Under 9s
Under 9’s. This is the big year, the one the coaches are nervous of and the mums (and dads) are terrified of!!
Full Contact!
Actually what happens is the players have spent the whole summer dreaming of contact and the whole previous season moaning at their coach to give them contact training and the first chance they get they pile into each other (and even more so the opposition) with total abandon and we adults suddenly find we are watching a proper game of rugby!
We concentrate on coaching the techniques involved in tackling, rucking and mauling usually with a demonstration followed by a controlled game involving the subject demonstrated. This, along with passing, are core skills every rugby player needs as second nature to take with them into senior rugby.
The teams go from 7 to 9 a side with 2 props, a hooker, scrum half, fly half, centre, 2 wings and a full back and the pitch size is increased to approximately 60m x 40m. We rotate the players so everyone gets a go at each position as you never know how they will develop and a player that is a good prop now could become a great centre!
The teams are chosen for matches based on full inclusion which means we do not play a first and seconds, the teams are of mixed ability. This give the emerging players someone to emulate and aspire to in the same team as themselves and also teaches the better players humility and the ability to assist the players less gifted than themselves. At this level it is not all about winning it is about the boys and girls giving everything and enjoying themselves.
We continue to promote the ethics of rugby to both the players and the parents. This is a team sport and you fully support every member of your team and never abuse the match officials as they, like we coaches, are doing it for the love of the game and the desire to produce the next crop of senior rugby players.
