Half the squad is brand new
Some have played for years, some have never touched a ball, and you've got one session plan
Why it happens
- New players don't know the rules, the words or the drills, so they hang back or copy whoever's nearest.
- Experienced players get bored waiting and take over the games.
- Contact is the biggest gap. New players haven't done the kneeling and walking steps yet.
- Coaches pitch the session at the middle, which suits nobody.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Everyone was new once. Show them how.”
- “Your job is to get [name] the ball.”
- “Great first go! What did you notice?”
- “It's fine to be on a different level today.”
✗ Not this
- “Just watch what the others do.”
- “Keep up.”
- Putting new players straight into contact games.
- Splitting into “good” and “bad” groups 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.
Fall and roll
How it works
- Players kneel, fall sideways and roll onto the back of the shoulder.
- Repeat from a crouch, then from standing.
- Add a ball: fall, place it back, pop up.
Coaching points
- Tuck the chin to the chest.
- Never land on a straight arm.
- Get back up quickly, every time.
Ready for the next level when: Every player can fall from standing calmly without putting an arm out.
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.
Kneeling hip hug
How it works
- Tackler kneels on one knee. Ball carrier stands side-on, close enough to touch.
- Tackler puts their cheek on the carrier's hip, wraps both arms round the thighs and squeezes for 3 seconds. Nobody goes to ground yet.
- Then the carrier takes one slow step. The tackler wraps, squeezes and rolls them gently onto the grass. Swap after 3 goes.
Coaching points
- Cheek to the hip, head behind the ball carrier. Never in front.
- Arms wrap below the waist. If an arm goes round the chest, start again.
- Slow is fine. We're learning where the head and arms go.
Ready for the next level when: Every player can wrap at hip height with their head to the side, 5 times out of 5.
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.
Safety for new players
- New players start at the bottom of every contact ladder, whatever their size or age. Fall and roll comes first.
- Pair new players with players of a similar size, not a similar experience. Experienced players can coach from the side.
- Ask parents about any medical needs and make sure new players know the stop signal.
Common coaching mistakes
- One session for everyone. Run two levels side by side and move players up when they're ready.
- Letting experienced players hog the ball. Give them a job that needs the new players.
- Skipping safety basics because "they're big enough". Every new player starts at the bottom of the contact ladder.
- Too much talking. New players learn by doing.
Related problems
TackleConfidence
My players are scared of contact
Hesitating, pulling out of tackles, turning their back
ConfidenceBall carrierWellbeingMy players are afraid of getting hurt
Worried about knocks, falls and big kids. Holding back in games, nervous before training.
PassingAttackThey won't pass, they just run
Heads down, running into three defenders, support players left waving