They lose focus and mess about
Long queues, chatter while you're talking, play fights between drills
Why it happens
- Too much standing still. Queues and long explanations are where messing about starts.
- Instructions are too long, so they stop listening halfway through.
- The drill is too easy or too hard for them right now.
- They're tired, cold or hungry, especially at the end of a session.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Three things, then go.”
- “Show me, don't tell me.”
- “Great focus from this group! Let's go up a level.”
- Use their names when you need their attention.
✗ Not this
- Long speeches in the middle of the pitch.
- Running laps as a punishment.
- “Right, nobody's having fun until you listen.”
- Shouting at the whole group because of one or two players.
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.
Traffic lights
How it works
- Players jog around a square with a ball.
- The coach calls “green” (jog), “amber” (walk) or “red” (stop and hold the ball still).
- Add more calls once they've got it: “purple” (pass to the nearest player), “blue” (put the ball down and touch your toes).
Coaching points
- It's a game, but it practises your stop signal.
- Use the same stop call you use in every session.
- Reward the fastest stops.
Ready for the next level when: Every player stops on “red” within a second.
Coach says
How it works
- Like “Simon says”. Players only follow an instruction if it starts with “Coach says”.
- Use rugby moves: “Coach says hands up for a catch”, “Coach says ball in two hands”, “Coach says get low”.
- Anyone who moves without “Coach says” does 3 ball taps, then carries on. Nobody is out.
Coaching points
- Short, sharp instructions.
- Nobody sits out. Keep everyone playing.
- Finish with the stop signal you use in sessions.
Ready for the next level when: Players respond to calls quickly and stay focused for the whole game.
Small-group stations
How it works
- Split the squad into small groups and set up 3 stations, each with a simple drill they already know.
- Each group spends 4 minutes at a station, then rotates. A parent helper or senior player can run a station.
- Everybody is busy all the time. No queues.
Coaching points
- Pick drills they already know, so you're not explaining three things at once.
- Rotate on a clear signal.
- Groups of 4–6 so nobody waits.
Ready for the next level when: Groups rotate quickly and stay busy at each station without being chased.
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.
Plan to stay busy
- Groups of 4–6, a ball each where you can, no queues.
- Change activity every 8–10 minutes.
- Bring snacks and water for drinks breaks, especially at the end.
Common coaching mistakes
- Long queues in drills.
- Explaining for minutes in the middle of the pitch.
- Drills that are too easy or too hard for the group.
- Running laps as a punishment.