Sportplan rugby has played a large role in my team's love for the game!
Positional rotation at U9 level... I originally posted this as answer to a question about squad rotation, but thought I might get a better response if I posted it as a question in its own right... I have an 8 year old at the age level you are talking about - he isn't the best player at the club by any means, but has his good moments. He loves watching the game, he has a good understanding of the way it is played (to the extent that he has often shouted at the telly over recent weeks at some of our illustrious stars when they're out of position) and he has good handling skills - to be honest he's just not brave enough in the tackle yet, but I know it'll come so I'm not making a big thing of it. However, he and a couple of others are constantly stuck on the wing, and are getting fed up with the fact that they don't get the opportunity to get involved much. The coaches seem to have their "big names" and as you say seem more interested in the short term aims of winning each game rather than trying to keep the lads interested and challenged each week. I know my son's aware that I think they should move them all around, although I have made a point of not criticising the coaches at all - I think he heard me talking about it to someone else. The coaches have talked about moving players to different positions, but haven't done it, and aren't really receptive when they are asked about it. There are two coaches, and the one that seems to have the "casting vote" is pretty autocratic and doesn't seem to accept criticism or suggestions. My son has mentioned about moving to another club, where he may or may not get more of a chance to shine, but I am not sure this is the right move as it may teach him to give up rather than sticking with something. Any thoughts please?
How can I teach 8 year old boys to spin pass
RFU - proposed Mini's rule changes%3A All - just a quick straw poll%3A Have any CLUBS that you are aware of officially come out in SUPPORT of these changes? If not, have they come out officially rejecting the proposed changes, or are they adopting a "wait and see" attitude? Regards Stephe
Hello, my 8 yr old lad starts 'contact' rugby from next year. He has seen some of his friends with various padded tops and asked me for one before next year. I instinctively said that he doesn't need one to which he replied that it would just make him feel better about tackling. From my point of view I just want him to be as comfortable as he can be. He is slight of build but not a complete shrinking violet and if it will give him confidence then it seems pretty reasonable - although I wouldn't want him overly reliant and then lose confidence if his protection was lost etc. I'd appreciate feedback as to pro's and cons of pads / protective clothing - particularly from a junior angle. Thanks in anticipation.
Off side in general play. Can anyone explain this better as it seems to be a bit ambiguous. When are you off side in general play? Rugby Unoin.
Coaching 4-8year olds and I want activities that aren't boring as they always seem to mess about. Help?
We have a large squad and need a transparent way to assess our players to justify the team selection - does anyone know of, or use an assessment tool to assess skills in this age group?
i shall be starting coaching later this month, hope fully the under 6s agegroup. does any one have any drills or ball games suitable for this age group? thank you, chris.
Does anyone have a definitive answer to this question%3A can I coach basic tackling skills to U8s now, in preparation for next season, without falling foul of any RFU rules or regulations? Hugo
I will be coaching under 10 next season and need some guidance on how to interpret the rules for the maul?
Any advice on uncontested line out variations?
I saved about 87 drills from last year and my saved plans have beed deleted for this new year. Can I get them back.
you have automatically charged me for this year. Did i agree to this? i want this cancelled so it doesnt hsppen next year. thanks Clare
I purchased a year subscribtionand when i go to plan it keep telling me to ugrade, went in to the members setting and it is showing no active membership. Can youplease help
i get it that you are trying ot make money. but all the drills i had access to last year are now locked and i have to pay more to see what i paid for last year. it kind of sucks. i just wish you could make it all accessible for the sport and those of us who want to do our best at coaching it.
Hey guys,My under 10s side (u9 last year) was really lacking defence and I worked extremely hard with them to start loving the contact and defending as a team. so much that this year their defence is really good but they've falling behind in being able to attack. I started loosely having them play set positions I.e forwards and backs so the forwards pump the hit ups and backs try to spread the ball. it works well in training and they seem to get it but it goes out the window during games.Sundays game was 0-0 for 30mins with the other team slipping in for one try. mind you this same team beat us 52-0 last year.how can I help them start getting points on the board? cheers
in more ways than one
The isolated ball carrier is rugby's spookiest turnover. Here is the five-step fix, plus drills that rebuild support lines fast.
Tacklers are aiming lower, so carriers who dip late put heads at risk. Teach footwork, a strong early body height and leg drive to win the collision safely.
The hooker's brake foot moved from trial into full law in July 2026. Here is how to coach it so your front row stays stable, legal and safe.
Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.