Yesterday I blogged about a typical session I would use with an U5/U6 grade, I also briefly mentioned a 'game plan'. Today I want to share with you my U5/U6 rugby league game plan! (Dont worry there is no talk about territory and completing sets and absolutely no mention of the grapple tackle)
So what is a game plan for this grade?
My game plan is to basically give every player in the team an equal share of the ball during the game - my thinking behind this is that the more they run with the ball - the more they run with the ball the better they get at using evasive techniques such as the sidestep, fend, bump, swerve and the turn of speed. Each child also gains a fair amount of confidence in their own abilities, and mum and dad on the sideline are pleased that they are playing the great game of rugby league!
So how does it work?
In NZ, games are played over three thirds! There are 8 players on the field and there are 4 tackles per set (there is no kicking) - this means that each player should get to run the ball once every second set - providing we dont turn the ball over or score a try.
Before the game the team is given a number on their hand - the first eight players to start the game are given numbers 1 - 8 the subs are given the remaining numbers i.e - 9, 10, 11, 12.
During the first set player 1 runs first followed by player 2, then 3 and finishing with player 4. In the following set player 5 runs first followed by player 6, then 7, and finishing with player 8. Pretty simple really.
But what happens if we score a try or we knock the ball on during the second play?
Well after we defend the next player in the sequence gets to run the ball e.g - say player 2 scores a try, after defending player 3 becomes the first runner followed by player 4, 5 and 6.
All the coach needs to do is call out the number of the ball runner.
We even used to practice so that the other players had lead up jobs to their run. For example:
1st tackle - player 1 taps and runs.
2nd tackle - player 1 play the ball, player 4 dummy half, player 3 first reciever, player 2 runs. (5 - 8 stay wide and support the runner)
3rd tackle - player 2 play the ball, player 5 dummy half, player 4 first reciever, player 3 runs. (6,7,8,1 support)
4th tackle - player 3 play the ball, player 6 dummy half, player 5 first reciever, player 4 runs. (Alternatively Player 4 could be the dummy half and run from dummy half)
What about the subs/reserves?
It helps to pre plan your subs coming into the game - if you know you have three thirds and say 12 players for that game you can structure it like so:
First third - Players 1 - 8
Second third - Players 5 - 12
Final third - Players 9 - 12 and 1 - 4
It's something worth practicing at least once a week during training time - with the team I coached they picked it up so well that the players themselves were able to organize it on their own. Then the next few years it was automatic for the players. Try it out for your next season and let me know how you get on!!
Saturday, 22 October 2011
Friday, 21 October 2011
Coaching 5 & 6 Year Olds - Lets HAVE FUN
I thought I would start by starting where a lot of our kids start playing rugby league - the U5s and/or U6s.
They may seem very cute at this age - but BE WARNED - this could be possibly one of the most difficult grades to coach - especially if you are not prepared and/or you go into it trying to win every game.
Many of the kids are more interested in playing in the mud, tying their laces and eating oranges - this is awesome - you are going to need to be patient, set good routines and have a bit of equipment.
The main focus for this grade is not to win every game - let's just let the kids HAVE FUN - at the same time the coach is able to HAVE FUN - no need to get stressed out if the kids are running off to play in the mud, lets HAVE FUN and learn a few skills on the way.
This is the first year for many of our kids in the game of rugby league - you dont want to scar them for life and turn them off our beloved game - so plan short FUN sessions for all to enjoy!
A few tips to start with:
- Meet with parents at the start of the season - Get the parents on the same page as you, let them know that you are not bothered with how many games they win or lose this year. All you want is for the kids to enjoy it and learn a few skills. It's also a good time to explain that there is going to be a roster for oranges at halftime - and maybe even a few drinks and snacks after the games. (If the kids are getting chips and soft drinks at the end of each game - they are going to look forward to playing - but whatever is manageable for your team)
- 40 minute sessions - Keep sessions short - 40 - 50 minute sessions twice a week are plenty. These need to be well planned and be mainly game based. (We will go over some good games later on)
- Maximum participation - the more kids you have doing things the less there are standing around wanting to go and pick flowers or flicking the kid next to them in the ear. Try and have a ball for each of the kids, if not a ball each then maybe one between two. Dont have 20 rugby balls? Dont be afraid to use soccer, netballs, or basketballs.
- No elimination games - games such as ball tag where players are tagged and then eliminated whilst other players carry on mean kids will get bored and want to muck around. Instead of eliminating kids for good - have them count to 10 before joining back in. (Or have them complete 10 x play the balls or 10 x side steps around cones before they join back in)
- Use fun names for team games - Rather than having this team one on that cone, team two on the next cone, team three on the third cone - how about the Warriors here, the Storm there and the Tigers on the far cone.
- Sin bin - make use of a 'sin bin' or 'timeout' if kids have been mucking around - and disturbing the flow of the session - have player stand out for 2 - 3 minutes whilst you continue the session - be sure to talk to them as to why they are sitting out - and what you want from them when they re-enter the session (very SuperNanny haha, but trust me it works)
- Use lots of games - Games are usually fun and they usually involve all players, so games are great! When I coached u6s I used to focus on only a few skills - every session we would practice running with the ball, tackling and the play the ball.
Following is a session which I used to use:
Knock the ball out - teaches grip, evasion, spatial awareness
To start with we used to play a game of 'Knock the ball out' - in a 10mx10m grid every player would have a ball (be it rugby, netball or soccer) They would hold the ball using the correct grip (hands either side, two hands on the ball, fingers and thumbs spread) and then run around trying to knock the ball from others grips using their own ball to knock it out.
Kids are eliminated if they lose the ball and must perform 5 repititions of side stepping through a series of cones in a straight line, with the ball in hand. (I would then tell the kids to use that sidestep when running past an opposing player) The kids would then join back in the game. (Kids will automatically keep count of how many times they were eliminated or not)
Modifications: To make this game easier or harder make the grid bigger or smaller
Tackling - teaches tackling
To me tackling is the most important skill for the kids to learn in rugby league (the sooner they learn how to tackle properly the better)
I found the more cues I would give the kids the more they got confused and bored so all I told them was get your shoulder in their stomach and squeeze with your hands. We would practice doing this front on and side on with a partner each.
We would then move on to tacklebags or tubes - tubes are much more similar to real people running so are better to practice on - whilst also being a lot of fun! (Check this youtube video out if you want to know more)
Have kids practice tackling the tubes front on (by rolling them towards the kids), side on and from the back by rolling the tubes away from the kids, these are expensive but are really beneficial. (if you cant afford these then try inner tyre tubes or tyres - however these are likely to cause injuries)
Bullrush - running with the ball, tackling
We would then move on to a game of bullrush - for those who do not know bullrush let me explain.
Set up a 20m wide x 30 metre long grid. Choose two players to be in the middle - every other player lines up along one of the 20m sides with a rugby ball in hand. The aim of the game is for the players with ball in hand to get to the other side of the grid without being tackled - if they are tackled they join the middle players as defenders.
The players in the middle can choose players but I prefer to say things such as "Anyone wearing red!" and then those people run! If anyone makes it to the other side then you yell out "Bullrush" and the rest of the kids run. This game is heaps of fun, kids learn to tackle as well as run with the ball.
We would finish with bullrush - the next game we would play the same games but finish with a game of league where we would put a little more focus on the two pass rule etc.
They may seem very cute at this age - but BE WARNED - this could be possibly one of the most difficult grades to coach - especially if you are not prepared and/or you go into it trying to win every game.
Many of the kids are more interested in playing in the mud, tying their laces and eating oranges - this is awesome - you are going to need to be patient, set good routines and have a bit of equipment.
The main focus for this grade is not to win every game - let's just let the kids HAVE FUN - at the same time the coach is able to HAVE FUN - no need to get stressed out if the kids are running off to play in the mud, lets HAVE FUN and learn a few skills on the way.
This is the first year for many of our kids in the game of rugby league - you dont want to scar them for life and turn them off our beloved game - so plan short FUN sessions for all to enjoy!
A few tips to start with:
- Meet with parents at the start of the season - Get the parents on the same page as you, let them know that you are not bothered with how many games they win or lose this year. All you want is for the kids to enjoy it and learn a few skills. It's also a good time to explain that there is going to be a roster for oranges at halftime - and maybe even a few drinks and snacks after the games. (If the kids are getting chips and soft drinks at the end of each game - they are going to look forward to playing - but whatever is manageable for your team)
- 40 minute sessions - Keep sessions short - 40 - 50 minute sessions twice a week are plenty. These need to be well planned and be mainly game based. (We will go over some good games later on)
- Maximum participation - the more kids you have doing things the less there are standing around wanting to go and pick flowers or flicking the kid next to them in the ear. Try and have a ball for each of the kids, if not a ball each then maybe one between two. Dont have 20 rugby balls? Dont be afraid to use soccer, netballs, or basketballs.
- No elimination games - games such as ball tag where players are tagged and then eliminated whilst other players carry on mean kids will get bored and want to muck around. Instead of eliminating kids for good - have them count to 10 before joining back in. (Or have them complete 10 x play the balls or 10 x side steps around cones before they join back in)
- Use fun names for team games - Rather than having this team one on that cone, team two on the next cone, team three on the third cone - how about the Warriors here, the Storm there and the Tigers on the far cone.
- Sin bin - make use of a 'sin bin' or 'timeout' if kids have been mucking around - and disturbing the flow of the session - have player stand out for 2 - 3 minutes whilst you continue the session - be sure to talk to them as to why they are sitting out - and what you want from them when they re-enter the session (very SuperNanny haha, but trust me it works)
- Use lots of games - Games are usually fun and they usually involve all players, so games are great! When I coached u6s I used to focus on only a few skills - every session we would practice running with the ball, tackling and the play the ball.
Following is a session which I used to use:
Knock the ball out - teaches grip, evasion, spatial awareness
To start with we used to play a game of 'Knock the ball out' - in a 10mx10m grid every player would have a ball (be it rugby, netball or soccer) They would hold the ball using the correct grip (hands either side, two hands on the ball, fingers and thumbs spread) and then run around trying to knock the ball from others grips using their own ball to knock it out.
Kids are eliminated if they lose the ball and must perform 5 repititions of side stepping through a series of cones in a straight line, with the ball in hand. (I would then tell the kids to use that sidestep when running past an opposing player) The kids would then join back in the game. (Kids will automatically keep count of how many times they were eliminated or not)
Modifications: To make this game easier or harder make the grid bigger or smaller
Tackling - teaches tackling
To me tackling is the most important skill for the kids to learn in rugby league (the sooner they learn how to tackle properly the better)
I found the more cues I would give the kids the more they got confused and bored so all I told them was get your shoulder in their stomach and squeeze with your hands. We would practice doing this front on and side on with a partner each.
We would then move on to tacklebags or tubes - tubes are much more similar to real people running so are better to practice on - whilst also being a lot of fun! (Check this youtube video out if you want to know more)
Have kids practice tackling the tubes front on (by rolling them towards the kids), side on and from the back by rolling the tubes away from the kids, these are expensive but are really beneficial. (if you cant afford these then try inner tyre tubes or tyres - however these are likely to cause injuries)
Bullrush - running with the ball, tackling
We would then move on to a game of bullrush - for those who do not know bullrush let me explain.
Set up a 20m wide x 30 metre long grid. Choose two players to be in the middle - every other player lines up along one of the 20m sides with a rugby ball in hand. The aim of the game is for the players with ball in hand to get to the other side of the grid without being tackled - if they are tackled they join the middle players as defenders.
The players in the middle can choose players but I prefer to say things such as "Anyone wearing red!" and then those people run! If anyone makes it to the other side then you yell out "Bullrush" and the rest of the kids run. This game is heaps of fun, kids learn to tackle as well as run with the ball.
We would finish with bullrush - the next game we would play the same games but finish with a game of league where we would put a little more focus on the two pass rule etc.
Sunday, 9 October 2011
More YouTube Video's to assist in making you a better coach
Check these video clips out:
Wayne Bennett interviewed by Phil Gould
Wayne Bennett interviewed by Phil Gould
Sweet Lombardi Motivation Speech
Here's a sweet Vince Lombardi Speech, a good way to start the season off with your U6 team haha - nah talks alot about values and the commitment required to be involved in a champion team
Wayne Bennett - Leadership
Here's an awesome video clip in which the NRL Super Coach Wayne Bennett talks about Leadership and being a Leader as a coach. He is talking to a bunch of NSW Principals about a lot of his decisions and beliefs - very powerful - the things he talks about as a coach can be applied to teaching and the leading of other people in any sense.
FREE Rugby League Coaching Drills Books Downloads
A quick search on Google allowed me to hunt these books down - they are put together by RLCM, such an awesome resource for any budding rugby league coach
Click on the following links to head to the .pdf
RLCM Junior Coach Manual
RLCM Drills Book 1
RLCM Drills Book 2
RLCM Drills Book 3
If you enjoy these then head over to RLCM and subscribe to their monthly magazine and dvd mail out!
Click on the following links to head to the .pdf
RLCM Junior Coach Manual
RLCM Drills Book 1
RLCM Drills Book 2
RLCM Drills Book 3
If you enjoy these then head over to RLCM and subscribe to their monthly magazine and dvd mail out!
A few more Rugby League Coaching sites to check out...
I'm trying to find all the rugby league coaching tips and drills pages out there on the internet at the moment so that you have access to all the good information you need to become a better coach and ensure rugby league becomes the number one sport in the world - we all know it deserves to be.
Here are a few i've found just by searching using the major search engines -
Rugby League Coaching Blog - very similar to what I'm hoping to achieve - I'm not too sure who writes this blog but it's definitely worth a read - a good insight into what the NRL players and coaches are trying to achieve
Rugby League Coaching Magazine - A good magazine to subscribe to - especially just to get hold of a lot of drills/skills to use with your rugby league team - every month a small booklet is sent out along with dvd's that have some informative discussions from leading NRL coaches/trainers etc
Rugby League Coaching UK - another cool site with little drills and articles pertaining to the game - FREE also!
Here are a few i've found just by searching using the major search engines -
Rugby League Coaching Blog - very similar to what I'm hoping to achieve - I'm not too sure who writes this blog but it's definitely worth a read - a good insight into what the NRL players and coaches are trying to achieve
Rugby League Coaching Magazine - A good magazine to subscribe to - especially just to get hold of a lot of drills/skills to use with your rugby league team - every month a small booklet is sent out along with dvd's that have some informative discussions from leading NRL coaches/trainers etc
Rugby League Coaching UK - another cool site with little drills and articles pertaining to the game - FREE also!
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