Looking for something? Type your search below or try an .
Searching phrases:

Use double quotes – e.g. "under 10" searches for the exact match "under 10" as opposed to content containing "under" and "10"

Wild cards:

Use an asterisk – e.g. pass* – searches for pass, passed, passing etc.

Combining:

Combine the search features to narrow your search – e.g. "under 10" basic drills kick*

U7 - What Can I Do?

Five and six-year-olds are still developing their coordination and body awareness. Handling any object is a challenge, let alone a bouncing rugby ball.

Your main job at this age is to set up activities with lots of ball contact that help players develop basic movement skills. One ball per player and small, modified games are perfect.

What I’m like at Under 7, and what you can do

What I’m like Try this
I’m still learning about space and teamwork. Play small-sided games (3v3 or 4v4) with lots of space and simple rules. Skip the jargon.
My attention span is short. Talk for less than 30 seconds, then get them playing. Stick to one key point per session.
The puddle at halfway is too tempting to resist. Expect distractions. Laugh it off and bring them back with a quick game.
I don’t know how to pace myself. I’ll go flat-out until I drop! Use short bursts of activity with plenty of breaks, and rotate players on and off.
All I think about is me, me and me! But I’ll share the ball, sometimes. Give everyone a ball to start. Then play games where a pass earns a bonus point.
I’ll chase someone to get the ball back, but rarely to support a teammate. Play games that reward support, like a try only counting if a teammate is close by.
I pass as a last resort, and rarely side-on. Celebrate every pass. Use simple passing games in pairs and small groups.
I can catch a ball standing still, but I bring it into my body. Start with short, slow, standing passes. Add walking, then jogging, as they get it.
I need regular water breaks and rest, especially on hot days. Plan a drink break every 10 to 15 minutes, and use shade on hot days.
I want everyone in the team to like me, even the coach! Greet every player by name. Praise effort, not just results.
I’m always moving: rocking, scratching, jiggling or fiddling. Don’t make them stand still to listen. Keep instructions short and active.
I can run with the ball in two hands, but I prefer one. Play games where they carry the ball in two hands, like “show me the ball”.
I can kick a ball along the ground. Keep kicking simple: kicks along the ground at targets.

 

BEGINNING RUGBY

Players at this level play with modified rules, smaller fields and smaller balls. Check the current Small Blacks rules and resources for your year group.

Coaching this age group is one of the most rewarding jobs in rugby. Here are some tips:

  • Keep it about playing. Most players this age won’t execute skills well, and that’s fine. Focus on participation and enjoyment, not results.
  • Keep instructions short. Attention spans are short. Long explanations and adult-style training don’t work. This is their first taste of rugby, so keep it simple.
  • One key point per session is a good rule of thumb.

BEGINNING COACH TIPS

  • Learn every name. Use it often, especially when a player does something well. Make sure you say it correctly.
  • Use their heroes. Tamariki love being compared to their favourite All Blacks and Black Ferns.
  • Let them run. Kids love running with the ball. Put a ball in every player’s hands, play lots of running games, and give everyone plenty of chances to score tries. Scoring tries is FUN.