U5/U6 Gameplan

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!!