25 Top Tips for Coaching Rugby (to kids)

1. Be prepared for when they arrive. Have the first game ready to go.
2. Be welcoming, enthusiastic, and remember to smile.
3. Keep explanations simple, let them ask questions.
4. Be inclusive, involve all players and always encourage and praise.
5. Use a whistle or fun sound like a hooter to gain their attention. Avoid shouting and losing patience.
6. Use visual aids/colours to enhance their observation.
7. Avoid highlighting errors or weaknesses, and do not use negative words.
8. Use your players’ names. If a player has a nickname that is fine,
9. Make sure they know your name or they call you coach, not Sir or Miss.
10. Mix teams around so some players don’t always dominate.
11. Encourage natural leaders to be good role models for the class or team.
12. Stay calm and patient with bad behaviour. Sit poorly behaved players out in a sin bin if they are disrupting the enjoyment of others and that includes you the coach,.
13. Involve the children in problem solving. Ask questions and let them discuss amongst themselves, just guide them in right direction.
14. Have a contingency plan if the practice is not working or they find it too easy or too hard.
15. Politely ask parents and guardians to remain unobtrusive as children need to focus on you and the game. Inform them t hat they are to remain outside of the training area at all times.
16. Don’t be tempted to join in. This affects your control and is dangerous.
17. Ensure fair play. Don’t overlook breaches of rules.
18. Encourage flair and risk taking, they must not be scared to make a mistake.
19. Keep sessions to no longer than 30 — to 45 minutes max
20. Use ball games, such as netball and soccer, to introduce co-ordination and passing and movement.
21. Remember, children watch your body language so stay bubbly. Avoid habits like folding your arms, constantly looking at your watch,
22. Keep them busy. Minimum stoppages, except for drinks, and you can use this time for any questions.
23. Use and encourage humour, but take care to avoid overuse of jargon. Remember, what adults see as funny, children may not.

Wests Scarborough Rugby Juniors

All of the above are in addition to the normal health and safety issues like registers, medical information, field and equipment checks, and the correct playing kit etc. It is vital that you have an assistant or other adult with you when coaching minors in the game of rugby.

Drop by and have a game either at junior or senior level : http://ift.tt/1nJ34JQ

http://ift.tt/1dqCgN1 http://ift.tt/20H0RHO

Originally published on Wordpress