Rugby PitchsideCoaching help for U9–U13
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Handling

They can't catch a pass

Hands down, balls bouncing off chests, eyes closed

Why it happens

What to say

✓ Say this

  • “Hands up, show me a target.”
  • “Watch it into your hands.”
  • “Soft hands. Great catch!”

✗ Not this

  • “Butterfingers!”
  • Firing hard passes at players who can't catch yet.
  • Groaning when the ball goes down.

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.

Hands up · watch it inOne step further after 10 catches
Level 15 minWhole squad, then pairsA ball each, then a ball per pairNo contactU9 · U10 · U11

Toss and catch

How it works

  1. Each player tosses the ball just above their head and catches it with hands up, fingers spread.
  2. Then in pairs, 2 big steps apart: a gentle underarm pop to your partner's hands. 10 catches, then one step further apart.
  3. Make it a challenge: how many catches in a row can your pair make?

Coaching points

  • Hands up and out as a target before the ball comes.
  • Watch the ball all the way into your hands.
  • Soft hands: give a little as you catch, like catching an egg.

Ready for the next level when: Every pair can make 10 catches in a row from 4 big steps apart.

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Walk · call · pass · change direction
Level 26 minGroups of 4–54 cones, a ball per groupNo contactU9 · U10 · U11

Walking passing square

How it works

  1. Set a 5m square. One player on each corner, the spare player in the middle.
  2. Players walk the ball around the square, passing to the next corner. Change direction on the coach's call.
  3. Then add a rule: the receiver must call a name or “here” before the ball is passed.

Coaching points

  • Hands up and out as a target before the ball comes.
  • Pass to where the receiver is going, not where they are.
  • Catch, then turn the eyes to the next player straight away.

Ready for the next level when: The ball goes round 10 times without a drop, in both directions.

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PPasser stands stillCatch on the move · run on
Level 36 minGroups of 3–4Cones, a ball per groupNo contactU9 · U10 · U11

Catch and go

How it works

  1. A passer stands still. The catcher jogs past them, 3 steps away.
  2. The passer pops the ball in front of the catcher, who catches on the move and runs on to the end cone.
  3. The catcher becomes the next passer. Speed up as catches get cleaner.

Coaching points

  • Hands up early, as a target.
  • Catch it in front of you, then run. Don't slow down to catch.
  • Passer: aim in front of the catcher, where they'll be, not where they are.

Ready for the next level when: Players catch on the move at a jog without slowing down, nearly every time.

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ENENE = experienced · N = new
Level 46 minWhole squad in pairs (one experienced, one new)Cones, bibs, a few ballsNo contactU9 · U10 · U11

Buddy tag

How it works

  1. Pairs of one experienced and one new player. Two or three pairs are taggers.
  2. Players with a ball can't be tagged. Pairs pass the ball between them to keep each other safe.
  3. Swap taggers every minute. Experienced players must call their buddy's name before every pass.

Coaching points

  • The experienced player's job is to make their buddy look good.
  • Lots of short passes, eyes up.
  • Keep it moving and fun. No standing around explaining.

Ready for the next level when: New players are calling for the ball and passing back without help.

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Two passes before a try counts
Level 58 min4v4 or 5v5 touchCones, bibsNo contactU9 · U10 · U11

Two-pass try

How it works

  1. Normal touch rugby in a small area.
  2. A try only counts if the ball has been passed at least twice since the last touch or turnover.
  3. Once they're doing it, add a bonus point for a try scored by a player who started on the other side of the pitch.

Coaching points

  • Praise the passer as loudly as the scorer.
  • Support players get beside or slightly behind the ball carrier, not in front.
  • Ask: “Who made that try?” Let them name the passers.

Ready for the next level when: Most tries come from a move with two or more passes, without being reminded.

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Common coaching mistakes

Related problems

PassingLaws
Passes go forward
Every move ends in a forward pass and a scrum or a turnover
PassingDecision-making
They pass to whoever's nearest, even if they're marked
The ball goes to the closest teammate, who gets tagged or tackled straight away
HandlingConfidence
They drop the ball under pressure
Fine in drills, then fumbling as soon as a defender gets close