Introduction toIntroduction toCoaching Development ProgrammeCoaching Development Programme

Youths & MinisYouths & Minis

Youths & Mini Structure

ChairmanYouths &

Mini Rugby

CoachingCo-ordinator

YouthsCo-ordinator

Recruitment&

Retention

MinisHead Coaches

(U7-U12)

YouthsHead Coaches

(U13-U16)

Our Approach – “APE”

• An coaching system that is– Appropriate– Professional, and;– Effective

• For the– Game & Team– Player, and;– Coach

Game & Team

PlayerCoach

The Game/Team

• Exciting and skilled

• A go-forward/running game

• Adaptive game allowing players express themselves and play to their strengths

The Player

• Knowledgeable and intelligent

• Responds quickly and appropriately

• Has self belief and fulfils potential

• Performs his skills to a high standard

The Coach

• A clear communicator

• Has age appropriate knowledge of all aspects of the game

• Is respected by players

• Allows players to maximise potential and performance

How Do We Do It?

• There is a need to standardise the approach to coaching and ensure a continuity of approach

• Develop effective coaching system for youths and minis– General Movement of Play (i.e. what we do and

where we are in open play)

• Develop and catalogue age specific drills– Ball Handling– Contact– General Play

• Monitor progress

• Assess coaching technique – “develop the skill not the drill”

• Address shortfalls

• Develop a mini to youth transition programme

• Monitor talent and potential

Ball Handling

Contact

General Play

Example

• The following are the standards that could be expected of a player at U12 at season end

•Catch and pass to both sides

•Be stronger and more accurate to favourite side

•Tackle with either shoulder

•Be stronger on favourite side when under pressure

•Have knowledge of most key factors

•Has ball in two hands

•Understands need to protect ball (“body before ball”)

•Low body position and good foot placement

•Better on one shoulder

Ball Handling Tackle Body Contact

Coaching Sessions

• Planned– Coaches know the plan!!– Resources assigned– Stations set

• Disciplined– Speak to players beforehand– Set the standard that is expected

• Skill focussed• Strong Emphasis on ball handling/passing

Typical U12 Coaching Session

Area Activity Time

Warm Up Stretching & Ball Handling 15

Drill (Passing) “Depth Charging” 15

Drill (Rucking) “Go with the Flow” 15

Conditioned Game Incorporate skills learnt – stop/start – challenge and question players

20

Warm Down Helps prevent muscle soreness and

break downs by-products of exercise

5

Team Talk Focus on key learning 2

Summary

• Continue to develop our minis and youths coaches

• Set standards

• Support each other