They stand still and wait for the ball
Most of the team watches the ball and waits for it to come to them
Why it happens
- They don't know where to go when they don't have the ball.
- Standing still feels safer than moving and getting it wrong.
- Big games with lots of players means fewer touches, so they switch off.
What to say
✓ Say this
- “Where could you catch it?”
- “Move into space and call.”
- “Great move! You got yourself free.”
✗ Not this
- “Do something!”
- Shouting their name over and over from the touchline.
- Playing big games with too many players on one pitch.
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.
Move to receive
How it works
- A passer stands still with the ball. Their partner stands still too, a few steps away.
- The receiver must move into a new space and call before the ball can be passed.
- Swap after 5 passes. Then add a still “marker” the receiver has to move away from.
Coaching points
- Move first, then call.
- Find space you could catch in.
- Hands up as you arrive.
Ready for the next level when: Receivers move into space and call every time without being reminded.
Wide buddy walk
How it works
- Ball carrier walks forward. Two support players walk alongside, one each side, about 5 big steps away.
- The coach calls “left” or “right”. The carrier passes that way and the group re-forms around the new carrier.
- Speed up to a jog. Then let the carrier choose the side.
Coaching points
- Five big steps wide, and slightly behind the ball.
- Support players keep their hands up as a target.
- When the ball moves, the shape moves with it.
Ready for the next level when: Groups keep their width and shape at a jog for the length of the pitch.
Talk to receive
How it works
- Touch rugby, but you can only pass to a player who has called for the ball (by name or “here!”).
- A pass to a silent player is a turnover.
- Add the 3-second rule from Level 1 to combine both.
Coaching points
- Call early, not when the ball is already coming.
- The ball carrier listens and picks the best call.
- Quiet kids get a buddy who calls with them at first.
Ready for the next level when: Constant chatter, and passes are going to players in space.
Bubble touch
How it works
- Touch rugby, with one extra rule. Only the ball carrier and one support player from each team can be inside the bubble, roughly 3 big steps around the ball.
- A third attacker in the bubble is a turnover. A third defender in the bubble gives the attack a free pass.
- The coach shouts “bubble!” when it's crowded, so players learn to check.
Coaching points
- Ask the players outside the bubble where they should be. Let them work it out.
- Praise players who move away from the ball to make space.
- Keep the area small enough that width still matters.
Ready for the next level when: The bubble stays clear without the coach having to call it.
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
- Big games with lots of players, so most of them never touch the ball.
- Shouting “do something!” without telling them what.
- Only praising the player with the ball.
- Long queues in drills, which teach standing still.
Related problems
PassingDecision-making
They pass to whoever's nearest, even if they're marked
The ball goes to the closest teammate, who gets tagged or tackled straight away
SpacingAttackGame senseThey all bunch around the ball
A swarm follows the ball, nobody holds width, the pitch is empty everywhere else
SquadConfidenceThe confident kids do everything, others hide
The same players take every restart, every carry and every tackle