The confident kids do everything, others hide
The same players take every restart, every carry and every tackle
Why it happens
- Confident players are quick to jump in, and others let them.
- Quieter players aren't sure what to do, so they stay out of the way.
- Games reward speed and strength, so the same players shine.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Who hasn't had the ball yet?”
- Give every player a job.
- “Great effort! You were involved the whole time.”
✗ Not this
- “Give it to [the best player].”
- Only praising the confident players.
- Letting the same players take every restart.
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.
Buddy tag
How it works
- Pairs of one experienced and one new player. Two or three pairs are taggers.
- Players with a ball can't be tagged. Pairs pass the ball between them to keep each other safe.
- 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.
Golden player touch
How it works
- A normal touch game. Each team has a new player in a gold bib.
- The golden player can't be touched for two steps after they catch the ball, and a try they score is worth two points.
- Swap the gold bib to another new player every two minutes.
Coaching points
- Experienced players learn to create chances for others.
- New players get time on the ball without pressure.
- Drop the rule as soon as the new players look comfortable.
Ready for the next level when: Golden players are getting the ball often and choosing what to do with it.
Everybody touches
How it works
- Touch rugby. A try only counts if every player on the team has touched the ball since the last restart.
- The coach counts touches out loud at first.
- Then make it every player except one.
Coaching points
- Confident players: your job is to get everyone involved.
- Quieter players: call for it.
- Celebrate the last player to touch it.
Ready for the next level when: Teams get everyone on the ball without the coach counting.
Every player scores
How it works
- A touch game with mixed teams. Each team's goal is for every player to score once.
- A player who has scored can still play but can't score again until all their teammates have.
- The first team where everyone has scored wins. Play again with new teams.
Coaching points
- Experienced players have to create chances, not take them.
- New players learn where to run to get the ball.
- Celebrate the last scorer loudest.
Ready for the next level when: New players are getting into scoring positions on their own. They're ready to join the normal ladders.
Common coaching mistakes
- Letting the same players take every restart.
- Only praising the confident players.
- Calling out quiet players in front of everyone.
- Never giving confident players a job that needs others.
Related problems
SupportGame sense
They stand still and wait for the ball
Most of the team watches the ball and waits for it to come to them
SquadSafetyHuge range of ability and size
Some kids are twice the size of others, and some have played for years
WellbeingTeamThey get frustrated when they lose
Tears, blaming teammates, or giving up halfway through the game