Martin's Rugby Coaching Forum

Hello Martin,

I want to set up a programme for the youngsters at my club, these are the boys from six to twelve year old. I have read through your LTAD pages but not sure how to start. Please advise.

Bob

Hello Bob,

Great you are looking at hte bigger picture. I will try to explain.

Fundamentals stage: this is for boys and girls up to 10 years. Development of multi-directional movement in a fun environment. Develop in a game like situation. Two rules: do not pass forward, stay on your side of the ball. let the kids play where there is space. Take away the anxiety of falling on the ground and making the tackle. Doing wrestling and judo games would be the logical thing to do.

Learn to train is the next stage for up to 12 years. Players will need to learn that here is a difference between playing rugby and learning to play rugby. Perhaps the best example is a tackle exercise where you want to focus on off-load. Some smartass kids will have seen the smother tackle and ruin your exercise, this phase is the moment where they have to learn to control this and give each other the opportunity to learn and progress. Learn to train focusses on building the general rugby player, do not overcomplicate things with scrumming (unless you sort of rotate this with the whole team during the season, that would make me happy!)

Hope this helps,

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Martin, Rugbyhead