Mauls turn into wrestling matches
Players pulling and twisting, the ball lost, bodies falling over
Why it happens
- Mauls are new at this age. Nobody has shown them a safe body position.
- They pull and twist because they want the ball.
- Mismatched sizes make it a strength contest.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Stay on your feet, low and strong.”
- “Bind on, drive forward.”
- “Great control! Everyone stayed upright.”
✗ Not this
- “Rip it off them!” with no technique.
- Letting a maul go on when players are twisted or off their feet.
- Pairing very different sizes in maul practice.
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.
Maul body position
How it works
- The ball carrier stands side-on, holding the ball in two hands at their chest.
- Two teammates bind on, one each side, low and strong: feet wide, shoulders above hips, heads up.
- Hold the shape for 5 seconds, then swap jobs. No opposition.
Coaching points
- Stay on your feet. Heads up, backs flat.
- Bind with your whole arm, not by grabbing shirts.
- Nobody twists or pulls.
Ready for the next level when: Every group can hold a strong, safe shape for 5 seconds without wobbling.
Rip and pass back
How it works
- The ball carrier stands still. A teammate binds on and takes the ball with both hands, then turns and passes it back hand-to-hand.
- The last player takes it and runs off. Rotate so everyone has each job.
- No opposition, all on your feet.
Coaching points
- Two hands on the ball, take it, don't snatch it.
- Keep low and stay bound while you pass it back.
- Last player: call when you're ready.
Ready for the next level when: Groups move the ball to the back quickly and on their feet.
Shield maul walk
How it works
- One player holds a shield, braced, feet wide.
- A group of three binds together around a ball carrier and walks forward into the shield, pushing the holder back 3 steps.
- Stay on your feet and keep the shape. Swap the shield holder each go.
Coaching points
- Players hold the shields, never an adult.
- Low and strong. Push with the legs, heads up.
- Stop straight away if anyone goes down or gets twisted.
Ready for the next level when: Groups walk the shield back on their feet and in shape every time.
Walking maul 3v2
How it works
- Three attackers form a maul around the ball carrier, as in Maul body position.
- Two defenders, on their feet, try to stop it moving. Everyone walks. No pulling down, no twisting.
- After 5 seconds the coach calls “use it” and the ball comes back. Rotate roles.
Coaching points
- Walking pace only.
- Stop straight away if anyone goes to ground or gets twisted.
- Pair by size. Big players with big players.
Ready for the next level when: Mauls move forward on their feet and the ball comes back cleanly, with no one going to ground.
Mauls and safety
- Stop the maul straight away if anyone is off their feet, twisted or pulled down.
- Pair by size. Never put the smallest players against the biggest in a maul.
- Check your age group's maul rules with the official RFU text.
Common coaching mistakes
- Letting a maul continue when anyone is off their feet or twisted.
- Mismatched sizes in maul practice.
- Coaching mauls at speed. Walking pace is plenty.
- Telling players to “rip it” without showing safe hand position.