TM

RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

U7 Mini-Tag & U8 Mini-Tag

Part of the EasiCoach Skills Curriculum – helping grassroots

coaches deliver quality rugby skills coaching to young players
 Also available in the
EasiCoach™ Rugby Skills Activities Series

ISBN: 978-1-910338-37-7 ISBN: 978-1-910338-38-4

Activities following the EasiCoach Activities following the EasiCoach

Rugby Curriculum for the age groups Rugby Curriculum for the age groups
U9 & U10, introducing tackling and U11 & U12, and U13-U16, introducing
rucking and different types of passes. more advanced passing and tackling
By Andrew Griffiths and Dan Cottrell skills and lineout.
By Andrew Griffiths and Dan Cottrell
 TM

RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

U7 Mini-Tag & U8 Mini-Tag

 TM

RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

U7 Mini-Tag & U8 Mini-Tag

By Andrew Griffiths and Dan Cottrell
with thanks to Martin Skelton
CREDITS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

First published in spiral bound and PDF editions in March 2015 by

Green Star Media Ltd
Meadow View House
Tannery Lane
Bramley
Guildford
Surrey
GU5 0AS

[Link]

ISBN: 978-1-910338-36-0

Copyright © 2015 Andrew Griffiths and Dan Cottrell

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means –
graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or information or storage
and retrieval systems – without the prior permission in writing of the publishers.
The right of Andrew Griffiths and Dan Cottrell to be identified as the authors of this work have been
asserted by them in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
Note: While every effort has been made to ensure the content of this book is as technically accurate
and age appropriate as possible, neither the authors nor the publishers can accept responsibility for
any injury or loss sustained as a result of the use of this material.

For Green Star Media

Cover design: Matt Boulton
Photographs: Luke Ehrlanderr
Illustrations: Steve Thorpe, Artlife
Marketing: Haley Booth
Customer Services: Duncan Heard, Ben Hodges
Managing Director: Andrew Griffiths

Grateful thanks to London Irish RFC for permission to use the images in this book.

vi © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

CONTENTS RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

Contents
Introduction
Getting started – U7 Mini-Tag 1
2
Using your EasiCoach activities 9
Pitch Set-Up Recommendation U7/U8 10
Parental checklists 12

U7 Mini-Tag activities
ATTACKING
Understand the need to run forward to score tries 16
Run forward. Avoid the defender.
Score a Tag try 18
Touch the ball down using both hands.
Run past defenders 20
Use pretend moves and dodges to change direction.
Support the ball carrier 22
Get behind the ball carrier. Call the name of the ball carrier.
Understand the need to pass once tagged 24
Pass the ball when you are tagged.

DEFENDING
Make a Tag tackle 26
Get close to the ball carrier. Grab and remove the tag belt. Hold the tag above your
head and shout “Tag!”. Return the tag to the tagged player.
Defend against attackers 28
Chase the ball carrier. Get close to the ball carrier.
Understand the offside law 30
Defenders must go back behind the offside line when a player is tagged.
Stand in the correct position for a restart 32
Form part of a line. Encourage others to form part of a line.
Work together as defenders 34
Move together towards a target.

HANDLING
Understand that the ball goes backwards 36
Know what a forward pass is.
Pass 1 metre to another player 38
Look where the pass should go. Push the ball towards the target player.
Catch the ball from another player 40
Call for the ball. Keep your eyes on the ball. Put hands up to make a target.
Run with the ball in two hands 42
Place both your hands in middle of the ball. Keep the ball off your chest.
Run to a ball and pick it up 44
Put your foot by the ball. Put one hand in front and one hand behind the ball.
Bend before you get to the ball.

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 vii

CONTENTS RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

U8 Mini-Tag activities
ATTACKING
Understand that you must run forward to score tries 48
Run forward to score tries.
Score a Tag try 50
Touch the ball down using both hands.
Run past defenders 52
Use pretend moves and dodges to change direction.
Support the ball carrier 54
Get behind the ball carrier. Call the name of the ball carrier.
Take the pass as you move forward 56
Reach out to take the pass.
Understand that you need to pass once tagged 58
Pass the ball once you are tagged.

DEFENDING
Defend against attackers 60
Decide whether to chase the ball carrier. Get close to the ball carrier.
Make a Tag tackle 62
Get close to the ball carrier. Grab and remove the tag belt. Hold the tag above your
head and shout “Tag!”. Return the tag to the tagged player.
Understand the offside law 64
The offside line is through the centre of the ball across the pitch. Defenders must go
back behind the offside line when a player is tagged.
Stand in the correct position for a restart 66
Form part of a line. Get others to form part of a line.
Work together as defenders 68
Move together towards a target. Tell other defenders which way to move.

HANDLING
Understand that the ball goes backwards 70
Look where the ball should go. Push the ball towards the target player.
Pass 3 metres to another player 72
Look where the pass should go. Push the ball towards the target player. Pass in front
of a receiver moving forward. Pass to the receiver who is calling for the ball.
Catch the ball from another player moving 74
Call for the ball. Keep your eyes on the ball. Put your hands up to make a target.
Reach out to take the pass.
Run with the ball in two hands 76
Place both your hands in middle of the ball. Keep ball off your chest.
Run to a ball and pick it up 78
Bend before you get to the ball. Put your foot by the ball. Put one hand in front and
one hand behind the ball.

viii © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

INTRODUCTION RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

Welcome to EasiCoach™ Rugby Activities

– the parents’ survival guide to coaching rugby
Dear Beginner Coach, Volunteer Dad or Mum, or “Roped-In” Helper,
If the world of rugby coaching seems a little daunting, don’t worry, you are not alone! Like many
parents involved in coaching their children:
• You volunteered to help, or were volunteered!
• You don’t know much about rugby, or coaching
• You don’t want to let the side down
• You want to do the best you can but don’t have time to go on a course
• You’re worried about coaching “the wrong thing”.

EasiCoach provides ready-made, age appropriate, safe training activities, set out clearly on a single
page, that even a child could understand. They are simple and easy to follow, and will make your life
easier. EasiCoach covers ten age groups, available in three separate manuals:
• U7 & U8 Mini-Tag (31 activities)
• U9 & U10 (60 activities)
• U11-12 & U13-16 (60 activities)

How does this help you? EasiCoach coaching activities will help you to:
• Quickly understand what it is you’re trying to achieve
• See what you need to do from just a few words and pictures
• Grasp the key dos and don’ts at a glance
• Check you have all the equipment you need (never more than basics)
• Cater for more or fewer players at your session
• Speak to your players with confidence

But here’s what’s really great about the EasiCoach approach. Follow all the materials in each manual,
and your players will be learning the right skills for the right age group every season. They will be
having more fun, and be on a gradual development pathway that should make them better, more
skilful, players and continue playing rugby for longer.

Yours in rugby,

Andrew Griffiths Dan Cottrell

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 1

GETTING STARTED RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

Your EasiCoach Activity Sheets

Each of the activity sheets in this manual covers a simple rugby skill appropriate for U7 or U8
age groups.
These age groups have just started rugby, so they know little or nothing about the game or how
to play – perhaps you don’t either. This doesn’t matter as the main objective is for the players to
have fun!
Here’s what you do to help them.
• Read the Beginners’ Guide below.
• In your one hour session, we suggest you run one or (depending on time) two activities from
this book, and then play a Mini-Tag game.
• Each activity comes with a setup sheet to show you (or your helpers) where to put the
cones, balls and players in order to run the activity. (It’s great if this can be done before the
players arrive!)
• Details on how to run a Mini-Tag game are below.

The EasiCoach Beginners Guide to Mini-Tag

Here are the main things you need to know about coaching and organising U7 and U8 rugby. Don’t
worry, it’s not as hard as you think. The good news is that coaching the game has just got simpler!
Length of the session: The coaching, training,
games or matches combined should last for
no more than 60 minutes at U7 and U8.
You should plan for no more than two
EasiCoach activities each taking 20
minutes in total, followed by a
game, also 20 minutes. Simple.
Setup: Arrive earlier than the
players if you can, to set up the
playing area for the chosen activities
for the day. Set up two EasiCoach
activities and be ready for the
players to arrive.
Tag belts: Every player wears a
tag belt during games but they
don’t always have to when
taking part in EasiCoach
activities, depending on the
activity.

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 RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

Tag belts have two removable tags (one of each side of the waist) fixed by Velcro-type fasteners. They
can be torn off by a defending player, and this is the tag equivalent of a tackle. The defending player
should hold up the tag and shout “tag”. The tagged player must stop and pass the ball. The tag must
be returned immediately.
Parents: Keen though they are to make a difference, unless they are helping, parents are now
recommended to stand at least 3m back from the edge of the pitch. If space allows, your pitch set up
should incorporate a cone or rope barrier to show parents where to stand. Encouragement of players is
welcomed and criticism frowned upon.

Refereeing and Game Coaching

You might hope not to have to get involved in refereeing, or “game coaching” as it is becoming known,
or you might be dead keen to try. These days the objective is a free-flowing game, so the person with
the whistle is more of a helper than a referee. Each side having a coach is no longer advised (a lot less
shouting!), freeing up helpers to run other games. This is needed because there are smaller numbers of
players per game.
Free pass: This is used as a way of restarting a game. One player of the team that is awarded
possession simply passes the ball to a team-mate to restart the game. To start the game for the first
and second halves, or after a try, the free pass is from the centre of the field. When the ball goes

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 3

 RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

out of play, the free pass is from the place where

the ball went out. After an infringement, the
free pass is made from the place of the
infringement. The free pass is used instead of a
kick, scrum or lineout.
Scoring a try: Encourage the players to
call out “try” when they score. A try
is worth one point. If the ground or
playing surface is particularly hard you
may prefer for a try to be scored when
a player simply runs over the opposition
goal line with the ball.
Knock-ons and knock forwards: A knock-
on occurs when a player drops the ball or
fumbles it as he tries to catch it and the ball
both goes forward towards the attackers’
goal line and drops to the ground. At this
age group, play is allowed to continue,
offering the chance for the other team to
win the ball.
Using the whistle: Although the emphasis
at this age is on using the whistle as little
as possible, it’s still valuable to start and
stop games, highlight dangerous play,
stop for injuries or when serious infringements occur. And it’s helpful for getting attention, too! But you
could just say “Stop!” as an alternative!
Tags on the ground: There should be no tags on the ground at any time. However, occasionally a ball
carrier may accidentally flick off one of their own tags while running. In this case, stop the game and
allow the player to replace the tag. Restart the game with a free pass to the team in possession from
where the tag came off.
Kicking and diving: You’ll probably find that the ball ends up on the ground quite a lot. Do not allow
the players to kick or dive on any loose ball, and stop the game to make the point. Instead get them to
gather the ball up, staying on their feet, and play on.
Contact: Tag rugby is a non-contact sport, so players should be encouraged to avoid each other. The
ball carrier must not run into defenders, and defenders must not run block the ball carrier. Players
should not “bash” into each other, and if any if this happens stop the game to explain the rules.

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 RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

U7 Mini-Tag Guidelines
Number of players: 8 (4 v 4). With groups of up to 30, this requires at least three or maybe four
pitches and games to be set up and run, with at least one helper per game, preferably two. Avoid
having players standing around, waiting to play, if possible.
Maximum pitch size:
12m x 20m. Don’t worry if you have not got this space – you can work with slightly smaller pitches if
required with no problem. At least four 12m x 20m pitches can be fitted into one half of a standard
rugby pitch. When the pitches are set up near goal posts, ensure that the posts have protective
padding. If they are near corner or halfway marker flags, remove these before play starts.
Knock-on not penalised: Although knock-ons should not be encouraged, this new approach by the
rugby authorities means players can drop the ball or throw it forward without the game stopping.
Other players can simply pick up the ball and carry on, the emphasis being on a free-flowing game.
No coaches on the pitch. The authorities are rightly taking action to ensure that adults interfere as
little as possible in the free flowing of the game at this level.
Scoring: Players must stay on their feet and place the ball to score.
Ball size: 3
Length of game or match: Play 10 minutes each way (20
minutes total), with a minimum two minute water break at
half time.

U8 Mini-Tag Guidelines
Number of players: 12 (6 v 6). This may reduce the
number of games you and your assistants may have
to run at the same time, but don’t be hidebound by the
numbers. If 5 v 5 works better for a group of 20, go
ahead.
Maximum pitch size: 25m x 45m. Again don’t worry if
you have less space, you can still run a game.
No coaches on the pitch: same as for U7s, and for the rest of the
age groups for that matter!
Permitted to go to ground to score: U8s are allowed to
dive or come off their feet to score.
Ball size: 3
Length of game or match: Play 10 minutes each
way, with a minimum two minute half time rest.

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 5

A 1-2-3 of Coaching Young Children
1. Use the 30 Second Rule
The 30 second rule works because children learn best by doing, not listening, and 30 seconds is about
as much as most of them can take. So, with that in mind, let them do as much as possible and listen
as little as possible. After 30 seconds, many of your audience will have stopped listening anyway, and
very little if any of what you go on to say will be heard, let alone understood. Don’t waste your time!
Only having 30 seconds to talk can make life easier if you are privately anxious about speaking, or
concerned about saying the wrong thing, as it reduces the chance of making a mistake. Being time
limited forces you to think carefully beforehand about what you are going to say. The outcome should
be reduced waffle and getting to the point more quickly. Children like this simplicity. It is also worth
bearing in mind that in chillier climates, players will get cold very quickly if they are standing round
listening to you for more than a short period.
Just 30 seconds really only gives you the chance to pick up one point from the activity the players
have been doing – a good thing in itself. While you are observing them, think about what you want to
say. This can be praise or encouragement, or it can be to offer a suggestion to a common problem that

6 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

 RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

is occurring. Use your 30 seconds to laser in on just one. That single message is far more likely to get
through into their little heads if it is on its own.
One trick to increase attention levels is to get young players as attentive as possible before you start
talking, simply by asking them to be quiet, or standing silently waiting for them to quiet down. The
rule is not always practical, though. Sometimes, when you are introducing something new, you will
have to talk to the players for longer. In these situations, make sure you involve the players either by
asking questions, giving them a break from your voice – or by getting volunteers to demonstrate. But
if you can do it in 30 seconds – congratulations!
2. When and how to correct mistakes
If a young player is making a mistake, we feel duty bound to do something about it. However, we
shouldn’t always step in. Young people learn from their mistakes by themselves and from feedback
from their peers. They don’t want or need an adult telling them every time they don’t get something
right, or as good as it should be – they know!
You may notice as your start coaching young children that youngsters can be intimidated by
corrections. The action of correcting can be counterproductive in itself, with some players not taking
on board what they need to change.
There are some things that we must correct. Anything that can harm the player or someone else,
such as kicking, punching, verbal abuse or any other sort of foul play. These are non-negotiable.
Do not hesitate to blow the whistle to stop play and highlight the actions of the offender, so that
everyone is aware of the issue and can learn.
Other areas we might correct are discretionary. Technical
errors, such as poor hand positioning on the ball. More
difficult might be decision-making errors such as wrong
options. This is problematic because there are often a
number of options.
Most people don’t like criticism or corrections at all, let
alone in front of others, and children are no different. If at
all possible, take the player aside on a one-to-one basis
to make a comment. If parents are nearby, you might
feel it is appropriate to make the point in their presence.
One or two words may be enough, but the key is to
“talk” and not raise your voice.
3. Coach by gentle questioning
Research shows that learning comes from self-
discovery. This means players realise how to solve
problems and react to situations by finding
their own solutions. Coaches should try to
reduce the amount of time they spend “telling”
the players what to do. Instead, through
questioning, they should look to empower their
players.

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 7

 RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

To aid good learning the coach needs to communicate well verbally. The choice of words is often not
as important as the way they are told. Remember:
• Don’t use jargon or sarcasm.
• Promote positive comments.
• Back up criticism with a way forward.
• Keep sentences short.
• Don’t make too many points.
• Summarise at the end – some players may
not have understood the first time around.
Gentle questioning
Asking questions is useful because it:
• Gains the attention of the players.
• Lets the coach learn what the players
know.
• Involves the players in the
learning process.
• Allows the players to express their opinions.
• Helps the coach check for understanding.
Asking the best questions
• Use open questions – questions that cannot be answered with just “yes” or “no”. Start questions
with words, like “what”, “how” or “where”.
• Don’t use “why”, because it can be construed as negative.
• Wait for the answer, don’t hurry the player.
• Listen, don’t anticipate the answer. Try not to rephrase the answer once given.
When to “tell” and when to “question”
Tell when:
• You have a short period of time to get your point across.
• Specific instructions are needed. For instance, health and safety issues or laws of the game.
• A larger group makes question and answer sessions unwieldy.
Question to:
• Check your players’ understanding.
• Gain feedback.
• Improve your players’ learning.

8 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

USING YOUR EASICOACH ACTIVITIES RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

The equipment you will need to run the A plan showing you how to set out
6 STEPS TO EASICOACH SUCCESS activity, so that you know exactly what to the activity on the training ground
1. Find the activity you need take with you to the training ground – where to place the cones and
2. Look at the pictures and read the text how far apart they should be

3. Check what equipment you’ll need

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© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 9

PITCH SET-UP RECOMMENDATIONS U7 RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

12m 12m

20m 20m

Make sure the posts

have protective
padding at all times

12m 12m

20m 20m

10 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

PITCH SET-UP RECOMMENDATIONS U9 RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

40m

22m

Make sure the posts

have protective
padding at all times
40m

22m

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 11

PARENTAL CHECKLIST: U7 MINI-TAG SKILLS RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

NAME OF PLAYER: Beginning Developing Mastering

DATE:

HANDLING

1 Understand that the ball goes backwards

2 Pass 1 metre to another player

3 Catch the ball from another player

4 Run with the ball in two hands

5 Run to a ball and pick it up

ATTACKING

1 Understand the need to run forward to score tries

2 Score a Tag try

3 Run past defenders

4 Support the ball carrier

5 Understand the need to pass once tagged

DEFENDING

1 Make a Tag tackle

2 Defend against attacker

3 Understand the offside law

4 Stand in the correct position for a restart

5 Work together as defenders

Notes: This assessment checklist is intended as a guide to progress only. Assess your child’s progress against the
three criteria above for 6 and 7 year olds. For example, is your child mastering the concept of running with the ball in
two hands (for a 6 year old)? Some skills will be mastered (for a 6 year old) in a short space of time. Only the most
able will master all the skills by the time they move to U8, but this doesn’t matter. Some take longer to develop than
others. Make copies of this page and regularly reassess your child’s progress as a way of providing praise.

12 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

PARENTAL CHECKLIST: U8 MINI-TAG SKILLS RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

NAME OF PLAYER: Beginning Developing Mastering

DATE:

HANDLING

1 Understand that the ball goes backwards

2 Pass 3 metres to another player

3 Catch the ball from another player moving

4 Run with the ball in two hands

5 Run to a ball and pick it up

ATTACKING

1 Understand that you must run forward to score tries

2 Score a Tag try

3 Run past defenders

4 Support the ball carrier

5 Take the pass as you move forward

6 Understand that you need to pass once tagged

DEFENDING

1 Defend against attackers

2 Make a Tag tackle

3 Understand the offside law

4 Stand in the correct position for a restart

5 Work together as defenders

Notes: This assessment checklist is intended as a guide to progress only. Assess your child’s progress against the
three criteria above for 7 and 8 year olds. For example, is your child mastering the concept of running with the ball in
two hands (for a 7 year old)? Some skills will be mastered (for a 7 year old) in a short space of time. Only the most
able will master all the skills by the time they move to U9, but this doesn’t matter. Some take longer to develop than
others. Make copies of this page and regularly reassess your child’s progress as a way of providing praise.

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 13

 TM

RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

U7 Mini-Tag
ACTIVITIES
U7 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 1

Understand the need to

run forward to score tries
ACTIVITY: WHERE’S THE TRY LINE?

“Run forward” • “Avoid the defender”

1  Put three defenders on one side of the

area, one on each corner and one in
the middle. Put three attackers in a line on
2  When you say “go”, an attacker runs
forward. As soon as he starts to
move, shout out the name of one of the
the adjacent side, each with a ball. defenders who must come across to try
to make a tag.

3  The attacker aims to score a tag try

at the opposite side without running
out of the box or being tagged.
4  After taking his turn, the ball carrier
swaps with the defender. Repeat
until everyone has had a go as attacker
and defender.

5  Develop by calling out two

defenders at different times, to
challenge the ball carrier.

How many players do I need? Key

This activity requires six players at a time, but you can have attackers Ground covered Pass Direction of run
and defenders lined up ready to take their turn.

16 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 1

Understand the need to

run forward to score tries
ACTIVITY: WHERE’S THE TRY LINE?

You will need

1 ball for each 1 bib for each

attacker defender

5 cones 1 tag belt for each

attacker

10 metres

10 metres

5 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 17

U7 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 2

Score a Tag try

ACTIVITY: TRY SCORING RELAY

“Touch the ball down using both hands”

1  Divide your players into teams of four.

Put the teams into lines, each line
about 3m apart, on one side of the area.
2  When you say “go”, the first player
in each team runs to the other side
of the area, scores a try (see below for
The player at the front of each line holds the correct technique) and then runs
a ball. back to his team. He gives the
ball to his next team mate
who repeats the move.

3  Each player goes twice. When the

last player returns the second time,
he gives the ball to the front player and
4  Develop by making the player score
the try in the middle of the area, run
to the end before turning to pick up the
everyone sits down. ball and give it to his team mate.

Scoring a try
When scoring a try, a player must bend
at the knees and hips and touch the
ball down using both hands. If the ball
doesn’t move after it is put down, it
shows the player is in control.

LAWS OF RUGBY
In Tag Rugby, a player…
1. Must not dive to score.
2. Can score with one step after being
tagged.

How many players do I need? Key

You can run this game with as many teams of four as you like – just Ground covered Direction of run
remember to space the teams about 3m apart.

18 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 2

Score a Tag try

ACTIVITY: TRY SCORING RELAY

You will need

1 ball for every 1 tag belt for each

four players player

4 cones

10 metres

10 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 19

U7 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 3

Run past defenders

ACTIVITY: SLALOM

“Use pretend moves and dodges to change direction”

1  Divide your players into teams of

four and put each team behind a
line of cones.
2  Each player should hold a ball in two
hands.

Use short steps on

the turn to maintain
good balance

3  When you say “go”, the front players

race to the other end of the lines
making sure they swerve in and out of
4  Repeat for the next players in each
team and so on.

the cones as they go. They should use

pretend moves and dodges to change
direction.

5  Develop by making
players stand by some of
the cones so that the runners have
to use pretend moves and dodges to
avoid them. Rotate players so that they
take turns on the cones.

How many players do I need? Key

You can run this game with as many teams of four as you like – just Ground covered
remember to space the teams at least 3m apart.

20 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 3

Run past defenders

ACTIVITY: SLALOM

You will need

1 ball for every

four players

6 cones for
every four
players

20 metres
4 metres

3 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 21

U7 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 4

Support the
ball carrier
ACTIVITY: STOP AND PASS

“Get behind the ball carrier” • “Call the name of the ball carrier”

1  Put three players on the start line

standing about 3m apart. Place a cone
in front of each player – one at 5m, one at
2  Have the first player run out with
a ball. When he reaches the cone
in front of him, he stops as if he’s been
10m and one at 15m. tagged and passes the ball to the
next player, who is running
slightly behind him.

3  The next player runs forward to

the cone in front of him and repeats
with the last player who runs to the cone
in front of him and then on to the end of After they’ve passed the
the area. ball, the first two players
run on to the end of the
area. The third player
carries the ball to the end
Players must stagger their
runs so the player in front
can stop and pass to them

4  Other groups of
three can follow up

5 
behind. When all the players Develop by having the first two
have reached the end of the area, players run around to take a pass
they can turn and repeat the activity from the last player (after they have
running back the other way. completed their own passes).

How many players do I need? Key

Three players take part each time. With up to 12 players, have them wait Ground covered Pass Direction of run
their turn in groups of three. If you have more players, set up two games.

22 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 4

Support the
ball carrier
ACTIVITY: STOP AND PASS

You will need

1 ball

7 cones

20 metres
15 metres

10 metres

5 metres

3 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 23

U7 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 5

Understand the need

to pass once tagged
ACTIVITY: TAG CORRIDORS

“Pass the ball when you are tagged”

1  Put three attackers, one with a ball, at

one end of the area. Put one defender
inside the area at 5m and another at 10m.
2  When you say “go”, the ball carrier
runs forward aiming to score at the
far end. The defenders aim to tag
the ball carrier.

3  When tagged, the ball carrier has to

stop and pass to another attacker.

Passing the ball

Look at the where the
ball should go

4  When the attackers reach the far

end, they turn and repeat, with a
different attacker starting with the ball.
The defenders have to
give back the tags to
the attackers

Push the ball

towards the
target player

LAWS OF RUGBY
In Tag Rugby, a player…
Must pass within three strides or three Pass the ball away
seconds of being tagged. from the tummy

How many players do I need? Key

This activity requires five players at a time, but you can have Pass Direction of run
attackers and defenders lined up ready to take their turn.

24 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 5

Understand the need

to pass once tagged
ACTIVITY: TAG CORRIDORS

You will need

1 ball

8 cones

1 bib for each

defender

1 tag belt for each

attacker

15 metres
5 metres
5 metres

5 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 25

U7 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 1

Make a Tag tackle

ACTIVITY: TAG SNATCH

“Get close to the ball carrier” • “Grab and remove the tag belt” • Hold the tag
above your head and shout “Tag!” • “Return the tag to the tagged player”

1  Pair up the players to make two

teams. Give each team a name, such
as “Reds” and “Blues”.
2  Put them back to back in the middle
of the area with the Blues facing one
way and Reds the other, each pair 2m
from the next.

3  Shout out “Red” or “Blue”. The

players of that colour sprint to the
line in front of them. At the same time,
4  The players return tags and repeat
the game. Continue until everyone
has had at least five goes at sprinting.
the other players turn and try to tag the
runners before they reach the line. Tell
the players to get close to the ball carrier.

Making a Tag tackle

To make a tag, the defender must get close to
the attacker, reach out and cleanly rip the tag
from the attacker’s tag belt.

How many players do I need? Key

You can run this activity with as many pairs as you like, as long as you Direction of run
have enough space for them all to line up.

26 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 1

Make a Tag tackle

ACTIVITY: TAG SNATCH

You will need

4 cones Bibs or different colour

shirts for one team

1 tag belt for each

player

15 metres

15 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 27

U7 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 2

Defend against
attackers
ACTIVITY: TAG BULLDOG

“Chase the ball carrier” • “Get close to the ball carrier”

1  Three defenders are spread out in the

middle of the area. The rest of the
players – the attackers – start at one end.
2  When you say “go”, all of the
attackers run into the area. Their
aim is to get to the far end without being
Attackers must either be carrying a ball tagged by a defender.
or have their hands clasped together to
represent holding a ball.

Defenders come forward to

tag the attackers. Once a
defender has taken a
tag, he must hand
it back to the
attacker

3  If an attacker is either
tagged, goes outside the
area, uses a fend to prevent the Making a Tag tackle
tag being ripped off, or does not hold To make a tag, the defender must get close to
the ball in two hands, he becomes a the attacker, reach out and cleanly rip the tag
defender. from the attacker’s tag belt.

4  Run the game up and down the area

until the last player is tagged. Make
sure everyone has a go as a defender.

5  When the game is over, ask the

defenders whether they think it’s
better to defend together in a line or as
individuals to see if they understand the
benefit of teamwork.

How many players do I need? Key

You can run this activity with nine or more players. If you have Direction of run
upwards of 20 players, run two games side by side.

28 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 2

Defend against
attackers
ACTIVITY: TAG BULLDOG

You will need

1 ball per attacker (or Bibs (optional)

hands clasped together)

4 cones 1 tag belt for each

player

30 metres

30 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 29

U7 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 3

Understand the
offside law
ACTIVITY: GET ONSIDE

“Defenders must go back behind the offside line when a player is tagged”

1  Have four attackers and four

defenders run around in the area.
One attacker has the ball and can run Bibs try line
2  When you shout “Tag!”, the ball
carrier stops and turns to face
his own try line.
anywhere in the box.

Blues try line

3  The defenders have three seconds

to get back onside. That is, they
must be nearer their try line than the ball
carrier. 4  After the three seconds the ball
carrier passes to one of his team
mates and everyone starts running
Bibs try line around again.

The bibs players

must imagine a line
across the pitch going
through the ball carrier
and get between this Blues try line
line and their try line

5  Score points for getting back onside

in time. After five goes, let the other
group start with the ball.
This player is onside because
he is between the ball carrier
and his own try line

Bibs try line

6  Progress by doing the same,

but when you shout “Tag!”, the
ball carrier stops and passes to one of
his team mates as soon as he can. The
new ball carrier aims to score. Defenders This player is offside because
who are offside after the pass are not he is between the ball carrier
Blues try line and the ball carrier’s try line
allowed to prevent the pass or tag the
new ball carrier.

How many players do I need? Key

Eight players in a 10m square is ideal, but you can add players to Direction of run
each team and make the square bigger.

30 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 3

Understand the
offside law
ACTIVITY: GET ONSIDE

You will need

1 ball 4 bibs

4 cones 1 tag belt for each

player

10 metres

10 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 31

U7 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 4

Stand in the correct

position for a restart
ACTIVITY: READY, STEADY, READY!

“Form part of a line” • “Encourage others to form part of a line”

1  Put two teams of four in lines across

the pitch, each facing their own try
line about 3 metres away. Put a ball on
2  Call out which team is attacking.
When they hear your call, both teams
run to the try line in front of them. The
each try line. attacking team picks up their ball
and both teams run back into the
proper restart position for
attack and defence.

3  The ball carrier stands in the centre

of the box, with players either side
of him.
4  The defence makes a line across the
field, but not closer than 3m from
the ball carrier.

The defence must leave

at least 3m between
themselves and the ball
carrier. If they struggle to
do this, mark it out with
cones

5  Award points for the first team that

gets into place. 6  Develop by having both teams
running around inside the box before
you shout “restart” and a team name.
Each team has to be in place, with the
attacking team ball carrier in position on
the centre line.

How many players do I need? Key

Eight players in a 10m square is ideal, but you can add players to Ground covered Direction of run
each team and make the square bigger.

32 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 4

Stand in the correct

position for a restart
ACTIVITY: READY, STEADY, READY!

You will need

2 balls 4 bibs

4 cones

10 metres

10 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 33

U7 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 5

Work together as
defenders
ACTIVITY: TURN AND TAG

“Move together towards a target”

1  Put an attacker with a ball on one of

the long sides of the area, jogging
from side to side.
2  Put two defenders about 4m apart
on the opposite side of the area,
facing away from the attacker.

3  When you shout “turn”, the

defenders turn around and run into
the area towards the attacker. The defenders will be more
At the same time, the attacker runs into successful if they work
the area and aims to run across to the together to close down the
opposite side without being tagged by attacker’s space
the defenders.

4  Develop by starting the attacker

further forward, or even having
two attackers, so defenders have to first
identify the ball carrier and then close him
down.

How many players do I need? Key

This activity requires three players at a time, but you can have Ground covered Direction of run
attackers and defenders lined up ready to take their turn.

34 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 5

Work together as
defenders
ACTIVITY: TURN AND TAG

You will need

1 ball per attacker (or Bibs for the defenders

hands clasped together)

4 cones 1 tag belt for each

attacker

5 metres

8 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 35

U7 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 1

Understand that the

ball goes backwards
ACTIVITY: PASSING RACE

“Look where the ball should go” • “Push the ball towards the target player”

1  Spread your players out in a line,

standing about 1m apart and slightly 2  When you say “go”, the first player
passes the ball to the player next to
him then races to the far end of the line.
staggered. Give a ball to the first player in
the line. His aim is to intercept the last pass to the
final player.

The line of players should be slightly

staggered, so that they have to pass
backwards each time

The first player runs along the line to

try to intercept the ball here

Passing the ball

Look where the

3 
ball should go
As the first player is running, the
other players try to pass the ball
Turn shoulders
along the line, as quickly as possible, to towards the
the final player. Their aim is to get the ball catcher
to the final player before the first player
can intercept.

4  If the first player intercepts the ball,

or the ball is dropped, he goes back
to the beginning and starts again.
Push the ball

5 
towards the
When the ball gets to the end of the
target player
line successfully, the first player stays
at the end and the second player repeats.

Pass the ball away

from the tummy

How many players do I need? Key

Five players in a line is ideal, although you can adjust to suit your Pass Direction of run
numbers. You can run more than one line at a time.

36 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 1

Understand that the

ball goes backwards
ACTIVITY: PASSING RACE

You will need

1 ball

1 metre
1 metre
1 metre
1 metre

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 37

U7 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 2

Pass 1 metre to
another player
ACTIVITY: PASSING TRIANGLES

“Look where the pass should go” • “Push the ball towards the target player”

1  Split your players into groups of three

and give each group a ball. Have them
stand 1m away from each other.
2  Get them to pass the ball to
the player to their left, so
it goes around the triangle six
times. They should look where
the pass hosuld go and push the
ball from the tummy towards the
target player. Make them shout
out how many times they’ve
done it.

Passing the ball

Look at the
where the ball

3  Then, ask them do it six times

the other way.
should go

4  Once they have completed this,

they each take one step backwards,
to make the triangle slightly larger, and
repeat. They should do this, making the
triangle larger each time, until they make
two drops in a row. Then they take a step
back in.
Push the ball
towards the
target player

LAWS OF RUGBY
In Tag Rugby…
The ball must not be handed to Pass the ball away
another player. from the tummy

How many players do I need? Key

Organise the players in groups of three. Pass

38 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 2

Pass 1 metre to
another player
ACTIVITY: PASSING TRIANGLES

You will need

1 ball for every

three players

1m
etr

etr
1m

1 metre

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 39

U7 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 3

Catch the ball from

another player
ACTIVITY: PASSING TRIANGLES

“Call for the ball” • “Keep your eyes on the ball” •

“Put your hands up to make a target”

1  Split your players into groups of three

and give each group a ball. Have them
stand 1m away from each other.
2  Get them to pass the ball to the
player to their left, so it goes around
the triangle six times. Tell the catcher to
call for the ball, keep his eyes on the ball
and put his hands up to make a target.

Catching the ball

3  Then, ask them do it six times

the other way. Keep eyes
on the ball
Call the
name of

4  Once they have completed this, they each take

one step backwards, to make the triangle slightly
larger, and repeat. They should do this, making the
the player
passing

triangle larger each time, until they make two drops in

a row. Then they take a step back in.

Put hands up to
make a target

How many players do I need? Key

Organise the players in groups of three. Pass

40 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 3

Catch the ball from

another player
ACTIVITY: PASSING TRIANGLES

You will need

1 ball for every

three players

1m
etr

etr
1m

1 metre

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 41

U7 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 4

Run with the ball

in two hands
ACTIVITY: CATCH AND PASS RELAY

“Place both your hands in middle of the ball” • “Keep the ball off your chest”

1  Divide your players into teams of

four. Put the teams into lines on one
side of the area, each line about 3m
apart. The player at the front of each
line starts with a ball.

2  When you say “go”, the ball carrier

runs to the other side of the area,
turns and runs back, then stops about 1m
from his team.

3  The ball carrier then passes to the

player at the front of his line and
runs to the back. The new ball carrier
repeats.

Running with the

ball in two hands

Place both hands

in the middle of

4  Each player runs and passes twice. the ball

The first team back in their line and
sitting down wins.
Keep the ball off
the chest

How many players do I need? Key

Eight players divided into two groups of four. You can make the area Ground covered Pass Direction of run
wider and run more groups of four if you have enough room.

42 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 4

Run with the ball

in two hands
ACTIVITY: CATCH AND PASS RELAY

You will need

1 ball for every

four players

4 cones

10 metres

10 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 43

U7 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 5

Run to a ball
and pick it up
ACTIVITY: CAPTURE THE BALL

“Put your foot by the ball” • “Put one hand in front and one hand behind the ball” •
“Bend before you get to the ball”

1  Put teams of four players behind each

of the 2m corner boxes and place at
least 12 balls in the middle.
2  When you say “go”, one
player from each team runs
into the middle to grab a ball. He
returns to his corner and scores
a try by placing the ball down
in his box (see below). He then
touches the next player in his
team to go.

Balls must be
carried in two
hands at all times
Players must run as fast as
they can to get to the balls

3  If there are no balls left in the

middle, the players can steal them
from another team’s box (unopposed).

4  The first team to get four balls

inside their box wins the game.
Picking a ball up

5  Develop by making the players

perform a skill before scoring a try,
such as passing to a team mate inside
Bend before you
get to the ball
the box.
Put one hand in
front and one hand
behind the ball

Put your foot by the ball

How many players do I need? Key

Ideally you need 16 players – four teams of four, but you can play Ground covered
with teams of three if you need to.

44 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U7 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 5

Run to a ball
and pick it up
ACTIVITY: CAPTURE THE BALL

You will need

12+ balls

16 cones
2 metres

2 metres
2 metres 2 metres

15 metres

2 metres 2 metres
2 metres
2 metres

15 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 45

 TM

RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

U8 Mini-Tag
ACTIVITIES
U8 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 1

Understand that you must

run forward to score tries
ACTIVITY: SCORE MORE TRIES

“Run forward to score tries”

1  Set up the area as shown. Put a

defender on cone A on the try line
and a feeder and attacker on the other
cone A facing him. Try line

C
B
A

2  You call out a letter – in this case

“B”. The defender runs to that cone
then turns into the area to defend, while
3  The attacker takes the pass and aims
to get over the try line without being
tagged by the defender.
the feeder runs to the relevant cone and
passes to the attacker who is moving off
his line.

The attacker must

hold his run so that he
doesn’t get in front of
the feeder

4  Develop by allowing the attacker to

pass the ball back to the feeder if
he is tagged. The feeder then becomes a
second attacker.

How many players do I need? Key

You need three players to run this activity. You can line up more Ground covered Pass Direction of run
player for each position and/or run another game alongside.

48 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 1

Understand that you must

run forward to score tries
ACTIVITY: SCORE MORE TRIES

You will need

1 ball 1 bib for each defender

8 cones 1 tag belt for each

attacker

A B C
Try line

2 metres 2 metres

8 metres
C
2 metres

B
2 metres

A
8 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 49

U8 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 2

Score a Tag try

ACTIVITY: PASS THE PARCEL

“Touch the ball down using both hands”

1  Split your players into pairs. Put each

pair about 1m apart, facing each other
with a ball. They should be about 5m
2  Start by having the players pass the
ball to each other.

from the try line.

3  When you shout “go”, the players

with the ball race to the line and
score a tag try.
4  Develop by having the winners of
the race take one large step away
from the try line before they start passing
the ball. Further develop by having both
players run to the line, but they have to
pass once before the line.

Scoring a tag try

When scoring a try, a player must bend
LAWS OF RUGBY at the knees and hips and touch the
ball down using both hands. If the ball
In Tag Rugby, a player… doesn’t move after it is put down, it
shows the player is in control.
1. Must not dive to score.
2. Can score with one step after being
tagged.

How many players do I need? Key

You can run this activity with as many pairs of players as you like – Ground covered Pass
make sure you have enough balls for one per pair.

50 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 2

Score a Tag try

ACTIVITY: PASS THE PARCEL

You will need

1 ball per pair

Try line
5 metres

Players start here

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 51

U8 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 3

Run past defenders

ACTIVITY: RUN TO SPACE

“Use pretend moves and dodges to change direction”

1  Divide your players into two teams

of four – make one team attackers,
the other defenders. Position the teams
2  Give a ball to one of the attackers.
When you say “go”, the ball carrier
runs forward and aims to score without
at opposite ends of the area – attackers being tagged. He can score either by
start behind the end line and the crossing the sideline beyond the
defenders start in the middle of their halfway line or by reaching the end
half of the area. of the area.

Attackers can score

over the side line, so the
defenders need to be alert
and push up quickly to
make the tag

3  As the attacker comes forward,

the defenders are allowed to
move, but they must stay in their half of
the area. Their aim is to tag the attacker.

Running past a defender

Use pretend moves
and dodges to change
direction and avoid the
defender

4  Attackers earn 2 points for scoring

over the end or 1 point for scoring
at the side. All four attackers have
a go before you swap attackers and
defenders.

How many players do I need? Key

You need a minimum of eight players. With greater numbers, increase Ground covered
the size of the area and have bigger teams, or run two games.

52 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 3

Run past defenders

ACTIVITY: RUN TO SPACE

You will need

1 ball 1 bib for each defender

6 cones 1 tag belt for each

attacker

4 metres

8 metres
4 metres

5 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 53

U8 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 4

Support the ball carrier

ACTIVITY: BEAT THE DEFENDERS

“Get behind the ball carrier” • “Call the name of the ball carrier”

1  Three defenders stand 8m apart in a

line down the centre of the area. Four
attackers start outside the area at one
2  The ball carrier runs up the area past
the first defender with the other
attackers following close behind. The
end facing the defenders. One attacker defender tries to tag the attacker,
starts with a ball. but can only move from side
to side.
The attackers’ aim is to run
to the other end of the area
without getting tagged by
a defender

3  If the attacker is
tagged by a defender,
he immediately passes to his team
4  The attackers continue their run to
the end of the area, passing when
tagged or when they go past a defender.
mate, who should be running
alongside. Even if the attacker gets
past the defender, he must still pass
the ball.

Attackers work their way

If an up the area, passing to each
attacker is other and avoiding the defenders,
tagged, he gets until they reach the far end
his tag back

5  Attackers who make it

to the end without being
tagged turn and repeat the exercise once
6  Repeat until everyone has had a go
at defending. Develop by having
a player only pass when he is actually
the defenders have got back into their tagged.
starting positions.

How many players do I need? Key

A minimum of seven players. With more than seven, have another Ground covered Pass
attacking group at the other end. Rotate the defenders every run.

54 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 4

Support the ball carrier

ACTIVITY: BEAT THE DEFENDERS

You will need

1 ball

6 cones

1 bib for each

defender

1 tag belt for each

attacker

18 metres

5 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 55

U8 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 5

Take the pass as

you move forward
ACTIVITY: SNAKES AND LADDERS

“Reach out to take the pass”

1  Set up cones as shown. Put a group

of four players in a line behind the
starting cone. Player 1 starts with a ball.
2  When you say “go”, player 1 runs to
the first cone.

1
3 2
4

3  When he gets to the first cone, he

passes backwards to player 2 who
runs on to the ball and continues on to
the next coloured cone.
1

3
4
2

4  Player 2 repeats with player 3 who

repeats with player 4 who runs on
to the try line.

2
1

5  If the ball is
dropped or the
player does not run onto
the pass, the pass is made
again from the same cone – in
other words, the players go back
down the snake.
6  Develop by making it a race
between groups of four.

How many players do I need? Key

You need four players for this activity. With more players, set up Ground covered Pass Direction of run
more cones alongside and have teams of four racing each other.

56 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 5

Take the pass as

you move forward
ACTIVITY: SNAKES AND LADDERS

You will need Try line

1 ball

3 metres
3 standard
cones

3 pairs of
different
coloured cones 3 metres

5 metres
3 metres

5 metres

3 metres
5 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 57

U8 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 6

Understand that you need

to pass once tagged
ACTIVITY: WALKING RUGBY

“Pass the ball once you are tagged“

1  Play a game of five attackers v three

defenders walking rugby. All the
players are only allowed to walk.
2  If a player is tagged, he has to pass
the ball within one step. The tagger
must return the tag before he can defend
again.

3  Score tries in the normal

way. After three tries, change
attackers and defenders.
4  The attack will find they have to keep
the passes moving quickly after the
tag to score tries and not bunch up.

Walking rugby Encourage players Quick passing

to pass as they
are tagged, as this
will keep the game
moving quickly

Players must walk

at all times – if
anyone runs, the
ball goes back to
the start line again

How many players do I need? Key

You need a minimum of eight players playing 5v3 for this activity Pass
but you could also play 6v4 or 7v5.

58 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | ATTACKING 6

Understand that you need

to pass once tagged
ACTIVITY: WALKING RUGBY

You will need

1 ball 1 bib for each defender

4 cones 1 tag belt for each

attacker

10 metres
20 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 59

U8 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 1

Defend against attackers

ACTIVITY: TAG THE RUNNERS

“Decide whether to chase the ball carrier” • “Get close to the ball carrier”

1  Put a defender in the middle of the

area. Put a group of three attackers
on each corner of the area and number
2  The aim is for the attackers to run to
the opposite try line without being
tagged by the defender.
the groups 1 to 4.

n e 4
Tryli

in e
Tryl
1

3  Shout out any number from 1 to 4.

The attacker on that corner runs
out and attempts to get across the area
4  As soon as the attacker reaches his
line, goes out of the area or gets
tagged, shout out another number.
without being tagged. He is not allowed
outside the area. If he goes outside or is
tagged, the defender gets one point.

5  Play for 30 seconds, with

attackers returning to their
starting points after each run. See how
many points the defender can score.
Make sure everyone has a go as the
defender.

Chasing an attacker
out of the area
Even if the defender doesn’t make a tag, he can
still score a point by closing down the attacker
and making him run out of the area.

How many players do I need? Key

You can start with 13 players (three on each corner and one defender) Ground covered Direction of run
but you can load up the corners with more attackers if necessary.

60 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 1

Defend against attackers

ACTIVITY: TAG THE RUNNERS

You will need

4 cones 1 bib for the defender

1 tag belt for each

attacker

5 metres

5 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 61

U8 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 2

Make a Tag tackle

ACTIVITY: 1V1 DEFENCE

“Get close to the ball carrier” • “Grab and remove the tag belt” • “Hold the tag
above your head and shout “Tag!”” • “Return the tag to the tagged player”

1  A defender with a ball stands on one

side of the area in the centre gate.
An attacker stands opposite, also in the
2  The defender passes the ball to the
attacker.

centre gate.

3  On receiving the ball, the attacker

runs forward and tries to get through
one of the gates either side of the
4  At the same time, the defender
comes forward to tag the attacker.

defender without getting tagged.

The attacker can only win

if he goes through one of
the side gates. This forces Making a Tag tackle
him to shape his run outside
the defender and keeps the
defender guessing which way Get close to the
the attacker is going to go ball carrier

5  Play winner stays on – If a tag is

made, the defender returns the tag
and becomes the attacker, and a new
Grab and remove
the tag belt
player comes in as defender. If no tag is
made, the attacker becomes the defender
and a new player comes in as attacker.

How many players do I need? Key

You only need two players at a time, but It’s a dynamic game, so Ground covered Pass
players can wait their turn, or run more than one game at once.

62 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 2

Make a Tag tackle

ACTIVITY: 1V1 DEFENCE

You will need

1 ball 1 bib for each defender

8 cones 1 tag belt for each

attacker

4 metres

2 metres 2 metres 2 metres

6 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 63

U8 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 3

Understand the
offside law
ACTIVITY: SQUEAKY CLEAN

“The offside line is through the centre of the ball across the pitch” • “Defenders
must go back behind the offside line when a player is tagged”

1  Set up three attackers against

five defender and play normal tag
laws, where a tagged player has to
2  After a tag the defenders have to
“get onside” and the tagger has to
give back the tag correctly.
pass the ball.

3  The attack has six “tags” to score a

try. If the tagging team infringe, the
attack get a further six tags.
4  After each attack has either scored
or been “tagged” out, then swap
attackers and defenders.

5  Adjust the number of “tags” to score

according to the ability of each team.

Knowing the offside law

This player is onside because

he is between the ball carrier
and his own try line

Bibs try line

The offside line goes across

the pitch through the centre
of the ball

This player is offside because

Blues try line he is between the ball carrier
and the ball carrier’s try line

How many players do I need? Key

You need a minimum of eight players playing 5v3 for this activity but
you could also play 6v4 or 7v5.

64 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 3

Understand the
offside law
ACTIVITY: SQUEAKY CLEAN

You will need

1 ball 1 bib for each defender

4 cones 1 tag belt for each

attacker

10 metres

20 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 65

U8 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 4

Stand in the correct

position for a restart
ACTIVITY: WHO’S READY FIRST?

“Form part of a line” • “Get others to form part of a line”

1  Split your players into two teams.

Put half of each team on one side of
the area and half on the other.
2  Players should line up along the side
of the area with one “half team” on
each side of the centre cone. You stand
in the middle with the ball.

3  When you say “go”, all the players

run into the middle. The first group
to form the correct defensive line will
4  Develop by calling out a number
from 2 to how ever many you have
in the lines. That number of players from
receive the ball. Give them a few seconds the front of each line run into the box to
to realign and then let them play. line up.

How many players do I need? Key

You need a minimum of eight players for this activity but can play Ground covered Pass
with up to 16 (adjusting the size of the area to suit).

66 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 4

Stand in the correct

position for a restart
ACTIVITY: WHO’S READY FIRST?

You will need

1 ball Bibs for one team

7 cones 1 tag belt for each

player
10 metres

20 metres
10 metres

30 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 67

U8 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 5

Work together
as defenders
ACTIVITY: TRACK THE ATTACKERS

“Move together towards a target” • “Tell other defenders which way to move”

1  Three attackers spread out along one

of the long sides of the area and two
defenders stand on the opposite side.
2  When you shout “go”, the ball carrier
runs forward with the other two
attackers. Their aim is to get the ball to
The attackers pass a ball from side to side the opposite side without being tagged.
between themselves.

3  At the same time, the defenders also Defenders must be alert as the
ball carrier might decide to
run forward to try to make the tag. take them on and attempt to
score himself, or draw them in
and pass the ball to one of his
attacking team mates

4  Develop by making the

box wider and adding
another defender and attacker. Or Making a Tag tackle
make both groups start in the middle
of the box, run to the ends and set up Get close to the
(realign) before starting the exercise. ball carrier

Grab and remove

the tag belt

How many players do I need? Key

A minimum of five players. If you have more, make the area bigger Ground covered Pass Direction of run
and add players to each side up to 5v4, or run another game alongside.

68 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | DEFENDING 5

Work together
as defenders
ACTIVITY: TRACK THE ATTACKERS

You will need

1 ball 1 bib for each defender

4 cones 1 tag belt for each

attacker

7 metres

10 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 69

U8 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 1

Understand that the

ball goes backwards
ACTIVITY: SPREAD, PASS AND RUN FORWARD

“Look where the ball should go” • “Push the ball towards the target player”

1  Put four players, one with a ball, on

the starting cone facing the try line. 2  The ball carrier runs to the cone in
front of him and the players spread
out facing the try line, with the end player
on the cone that is 2m away from the line.

3  When all the players are in position,

they pass the ball along the line, with
the end player taking the final pass and
4  If the ball is dropped, the players go
back to their starting point.

running forward to put the ball down over

the try line.

5  Rotate the players so that

they all get a chance to start
and end with the ball.
6  Develop by making the players run
forward as they receive the ball.
Further develop by timing the players to
see how quickly they can set up and pass
the ball.

How many players do I need? Key

You need four players to run this drill. With more players, either queue Ground covered Pass Direction of run
up groups of four by the starting cone or run another drill alongside.

70 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 1

Understand that the

ball goes backwards
ACTIVITY: SPREAD, PASS AND RUN FORWARD

You will need

1 ball 4 cones

10 metres

2 metres
5 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 71

U8 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 2

Pass 3 metres to
another player
ACTIVITY: RUGBY NETBALL

“Look where the pass should go” • “Push the ball towards the target player” •
“Pass to the receiver calling for the ball” • “Pass in front of a receiver”

1  Split the players into two teams and

put one player from each team inside a
scoring zone. Throw the ball to one team.
2  The other team aim to intercept or
knock down the ball. There is no
contact and the defending team cannot
Their aim is to get the ball to their team get within 1m of the ball carrier.
mate in the scoring zone – but only by Score a point when a team passes
passing, they cannot run with it. the ball to the player in the scoring
zone. When there is a score, change
over both players in the scoring
zones and restart.

Players in the
team with the ball
must get into space
to receive a pass
and call for the ball Players in the team without
the ball must move to intercept
their opponents’ passes

3  Give the ball to the other team

if the ball is dropped, intercepted
or goes out of play, or if the player in the
Passing the ball
scoring zone steps out of the zone.
Look where the
pass should go

4  Develop by allowing the players to

run with the ball, but they must pass
when they are touched or tagged. They
still must pass the ball into the scoring
zone (not run in with it).
Pass in front
of the receiver
calling for the
ball

Push the ball

towards the target
player

How many players do I need? Key

You can run this game with up to seven players on each side. If you Pass
have more players, make the square bigger or run two games.

72 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 2

Pass 3 metres to
another player
ACTIVITY: RUGBY NETBALL

You will need

1 ball 1 bib for each

player on one team

12 cones

20 metres

Scoring
zone

20 metres
2 metres

Scoring
zone

2 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 73

U8 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 3

Catch the ball from

another player moving
ACTIVITY: RUN ONTO A PASS

“Call for the ball” • “Keep your eyes on the ball” •

“Put your hands up to make a target” • “Reach out to take the pass”

1  Divide your players into “runners” and

“feeders”. Line your runners up behind
the two starting cones and put your
feeders on either side between the second
and third cones.

2  When you shout “go” the runners

race forward. Just as they pass the
second cone, they receive a pass from
3  Change your players round, making
sure they take a pass on both their
left-hand and right-hand sides.
the feeder, which they must catch cleanly
and then race to the finish line.

4  Develop by
handicapping the faster
players – make them start further
Catching the
Keep your eyes
on the ball
ball when
back, or say that they have to run
from an angle before straightening up. moving

Call for the ball

Put your hands

up to make a Reach out to
target take the pass

How many players do I need? Key

You need four to start with, but this is a fast-moving activity, so players Ground covered Pass Direction of run
can line up behind each position to take their turn.

74 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 3

Catch the ball from

another player moving
ACTIVITY: RUN ONTO A PASS

You will need

2 balls minimum,
but it’s best to
have a pile of
balls next to each
feeder

6 metres
8 cones

2 metres
4 metres

3 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 75

U8 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 4

Run with the ball

in two hands
ACTIVITY: RUNNING CROSSOVERS

“Place both your hands in the middle of the ball” • “Keep the ball off your chest”

1  Split up your players so there are at

least two standing by each cone. Give
a ball to one player at each cone.
2  Have the ball carrier at each cone
run across the area and give the ball
to the player at the cone on the opposite
side. When that player receives
the ball he runs back to the
other side.

3  Continue with the

players running backwards
and forwards across the area for
4  Develop by having players make
a short pass to the player waiting
at the opposite cone, or make them
30 seconds. perform a ball handling skill, such as
throwing the ball up and catching it.

Running with the ball in two hands

Place both your

hands in the middle
of the ball
Keep the ball off
your chest

How many players do I need? Key

Minimum of eight players, but you can run this game with 6 or 8 cones Ground covered Direction of run
– place the extra cones in the middle of each side of the area.

76 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 4

Run with the ball

in two hands
ACTIVITY: RUNNING CROSSOVERS

You will need

1 ball per cone 4 cones minimum, but you can

(4 minimum) add in extra cones in the middle of
each side if you have more players

10 metres

10 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 77

U8 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 5

Run to a ball
and pick it up
ACTIVITY: PICK UP AND PASS RACE

“Bend before you get to the ball” • “Put your foot by the ball” •
“Put one hand in front and one hand behind the ball”

1  Split your players into pairs. Make

one from each pair A, the other B.
Put all the balls in the middle of the
2  Have the players run around the
outside of the circle. The As and the
Bs can be separated or mixed in together.
circle (you can spread them out or
keep them bunched).

3  When you call out a letter, the

4 
players with that letter run into the When the outside player receives
circle, pick up a ball, run back out towards the ball he should hold it in the air to
their partner and pass the ball to him. show that he has finished. The last pair to
finish have to do two star jumps.

Picking a ball up

Bend before you

get to the ball

5  Develop by having the collecting

player put the ball at the feet of
his team mate so that he has to pick it
Put one hand in
front and one hand
behind the ball
up and raise it above his head. Further
develop by having a “golden ball”, which
means the pair who get that ball first can
choose a coach to do two star jumps.

Put your foot by the ball

How many players do I need? Key

This game works well with eight players, but you could add more Ground covered Pass
pairs and make the circle larger.

78 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

U8 MINI-TAG | HANDLING 5

Run to a ball
and pick it up
ACTIVITY: PICK UP AND PASS RACE

You will need

1 ball per pair 8 cones minimum

8 metres

© EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015 79

ABOUT THE AUTHORS RUGBY SKILLS ACTIVITIES

Andrew Griffiths
Starting with limited rugby knowledge, Andrew coached his son’s
team for four years, gaining his Level 1 RFU coaching award, and
learning the hard way about grassroots coaching. The experience of
managing training for 25 boys and their parents prompted the creation
of the EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum. Andrew is the editor of many
rugby and soccer coaching manuals, and the managing director of
Green Star Media Ltd.

Dan Cottrell
Dan has spent most of his adult life collecting and absorbing the
most useful rugby coaching secrets he can find. He is a practising
RFU Level 3 Coach, a Welsh Rugby Union Course Leader, head coach
for Swansea Schools U15s and a Level 2 referee. Dan played first
class rugby at Bath and Bristol and later became Director of Rugby
at Cranleigh School in Surrey. He is best known as the editor of the
successful free rugby coaching email Better Rugby Coaching, which
has been published since 2003 and has 80,000 subscribers worldwide.

How EasiCoach Was Created…

EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum™ has been As a coaching tool aimed at helping beginner
created by the people who publish Rugby coaches, volunteer assistants and helpers,
Coach Weekly coaching magazine. We have EasiCoach offers a guaranteed programme of
been publishing sports coaching advice for skills development activities every season.
grassroots coaches since 2003. EasiCoach is owned by Green Star Media
Covering the key core skills required for Ltd, which provides informed, easy-to-follow
consistent player development across five advice for 450,000 rugby, football (soccer)
age ranges from U7 to U16, EasiCoach follows and basketball coaches in more than 80
the latest mini and youth guidelines on player countries. For more information, please visit
development and has been approved by senior [Link]
national coaching development officers.

80 © EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum 2015

FIVE ISSUES
FOR 97P
Become a
better coach
and win more
games with 5
issues of
Rugby Coach
Weekly for
just 97p!

AbO`bg]c`b`WOZ\]e³DWaWbeee`cUPgQ]OQVeSSYZgQ]cY
Praise for the EasiCoach Rugby Curriculum™ series

Between January and April 2014, five clubs – Cranleigh, Brighton,

Swansea Uplands, Stowmarket and Hadleigh – trialled EasiCoach in a
pilot scheme. This is their feedback:

“The sheets were a good resource. The exercises were great, easy to
understand and very useful over the weeks.”
Sheriff Dabiri, U6-U8 Mini Tag, Cranleigh RFC

“The kids enjoyed them and from a coach’s perspective it certainly eased the
burden of having to come with ideas for each training session.”
Paddy Dangerfield, U6-U8 Mini Tag, Cranleigh RFC

“Very good coaching tool. Easy to understand, easy to implement, and

relevant to age group – avoids having to trail through loads of exercises/drills
that don’t apply to the age group.”
John Awdry, U11-U12, Brighton RFC

“I like the activities very much.”

Steve James, U10, Swansea Uplands RFC

“I am quite new to coaching and I found EasiCoach a valuable asset in

preparing and running sessions. Players found the sessions enjoyable and
importantly have improved their understanding of game play.”
Graham Allen, U13-16, Stowmarket RFC

“The players understood quite quickly what I was asking them to do without
too much explanation. The content suited the age group that I am involved
with and also assisted me in understanding different coaching methods. This
was my first season as a coach (qualified) so your sheets gave me a lot of
confidence working with my age group.”
Brian Anderson, U10, Stowmarket RFC

“The wording on the sheets was short and to the point and easy to set up. The
boys really enjoyed all the drills, keeping the lads on their toes and thinking all
the time. I’m going use the ideas again and again.”
Michael Fenner, U10, Hadleigh RFC