forwards lacking intensity

forwards lacking intensity

part of a under 14 coaching team. we're really struggling to get our forwards to produce any intensity at the breakdown. constantly being rucked of the ball. technically they know what to do just don't bring the right attitute come game day. any thoughts on developing. more competative mind set.

mobile Coach, England
ANSWERS
Archie DunnillCoach, England

Hi Mobile,

Tackling and contact is a mindset. For players that age it sounds like it could be a question of confidence at the end of the day.

You could start by taking everything back to basics. Get players tackling on their knees, engage with their shoulder first, cheek to cheek and ring of steel etc. Get your players to tackle and clear out at walking pace. It's vital at this stage to get players thinking about the process of the tackle and the technique. This repetition and feel for the tackle is vital. There's no point getting players to run full tilt at each other as it's just no fun and players are most likely going to get injured with poor technique. Positive reinforcement and praise when the correct technique is used is important.

Try not to focus on missed tackles or highlight this to your players, as long as the process is there and they're trying to implement the correct technique that's ok. At such a young age the most important thing is that they are enjoying their rugby, the mentality and confidence will follow with it!

Hope this helps.

Archie

Login or Join Now for FREE to post your answer

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1100+ rugby drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans

TRANSFORM YOUR TEAM'S SEASON WITH PROFESSIONALLY PLANNED SESSIONS

Use our expert plans or build your own using our library of over 700+ drills, and easy-to-use tools.

JOIN NOW

VIEW MORE QUESTIONS

See the whole archive of questions.

QUESTIONS ARCHIVE

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1100+ rugby drills
  • create professional rugby coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested rugby plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of rugby coaches plus 1100+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT