conversation not rugby specific (freedom) |
| Game Fitness | ||
| Continue graduated increase in activity to reduce injury risk Progression in frequency and intensity in practice/games Introduction to movements specific to Tackle/Ruck/Scrum Preparing players to transition to 5 in a scrum/ or learn scrum body position for first time |
Functional movements including Tower of power Running Change of Direction Jump/Land |
Activate Game Game Zone: Small Sided Games – more connections, touches and involvements Tackles make friends Skill Zones Squat |
| Actions | ||
| Developing core skills Improve confidence with evasion and contact skills Introduce and explore positional skills |
Catch Pass Ball carry Tackle Kick Hook ball backwards with foot Ruck Preparing to scrum |
Game Zone – can still be non-rugby specific games, with ‘rugby actions’ Stuck in the Mud Skill Zone – for example tackle progression Squat Individual Competition – challenge individuals to beat their score Exploration of positional skills for everyone |
| Game Preparation | ||
| Graduated increase in contact to reduce injury risk Larger pitch sided games with gradual increase in running volume |
Falling Game understanding Preparing to tackle/scrum Physical robustness – i.e. little and often preparation for contact |
Game Zone – Two Touch Skill Zone – Wrestling games tackle technique Small sided conditioned contact games |
STAGE 3
| SESSION PURPOSE – WHY IT IS REQUIRED | SESSION FOCUS – WHAT YOU NEED TO DO | TYPE OF ACTIVITY – HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviours | ||
| Social Connection Recruitment and Retention of players in new age group New player/coaches working together |
Social connection to new team Connection building Confidence building |
Try some non-contact activity with U14 girls and U12 boys (if relevant) to help with transition to new age band/out of the U11 mixed team. Buddy system for new players |
| Game Fitness | ||
| Continue graduated increase in activity to reduce injury risk Progression in frequency and intensity in practice/games Introduction to movements specific to Tackle/Ruck/Scrum |
Functional movements including Tower of power Running Change of Direction Jump/Land |
Game Zone: Small Sided Games – with and without contact (game specific activities like over-head catching, squatting) Game zone and skill zone example Skill Zones – can increase decision making or intensity if players are competent |
| Actions | ||
| Developing core skills Developing position specific actions |
Catch and pass Ball carry Tackle Kick Hook ball backwards Ruck and maul |
Game Zone: increased numbers, position specific restart. Scrum, kick. Tower Of Power Touch (You would not follow the progression to make this contested 1v1) Skill Zone -develop or stretch actions and/or physical movements – Tag the Tail Individual Competition – decision making, or increased pressure Decreased space on pitch with more numbers – to improve confidence with contact skills and evasion skills |
| Game Preparation | ||
| Ensuring player safety in contact (Players need to be able to perform these elements of the game safely to reduce risk of injury to themselves and others.) Progression in scrum moves from 3 to 5 no push (new role to learn) Game understanding of new rules |
Scrum Game understanding Positional Skills |
Game Zone with specific focus on tackle ruck or set piece – Drop Off Game Skill Zones – Tower Of Power Actions, and Tower of power Key points Small sided conditioned contact games |
Training availablea
| TackleSafe | Kids 1st Contact course and e-learning. | England Rugby Coaching Award | CCD Principles of Scrummaging e-learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| This course helps to support safe, effective coaching and officiating of the tackle. | This course helps to support safe, effective coaching and officiating of the tackle | This course helps you to safely coach and referee the contact areas of the game to support an ERCA coach. | This 2-hour course explores the England Rugby principles of scrummaging and is designed to help coaches, match officials and volunteers explore recent developments in scrum coaching |
U14
Who are your players?
- Players who are more established at secondary school and starting to think about exams.
- Used to playing alongside girls in teams at school or at U12s at club.
- At varying stages of puberty with differing symptoms and worries.
| Player | Rugby Experience | Rules of play for age band | Coaching focus to enable progression | Build into | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No rugby played | Potentially playing other sports, may have watched rugby. | 15 a side 8 in a scrum fully contested No lift uncontested lineout 9 can run or pass Can now also fly-hack, box kick, drop goal and kick conversions |
Movement skills & basic actions of: Run, catch and pass, kick & tackle | Ground based movement skills. More decision making around run, pass, kick, tackle. Introduce ruck and maul, scrum body position | Games for understanding Skill zones for action based and movement skill-based technique |
| Played non-contact rugby | Running, passing and catching the ball. Some game understanding. | Continue catch and pass Introduce kicking, tackle & other ground-based movement skills, including fall to floor. | More decision making around pass, tackle. Introduce ruck and maul, scrum body position | Skill zones to allow introductions to actions, physical movements and ground-based contact. | |
| Played previously | 12 a side 5 in scrum no push with contested strike No lineout 9 must pass at the scrum Only kick permitted is out of hand and drop kick restart |
Exploration of some positional skills (players will not need to ‘pick’ a position) Build up scrum body position under pressure for all positions Individual positional skills (number 8 control of ball) Jump and landing safely. Overhead throwing and catching skills Decision making for players on when to run, and when to pass and when to kick Allowing all players opportunities to explore their kicking |
Train all players to be able to be in the scrum- (the body position is relevant to tackle, ruck, maul) Number 8 can now pick from the base of the scrum. Explore this tactically giving all opportunity. Exploration of catching above head and throwing skills to allow lots of players opportunities to upskill in Game Zones and Skill Zones 8, 9 and 10 practising tactical decision making in defence and attack Skill zones to practise technique and decision making |
Continue to use Activate to support physical development and injury prevention Allow players not in lineout to explore positioning, and be creative with how they will attack and defend from the lineout Continue game understanding around breakdown |
THE FOUR BUILDING BLOCKS TO READINESS
STAGE 1
| SESSION PURPOSE – WHY IT IS REQUIRED | SESSION FOCUS – WHAT YOU NEED TO DO | TYPE OF ACTIVITY – HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviours | ||
| Social Connection Recruitment and Retention of players in new age group New player/coaches working together |
Integrate players back into a new rugby environment Build connections as a new team Confidence building |
Allow some non-contact/multi-sport mixed age group activity with U12/16s to help with transition to new age group. Ensure players feel involved in content and progression pace of sessions - use feedback and informal chat (empowerment) |
| Game Fitness | ||
| Graduated increase in activity to reduce injury risk Non rugby specific, general movement to prepare bodies new to the sport or returning from a break |
Functional Movements Running Change of Direction Stop/Start |
ACTIVATE Game Zone: Small Sided Games – more connections, touches and involvements - Beat the Square Multisport games American Football Touch |
| Actions | ||
| Developing core skills Introducing new actions to players |
Catch Pass Running with the ball Kick |
Game Zone: small sided games – Interceptors Skill Zone: can be exploration of actions, or functional movements Passing game Individual Competition - pass to target |
| Game Preparation | ||
| Graduated increase in contact to reduce injury risk Gradual introduction of new rules of play, to allow learning and development |
Falling Kicking skills |
Game Zone can include falling / landing on the ground Stuck in the mud Skill Zones to be technique based or exploration |
STAGE 2
| SESSION PURPOSE – WHY IT IS REQUIRED | SESSION FOCUS – WHAT YOU NEED TO DO | TYPE OF ACTIVITY – HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviours | ||
| Social Connection for new group Recruitment and Retention of players in new age group Support growth of person and player |
Continue to build connections across coaching and playing group Continue to build confidence of individuals |
Allow some non-contact/multi-sport mixed age group activity with U12/16s to help with transition to new age group. Players choose a game/rules/warm ups Introduce buddy system with players changing age groups |
| Game Fitness | ||
| Continue graduated progressions in activity frequency and intensity to reduce injury risk Players new to sport need to get used to new physical movements Introduction to movements specific to Tackle/Ruck/Scrum/ Lineout |
Functional movements Running Change of direction Stop/Start Jump/Land Wrestle |
Activate Game Game Zone: Small Sided Games – more connections, touches and involvements - Magic Circle Skill Zones: technique focus for new skills, can raise intensity for short bursts for competent skills Hop and Stick Evasion Wrestling Games |
| Actions | ||
| Developing core skills Gradual introduction of new rules and actions needed Preparing to jump/throw/ catch overhead Preparing to scrummage |
Catch Pass Maul Ball carry Tackle Kick Ruck Scrum body position Jump/catch/throw |
Game Zone: use rules/ constraint in the games to support the actions you want to practise Ruck and Tackle Skill Zone – Tag Steal Combo |
| Game Preparationd | ||
| Continue graduated increase in contact to reduce injury risk Ensuring player safety in contact |
Falling Preparing to tackle Preparing to scrum Preparing to lineout |
Game Zone – introduce tactical decision making – Team Run Touch Skill Zone – continue to focus on technique and decision making – Beat the defender – Squat |
STAGE 3
| SESSION PURPOSE – WHY IT IS REQUIRED | SESSION FOCUS – WHAT YOU NEED TO DO | TYPE OF ACTIVITY – HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviours | ||
| Social Connection Recruitment and Retention of players in new age group New player/coaches working together |
Connection building with new age band Continue to build confidence in individuals |
Continue to allow some non-contact mixed age group activity where required, to help with transition to new age group Spend time getting to know new U14 players, buddy system with existing players |
| Game Fitness | ||
| Continue progression in frequency and intensity in practice/games Introduction and progressions in movements specific to Tackle/ Ruck/ Scrum/Lineout jump and throw |
Functional Movements Running Change of Direction Stop/Start Jump/Land Wrestle |
ACTIVATE Game Zone: Small Sided Games – more connections, touches and involvements progressing to larger sided games to increase running volume – Scan Touch Skill Zones: increased intensity for competent actions – Obstacle course/Jump pad |
| Actions | ||
| Continue developing and stretching core skills Continue developing and stretching contact skills Developing position specific skills for new rules of play. |
Catch Pass Maul Ball carry Tackle Kick Ruck Scrum Jump Overhead throw |
Game Zone: use rules/constraints to support actions being coached – Overhead pass Netball Skill Zone: can be used to stretch or develop actions – 2 v 2 Scrum Position specific skill sessions, allowing players to try a variety of positions – Lineout throw footage/Drop Kick masterclass |
| Game Preparation | ||
| Players need to be able to perform these elements of the game safely to reduce risk of injury to themselves and others. Gradual introduction of new rules to allow for learning |
Falling and presenting the ball Tackling with decision making Scrum Kicking tactically Lineout jump and throw |
Game Zone with specific focus on tackle, ruck or set piece – Scrum Touch Skill Zone: to practise specific element of set piece/position specific actions – No 8 control, Lineout preparation Small sided conditioned contact games |
Training available
| TackleSafe | England Rugby Coaching Award | CCD Principles of Scrummaging | CCD Principles of the Lineout | Breakdown Masterclass e-learning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| This course helps to support safe, effective coaching and officiating of the tackle. | This course helps you to Safely coach and referee the contact areas of the game to support an ERCA coach. | This 2-hour course explores the England Rugby principles of scrummaging and is designed to help coaches, match officials and volunteers explore recent developments in scrum coaching | This 2-hour course explores the England Rugby principles of lineout and is designed to help coaches, match officials and volunteers explore recent developments in lineout coaching. | John Mitchell masterclass in the breakdown. |
U16
Who are your players?
- Possibly used to playing alongside girls in teams at school.
- Under pressure with academic studies and exams.
- Worried about their physical appearance and how they are judged by others
- Varying stages of puberty with different concerns and worries about their mental and physical health.
Trying a new sport for the first time, may be unsure about the contact, or enthusiastic to learn contact
| Player | Rugby Experience | Rules of play for age band | Coaching focus to enable progression | Build into | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No rugby played | Potentially playing other sports, may have watched rugby. | 15 a side 8 in a scrum fully contested Lineout – lift and fully contested |
Basic actions of: catch, pass, tackle Introduce Principles of Play |
More decision making around pass, tackle. Introduce ruck/scrum body position, and basics of jump/ lift/throw/kick |
Games for understanding. Skill zones for technique. |
| Played non-contact rugby | Non contact, passing and catching the ball. Some game understanding. | Continue catch and pass Introduce tackle Introduce Principles of Play |
More decision making around pass, tackle. Introduce ruck and scrum body position and jump/ throw/lift/kick |
Skill zones to allow introductions to actions or physical movements | |
| Played previously | 15 a side 8 in scrum fully contested Uncontested lineout with a lift |
Continue exploration of positional skills (late development sport). Continue exploring Principles of play Continue scrum body position under pressure for all positions. Individual positional skills (eg number 8 control of ball) Jump and landing safely. Lifting technique |
Continue to develop players technical skills – catch, pass, tackle, kick Developing ruck, maul, scrum body position, jump/throw/ lift and kicking. Tactical decision making for 8,9 and defence from scrum, allowing players to explore options in attack and defence from set piece. Contesting a jump in the air, person throwing to practise with defence there as well. |
Developing technical and tactical understanding through exploration of Principles of play Continue to use Activate to support physical development and injury prevention. Use of skill zones to support players game readiness & game fitness Compliment with resistance training and /or physical movement activities to help with jump/lift/throw/land. (Activate exercises) |
THE 4 BUILDING BLOCKS TO READINESS
STAGE 1
| SESSION PURPOSE – WHY IT IS REQUIRED | SESSION FOCUS – WHAT YOU NEED TO DO | TYPE OF ACTIVITY – HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviours | ||
| Social Connection Recruitment and Retention of players in new age group New player/coaches working together |
Integrate players back into a new rugby environment Build connections as a new team Confidence building |
Allow some non-contact/multi-sport mixed age group activity with U12/16s to help with transition to new age group. Enable players to choose activities and pace of progressions based on their confidence |
| Game Fitness | ||
| Graduated increase in activity to reduce injury risk Players new to sport need to get used to new physical movements |
Functional Movements Running Change of Direction Stop/Start |
ACTIVATE U15s & U16s Snake run Game Zone: Small Sided Games / Crab walking keep ball Multisport games – Soccerby / American football |
| Actions | ||
| Developing core skills Introducing new actions to players |
Catch Pass Ball carry Kick |
Game Zone: use of different balls - 2 ball touch Skill Zone: technique based Individual Competition for example – kicking – points based skill challenges |
| Game Preparation | ||
| Graduated increase in contact to reduce injury risk Gradual introduction of new rules of play, to allow learning and development |
Falling & wrestling Game understanding Physical robustness – ie little and often preparation for contact movements |
Game Zone which includes falling / presenting Skill Zone: Wrestling Games |
STAGE 2
| SESSION PURPOSE – WHY IT IS REQUIRED | SESSION FOCUS – WHAT YOU NEED TO DO | TYPE OF ACTIVITY – HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviours | ||
| Social Connection for new group Recruitment and Retention of players in new age group Support growth of person and player |
Continue to build connections across coaching and playing group Continue to build confidence of individuals |
Try some non-contact mixed age group activity withU14/U18 to help with transition to new age band. Players choose a game/rules/warm ups |
| Game Fitness | ||
| Continue graduated progressions in activity frequency and intensity to reduce injury risk Players new to sport need to get used to new physical movements Introduction to movements specific to Tackle/Ruck/Scrum |
Functional movements Running Change of direction Stop/Start Jump/Land Wrestle |
Activate through gamea Game Zone: Small Sided Games – more connections, touches and involvements Skill Zones – use to stretch or develop actions and physical movements – Jump & Land Obstacle Course Skill Zones – Footwork and Evasion |
| Actions | ||
| Developing core skills Developing contact skills Develop positional specific skills |
Catch and pass Ruck and maul Ball carry Tackle Kick Scrum |
Game Zone - Wizard touch Skill Zone – Tag the tail |
| Game Preparationd | ||
| Graduated increase in contact to reduce injury risk Preparing to perform game specific actions like scrum, Maul, lineout Ensuring player safety in contact |
Tower of Power Prepare to Scrum Preparing to tackle/scrum Prepare to Lineout |
Game Zone – Can include tackle and ruck Skill Zone – technique focused Some conditioned contact games – Gauntlet |
STAGE 3
| SESSION PURPOSE – WHY IT IS REQUIRED | SESSION FOCUS – WHAT YOU NEED TO DO | TYPE OF ACTIVITY – HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviours | ||
| Social Connection Recruitment and Retention of players in new age group New player/coaches working together |
Connection building with new team Continue to build confidence in individuals Stay connected with leaving players |
Try some non-contact mixed age group activity withU14/U18 to help with transition to new age band. Encourage peer support/Buddy system for new players |
| Game Fitness | ||
| Graduated increase in activity to reduce injury risk Progression in frequency and intensity in practice/games Introduction and progressions in movements specific to Tackle/ Ruck/ Scrum |
Functional Movements Running Change of Direction Jump/Land Wrestle Tower of power |
ACTIVATE Game Zone: some full size pitch games Skill Zones: use to stretch/develop players actions - Managing Contact Game Zone – some full sized pitch games: scrum preparation: Scrum touch |
| Actions | ||
| Developing core skills Developing position specific actions Develop contact skills Ensuring player safety in contact |
Catch and pass Ruck and maul Ball carry Scrum / hook Tackle Kick Lineout – lift/jump/throw |
Game Zone – Ring of chaos Skill Zone – technical detail/challenge Individual Competition – decision making, or increased pressure for example – hooker throw – points based skill challenges Skill zone – squat |
| Game Preparation | ||
| Players need to be able to perform these elements of the game safely to reduce risk of injury to themselves and others. Developing understanding scrum/lineout Game understanding of laws of the game |
Scrum Game understanding Positional Skills Lineout – Lift/jump/throw Tackle |
Game Zone with specific focus on tackle ruck or set piece – Lineout touch Skill Zones – position specific activity – Lifting Small sided conditioned contact games Game zone – Decision making – Breakdown masterclass |
Training available
| TackleSafe | England Rugby Coaching Award | Developing Advanced Coaching Practice | England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award | CCD Principles of Scrummaging Click here for e-learning | CCD Principles of the Lineout | Breakdown Masterclass e-learning Click here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| This course helps to support safe, effective coaching and officiating of the tackle. | This course helps you to Safely coach and referee the contact areas of the game, in order to support an ERCA coach. | This course forms the pre requisite to enrolling on to Part 2 (the assessment) of the England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award. The course runs across the full season, aiming to develop candidates knowledge, skills and behaviours by building on experiences within their environments. Developing Advanced Coaching Practice is a recognised CCD and on successful completion will be added to the candidates GMS profile. | On completion of the Developing Advanced Coaching Practice course coaches can enrol on to Part 2 (competency based assessment). This sees coaches choose a domain specific assessment focusing on knowledge, skills and behaviours | This 2 hour course explores the England Rugby principles of scrummaging and is designed to help coaches, match officials and volunteers explore recent developments in scrum coaching | This 2 hour course explores the England Rugby principles of lineout and is designed to help coaches, match officials and volunteers explore recent developments in lineout coaching. | John Mitchell masterclass in the breakdown. |
U18
Who are your players?
- Under pressure from other factors such as exams/working/social/family
- In more established friendship groups, or at a new college/6th form/work and starting again with friendships
- Trying a new sport for the first time, may be unsure about contact, or really enthusiastic to learn contact
- Varying stages of puberty with different concerns and worries about their mental and physical health.
| Player | Rugby Experience | Rules of play for age band | Coaching focus to enable progression | Build into | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No rugby played | Potentially playing other sports, may have watched rugby. | 15 a side 8 in scrum fully contested Lift and fully contested lineout |
Basic actions of: catch, pass, tackle Introduce Principles of Play |
More decision making around pass, tackle. Introduce ruck/scrum body position, and basics of jump/ lift/throw/kick |
Games for understanding. Skill zones for technique. |
| Played non-contact rugby | Non contact, passing and catching the ball. Some game understanding. | Continue catch and pass Introduce tackle Introduce Principles of Play |
More decision making around pass, tackle. Introduce ruck and scrum body position and jump/ throw/lift/kick |
Skill zones to allow introductions to actions or physical movements | |
| Played previously | 15 a side 8 in scrum fully contested Lift and fully contested lineout |
Continue exploration of positional skills (late development sport). Continue scrum body position under pressure for all positions. Individual positional skills (eg number 8 control of ball) Continued Jump and landing safely practises Continued development of Lifting and throwing technique |
Development of players’ technical skills – catch, pass, tackle. Developing ruck, maul, scrum body position, jump/throw/ lift and kicking. Tactical decision making for 8,9 and defence from scrum, allowing players to explore options in attack and defence from set piece. Contesting a jump in the air, person throwing to practise with defence there as well. |
Developing technical and tactical understanding through exploration of Principles of play Continue to use Activate to support physical development and injury prevention. Use of skill zones to support players game readiness & game fitness Compliment with resistance training and /or physical movement activities to help with jump/lift/throw/land. (Activate exercises) |
THE 4 BUILDING BLOCKS TO READINESS
STAGE 1
| SESSION PURPOSE – WHY IT IS REQUIRED | SESSION FOCUS – WHAT YOU NEED TO DO | TYPE OF ACTIVITY – HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviours | ||
| Social Connection Recruitment and Retention of players in new age group New player/coaches working together |
Integrate players back into a new rugby environment Build connections as a new team Confidence building |
Allow some non-contact/multi-sport mixed age group activity with U12/16s to help with transition to new age group. Allow some non contact activity with women’s team (if applicable) Enable players to choose activities and pace of progressions based on their confidence |
| Game Fitness | ||
| Graduated increase in activity to reduce injury risk Players new to sport need to get used to new physical movements |
Functional Movements Running Change of Direction Stop/Start |
ACTIVATE U18 exercises Game Zone: Small Sided Games Non rugby specific games – netball, rounders, football Game zone: Drop off touch Game zone: Bear Walk Keep Ball |
| Actions | ||
| Developing core skills Introducing new actions to players | Catch Pass Ball carry Kick |
Game Zone: use of different balls – Wizard Touch Skill Zone: technique based Individual Competition – for example – kicking or passing accuracy – points based skill challenges |
| Game Preparation | ||
| Graduated increase in contact to reduce injury risk Ensure coaches understand the needs of the individual |
Falling & wrestling Game understanding Physical robustness – ie little and often preparation for contact movements |
Game Zone which includes falling/ presenting – Non contact rugby, where ball carrier goes to ground when touched to present the ball Skill Zone: technique based – Tag the tail Footwork and Evasion |
STAGE 2
| SESSION PURPOSE – WHY IT IS REQUIRED | SESSION FOCUS – WHAT YOU NEED TO DO | TYPE OF ACTIVITY – HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviours | ||
| Social Connection for new group Recruitment and Retention of players in new age group New player/coaches working together |
Continue to build connections across coaching and playing group Continue to build confidence of individuals |
Ensure some non-contact mixed age group activity with U16s and women’s team (if applicable) to aid transition and connections. Players choose a game/rules/warm ups |
| Game Fitness | ||
| Continue graduated progressions in activity frequency and intensity to reduce injury risk Progression in frequency and intensity in practice/games Introduction to movements specific to Tackle/Ruck/Scrum |
Functional movements Running Change of direction Stop/Start Jump/Land Wrestle |
ACTIVATE Games Game Zone – Small Sided Games – more connections, touches and involvements Skill Zone – Lineout Jumping Skills Stage 2 Wrestling Games |
| Actions | ||
| Developing core skills Developing contact skills Develop positional specific skills |
Catch and pass Ruck and maul Ball carry Tackle Kick Scrum |
Game Zone Skill Zone – Lineout Stage 1 Individual Competition |
| Game Preparationd | ||
| Graduated increase in contact to reduce injury risk Preparing to perform game specific actions like scrum, Maul, lineout Ensuring player safety in contact |
Tower of Power Prepare to Scrum Preparing to tackle/scrum Prepare to Lineout |
Game Zone: Ruckers and Tacklers Game Zone: Minute Maul Game Zone 2 – Wave Attack Some conditioned contact games: Touch Pass Tackle |
STAGE 3
| SESSION PURPOSE – WHY IT IS REQUIRED | SESSION FOCUS – WHAT YOU NEED TO DO | TYPE OF ACTIVITY – HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviours | ||
| Social Connection Recruitment and Retention of players in new age group New player/coaches working together |
Connection building with new team Continue to build confidence in individuals Stay connected with leaving players |
Ensure some non-contact mixed age group activity with last season’s U15 girls and now U16 mixed team to help with transition to new age band. Encourage peers support/Buddy system for new players |
| Game Fitness | ||
| Graduated increase in activity to reduce injury risk Introduction and progressions in movements specific to Tackle/ Ruck/ Scrum/Lineout |
Functional Movements Running Change of Direction Jump/Land Wrestle Tower of power |
ACTIVATE exercises and games - Hop and Stick Game Zone: some full size pitch games Skill Zones: use to challenge/develop players actions |
| Actions | ||
| Developing core skills Developing position specific actions Develop contact skills |
Catch and pass Ruck and maul Ball carry Scrum / hook Tackle Kick Lineout – lift/jump/throw |
Game Zone - Pressure Possession Skill Zone: technical detail/challenge - 1min maul Individual Competition - decision making, or increased pressure - Two ball challenges |
| Game Preparation | ||
| Players need to be able to perform these elements of the game safely to reduce risk of injury to themselves and others. Developing understanding scrum/lineout Game understanding of laws of the game |
Scrum Game understanding Positional Skills Lineout – Lift/jump/throw Tackle |
Game Zone with specific focus on tackle ruck or set piece - Breakdown master class game zone Skill Zones: position specific activity Small sided conditioned contact games - Mind the gap – Adjustable to contact Decision making. |
Training available
| TackleSafe | England Rugby Coaching Award | Developing Advanced Coaching Practice | England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award | CCD Principles of Scrummaging Click here for e-learning | CCD Principles of the Lineout | Breakdown Masterclass e-learning Click here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| This course helps to support safe, effective coaching and officiating of the tackle. | This course helps you to Safely coach and referee the contact areas of the game, in order to support an ERCA coach. | This course forms the pre requisite to enrolling on to Part 2 (the assessment) of the England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award. The course runs across the full season, aiming to develop candidates knowledge, skills and behaviours by building on experiences within their environments. Developing Advanced Coaching Practice is a recognised CCD and on successful completion will be added to the candidates GMS profile. | On completion of the Developing Advanced Coaching Practice course coaches can enrol on to Part 2 (competency based assessment). This sees coaches choose a domain specific assessment focusing on knowledge, skills and behaviours | This 2 hour course explores the England Rugby principles of scrummaging and is designed to help coaches, match officials and volunteers explore recent developments in scrum coaching | This 2 hour course explores the England Rugby principles of lineout and is designed to help coaches, match officials and volunteers explore recent developments in lineout coaching. | John Mitchell masterclass in the breakdown. |
Women
Who are your players?
- Are they fearful or excited about the new environment?
- An experienced player who is returning to the sport after relocating and looking to make new friends?
- A player returning after having children and needs to build their fitness?
- Do they play for a University?
- Trying rugby for the first time. Could be unsure about contact, or really enthusiastic to learn.
| Player | Rugby Experience | Coaching focus to enable progression | Build into | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No rugby played | Potentially playing other sports, may have watched rugby. | Basic actions of: catch, pass, tackle Introduce Principles of Play |
More decision making around pass, tackle. Introduce ruck/scrum body position, and basics of jump/ lift/throw/kick |
Games for understanding. Skill zones for technique. |
| Played non-contact rugby | Non contact, passing and catching the ball. Some game understanding. | Continue catch and pass Introduce tackle Introduce Principles of Play |
More decision making around pass, tackle. Introduce ruck and scrum body position and jump/ throw/lift/kick |
Skill zones to allow introductions to actions or physical movements |
| Played previously (Played U18 age band or adult) | 15 a side 8 in scrum fully contested Lift and fully contested lineout |
Continue exploration of positional skills (late development sport). Continue scrum body position under pressure for all positions. Individual positional skills (eg number 8 control of ball) Continued Jump and landing safely practises Continued development of Lifting and throwing technique |
Development of players’ technical skills – catch, pass, tackle. Developing ruck, maul, scrum body position, jump/throw/ lift and kicking. Tactical decision making for 8,9 and defence from scrum, allowing players to explore options in attack and defence from set piece. Contesting a jump in the air, person throwing to practise with defence there as well. |
Developing technical and tactical understanding through exploration of Principles of play Continue to use Activate to support physical development and injury prevention. Use of skill zones to support players game readiness & game fitness Compliment with resistance training and /or physical movement activities to help with jump/lift/throw/land. (Activate exercises) |
