The big kids flatten everyone
A few early-developing players run through everyone, and the rest are getting scared
Why it happens
- Size gaps between children of the same age can be huge. Some players are a lot heavier and stronger than others.
- Big players have learned that running straight works, so they've never needed other skills.
- Smaller players are paired against them in drills and games, so the knocks keep coming.
- Nobody has shown the big players how to be safe and in control in contact.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Pair up with someone your size.”
- “Your job today is to make the pass after you draw two defenders.”
- “Great control! You kept it safe for both of you.”
- “Everyone tackles low. Size doesn't change that.”
✗ Not this
- “Just tackle them like everyone else.”
- “Use your size, run them over.”
- Pairing the biggest player with the smallest to “toughen them up”.
- Telling big players off for being big.
The drill ladder
Move a group up a level only when they hit the "ready for next level" sign. It's fine for groups to be on different levels.
Knee wrestling squares
How it works
- Pairs kneel facing each other inside a small square.
- On the whistle, try to push or turn your partner out of the square.
- 20-second rounds, then rotate partners.
Coaching points
- Pair by size first, friendship second.
- Hands on shoulders and chest only, never the head or neck.
- Lots of praise and laughter. This is about getting used to contact.
Ready for the next level when: Players are laughing and choosing to go again.
Shield walk-ins
How it works
- A partner of similar size holds the shield firmly, feet wide, one foot forward.
- The ball carrier walks into it and drives with their legs for 3 seconds.
- Go from walking to marching to jogging, then swap roles.
Coaching points
- Players hold the shields, never an adult.
- Ball held in both hands, tight to the chest. Shoulder into the shield, head up and to the side.
- Shield holders give a little and stay balanced, not rigid.
Ready for the next level when: Every player drives into the shield at a jog without slowing down.
Draw two and pass
How it works
- Touch rugby. The two biggest or strongest players on each team can't score.
- Their job is to run at two defenders and pass. If they draw two defenders before passing, their team gets a bonus point.
- Swap who has the job each game.
Coaching points
- Big players: you make the try, someone else scores it.
- Draw the defender in, then pass.
- Praise the pass more than the run.
Ready for the next level when: Big players are drawing defenders and passing without reminders.
Side-on tackle (kneeling → walking)
How it works
- The ball carrier walks across in front of the tackler.
- The tackler steps in side-on: cheek to cheek with the carrier's backside, wrap, squeeze, roll.
- Progress the tackler from kneeling to crouching to standing.
Coaching points
- Aim at the hips or waist. Stay well below the base of the sternum.
- Little steps to get close before going in.
- Land on top and roll the ball carrier, not underneath.
Ready for the next level when: Clean technique from standing against a walking carrier, 5 out of 5.
Size and safety
- In every contact drill, pair players by size first, then by confidence.
- Give bigger players skill jobs: draw two defenders, pass, support.
- Smaller players still learn to tackle, against partners their own size.
Common coaching mistakes
- Pairing by age or friendship in contact instead of size.
- Letting big players win every contact drill against small ones.
- Only praising big carries.
- Telling big players to “go easy” without giving them a job.
Related problems
SquadSafety
Huge range of ability and size
Some kids are twice the size of others, and some have played for years
TackleConfidenceMy players are scared of contact
Hesitating, pulling out of tackles, turning their back
AttackDecision-makingThey run into contact instead of looking for space
Ball carriers run straight at the nearest defender every time