what is the best way to start 5 year olds running and?

Simon JonesCoach, England

Andrew

I would suggest that you play a game where if you pass before you are tagged you get 2 bonus points and if you catch a pass you get 1 bonus point.

This will encourage the children to pass and catch the ball and its great fun!

You can use this bonus points system for any skill you are trying to teach them. Simply modify the game to suit what you want to achieve.

I hope this helps

Simon

Rugby CoachCoach

I like the game 'keep ball', its a game I show new coaches when delivering an RFU TAG course.

10mx10m area, groups of 5. 1 player plays as the 'tagger' the others have to move and can pass the ball around in any direction (as long as it to a team mate) before being 'tagged'. They attempt to make 10 passes before changing the 'tagger'. If 'tagged' then the tagged player changes to become the defender.

When the players become adept, then introduce another defender, or make the playing area smaller, or both!

If the aim of the session is to pass before 'contact', then run a simple 3v1v1v1 practice telling the players they have to make it to the far end of the channel without being tagged or running backwards.

BUT, I do appreciate they're only 5yrs old, i've done the above with that age before and found that when i've tried to move on from 'keep ball', the kids say they want to keep on playing it, so maybe look at variations of it.

At that age its not necessarily important they understand the ball has to be passed backwards, what is important is that their motor skills become routine and are constantly challenged in a fun environment.

Personally, i'd be happy with a 5yr old being able to pass and catch the ball and running in the right direction, and wouldn't worry too much about the draw and pass until at least U7 TAG or maybe even U8.

Regards

Den