Rugby: under 14

I'm a Portuguese Under 14 rugby coach. I have some difficulty on finding a way to coach depth of support players. Is there a simplified game I can use in a session to introduce the need of depth, so they can understand by playing, instead of me just telling the players what to do? Help me if you can, please.

We have open this thread to continue the discussion on Player Empowerment started in the Coaches Hot Tip in this month's newsletter. If you missed it, here it is again. There is no doubt that if you want your team to be successful, you need the players to make decisions on the pitch for themselves. We know that if a team is used to getting the answers to problems on the field from the coach, it will mean that they will hesitate and look to the touchline before commiting to an action and that, of course, will be far too late! The coach can still influence things but once the game has started it is a fairly minimal influence, during the game it must be the players who react to situations as they happen and make decisions immediatley. Therefore, it is essential to have leaders in the team who feel confident about making decisons in the heat of the battle. They need to know that even a wrong call is better than no call. They should feel that their coach will support them in making a call and, if it was not necesarily the best decision, will help them make a better one next time without being too critical. Ideally, the leaders and decision makers will be at key positions in the team where they can communicate with other players as well as influencing play themselves. Key positions are Numbers%3A 2; 4/5; 8; 9; 10 and 15. This is often referred to as "The Spine or Backbone" of the team. This is not to say that a good captain and leader can't be in another position but if they are, for instance an 11 or 14, they will need good co leaders in the key positions to communicate their decisions during a game. To develop this spine to operate as leaders, the coach should involve these players in discussions about how the team are playing - making them feel some ownership and responsibility for the teams performance. They could also be involved in unit practises, for instance the 2 and 8 could Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 occasionaly lead part of a line out practice, once the coach has agreed with them what the practice needs to achieve. The coach is not giving the players complete control but rather, allowing them to be involved in the process of team development. Obviously, the age and ability of your team can affect how far along this path you can go but, even with players as young as Under 8's, I have found that delegating some responsibility is a really effective way to build a cohesive and well functioning team! Let me know your thoughts on this type player empowerment. Good luck Simon

My son is 10 years old and plays for school under 12 team as a outside center. he is average and appreciate for some advice on nutrician and drills which suits a center. nawushad

I have to plan two full day sessions(10-4)for Under 14's. Has anyone got any good drills that are easily progressed? Or any ideas of what aspects to include? Thanks

Hi Guys Though we all fully enjoyed it, We have just lost a tournament - mainly because the forwards were not offloading in contact and were getting turned over. Does anyone have a forwards type game I can use with the boys to play instead of drills, to strengthen their skills in this area? The team is a under 12 group. And I have 14 forwards. Thanks for you help in advance. Cheers Iain

please how do idefine the players in the pitchie. who is the flanker, hooker, fly half etc

I'm starting coaching under 14 what are best drills to start ?

tackling under 9s fear

Any suggestions for a few attacking ideas and formations we can use when setting up to take our own kick offs and restarts at under 14 level?

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.

I have just been handed the task of coaching a new u14's boys team.Any pointers, help or advice would be greatly appreciated.Many thanks

Any examples of lineout calls suitable for u14s

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

Any suggestions for a few attacking ideas and formations we can use when setting up to take our own kick offs and restarts at under 14 level?

I have to plan two full day sessions(10-4)for Under 14's. Has anyone got any good drills that are easily progressed? Or any ideas of what aspects to include? Thanks

My under 13 school rugby team played against a school team that were much bigger than my boys. This was their first experience playing against players that were much bigger than them. What do we do for future matches?

I have just started helping our head coach with under12's team. He wants to retire and has put me forward to be head coach next season. I am a little worried on how i should aproach training with the boys, going to a full 15 a side team on a full pitch. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I'm kicking around two different orders for creating mauls. 1) 3rd Man Rip First supporters arrive and drive over rather than stripping ball. I like this one because it allows the supporters to join more quickly and keeps everything going forward. Because the original ball carrier keeps the ball until the 3rd man joins, this maul turns into a clean ruck very easily. I don't like this one because of the increased stress on the ball carrier to protect the ball, and the ball's slower movement to the back. 2) First man rip First supporter arrives and strips, third and fourth drive over. I like this one because the ball is cleared from the front straight away. I don't like this one because it can fall and be a mess, as well as as lack forward momentum as the focus is put on the ball. What do you think about the two ways of forming a maul? I've seen teams do both. Keep in mind I coach mainly older, new players.

I am curently helping coach an U14 team, my focus being on forward play and conditioning. As a general rule, for conditioning I only get the lads to work against body weight for resistance training. Some players (and parent?)are eager to get into the gym and start to use weights as means of resistance. Obviously at this age the level of physical maturity of players is vast, boys to men, hence each individual must be assessed. I have done some reseaech which would indicate that the use of weights for 14-15 year old is to be encouraged (Irish RFU), but I am keen not to get the lads into the gym to early. Does any one have and ideas on this subject or can point me to any research to support either idea.

Simon My son's PE teacher has told him that Bridging is lieegal for the U13 to U19 group. His Club coach has been encouraging its use in games for two seasons. I can see some of the dangers but also the advantages Who is right is it banned or can it be used? Paul submitted by email