In response to several questions over the last week regarding defence, such as;

Q. Do you have a drill to help my team move up quicker in defence as I get three or four moving up quick while most of the line waits for the attacker to come to them?

Q. What basic defence patterns should I teach my 11/12 year olds?

I thought the best way is to ‘show you’:)

In the video below the first part is a drill to get the players moving off the line quickly while the second part is a drill for the whole line while still moving forward.

Regarding coaching 11/12 year olds, I think in any sport the best way to progress is to learn the basics, practice the basics, perfect the basics. So whether you’re coaching 11, 12 open age you need to spend a percentage of your training week on basic core skills.

With regard to which defensive pattern, I would say concentrate on the correct technique and coach them how to tackle, front, side, rear and stay man on man. As they get older and their basic skills improve, then possibly introduce more complex systems.

The only system I would coach the younger kids is a tight ruck defence. Implement a system so that everyone knows each others job at marker, 1st,2nd and 3rd off the ruck. It’s a pet hate when a defence gets broke down the middle because it puts your line under all kinds of pressure.

Anyhow have a look and see if you can implement the drills into your sessions remembering the main coaching points;

1. Move off the line quickly
2. Body and hips facing forward
3. Correct head position
4. Communication

Best Wishes

Neil

http://1RugbyCoach.com