Huge range of ability and size
Some kids are twice the size of others, and some have played for years
Why it happens
- Children grow at very different rates. Some are much bigger than others in the same age group.
- Some have played since U6, some started last week.
- One session plan can't suit everyone.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Pair up with someone your size.”
- “You're on level 2, they're on level 3. That's fine.”
- “Great improvement today!”
✗ Not this
- “Everyone does the same drill at the same level.”
- Pairing the biggest with the smallest in contact.
- Comparing players out loud.
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.
Choose your lane
How it works
- Two lanes side by side. The top lane is tag; the bottom lane has kneeling tacklers.
- Each player chooses which lane to run every time.
- Count contact lane runs as a team and celebrate when the total goes up.
Coaching points
- The choice is real. Never push anyone into the contact lane.
- Nervous players often try the contact lane once they've watched others.
- Let players who go to the contact lane early be tacklers too.
Ready for the next level when: Most of the squad is choosing the contact lane on their own.
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.
Running two levels at once
- Split into small groups and let each group work on the drill-ladder level it's ready for.
- In contact, pair players by size first, then by confidence. Never by friendship alone.
- Give experienced players coaching jobs, such as helping a new player or calling the defence.
Common coaching mistakes
- Running one level of drill for everyone.
- Pairing by friendship or ability in contact. Pair by size first.
- Comparing players out loud.
- Keeping the best players together all session.
Related problems
ContactSafetySquad
The big kids flatten everyone
A few early-developing players run through everyone, and the rest are getting scared
SquadNew playersConfidenceHalf the squad is brand new
Some have played for years, some have never touched a ball, and you've got one session plan
SquadConfidenceThe confident kids do everything, others hide
The same players take every restart, every carry and every tackle