what can i get the kids to do while i set up the session?

Football CoachCoach

the most important thing is to try and get prepared before the kids a arrive and if you arnt done you can get them to warm up encouraging each child to take a turn with a simple stretch and they need to explain to the others the purpose of the stretch, as well you can have them play a short game like team tag, 3/4 kids join/ link arms and run around whilst the person on, has to catch a group and link on one side then the person on the other end is on, if its for a ball game you could have them doing simple ball tapping skills, or passing in a group, hope this helps.

Football CoachCoach

Michelle,

Personally, I try to get there 30 mins before so that the session is already set up for them, but I know that this can't always happen.

Without disrespect to Kareen, static stretching before playing rugby is discouraged for 2 reasons:

• It actually weakens the muscles, so players aren't able to train to their optimum.
• it elongates muscles and this has been proven to put muscles at more risk of damage during contact sessions

However, stretching at the end is a must.

If i'm running late, I quickly set up a 20mx20m grid and get the players to start off with rugby netball. Same as netball with 2 teams, 1 ball but the aim is to pass the ball to a player in the box at the end of the pitch instead of a net. Another game they start off is cone ball, instead of players standing in a box, a cone is put in its place and the aim is to pass the pall around and attempt to pass the ball to the cone at the opposite end.

The kids know the rules and how to play and now set up the playing area, leaving me to arrange the other areas. On the safety side, just make sure that you inspect the area before they lay the cones out.

Hope this helps