10 Fun Rugby Drills to Get Kids Excited About the Game
Rugby is a thrilling sport that combines physical prowess with strategic thinking. For kids, it's not just a game, but an avenue to develop teamwork, coordination, and discipline. To foster a love for the game and ensure they're having fun, we've compiled a list of 10 rugby drills designed to get kids excited about stepping onto the pitch. These drills can be easily modified for different skill levels and can be practiced at home or on the field.
1. Bulldog Tag
Bulldog Tag is an exhilarating warm-up game that boosts agility and awareness. Kids start at one end of the field and attempt to run to the other side without being tagged by the "bulldogs" in the middle. Once tagged, they join the bulldogs, making it increasingly challenging for the remaining players to cross untagged.
2. Passing Relay
To master the art of passing, kids can partner up for a passing relay. Partners stand in parallel lines and pass the ball back and forth while moving forward. This drill improves hand-eye coordination and encourages accurate, timely passing.
3. Tunnel Ball
Tunnel Ball focuses on passing accuracy and teamwork. Kids form a tunnel with their legs apart and pass the ball through the tunnel to the player at the end, who runs to the front to continue the drill. This keeps everyone engaged and moving.
4. The Gauntlet
The Gauntlet is a drill that simulates in-game pressure. One player runs the gauntlet, dodging 'tacklers' who are armed with tackle bags. This helps build evasion skills and resilience under pressure.
5. Sharks and Minnows
This game is all about evasion and spatial awareness. One or two 'sharks' stand in the middle of a grid, while the rest, the 'minnows,' must cross without being tagged. Tagged minnows join the sharks, and the last minnow standing wins.
6. Catch and Clap
A simple yet effective drill, Catch and Clap, enhances reaction time and catching skills. Kids throw the ball up in the air, clap, and then catch it. As they improve, they increase the number of claps before the catch.
7. Kick Tennis
Kick Tennis is a fun way to develop kicking skills. It's played over a makeshift 'net' with two teams. The objective is to kick the rugby ball over the net within bounds, making it challenging for the opposing team to return the kick.
8. Obstacle Course
Creating an obstacle course incorporating rugby skills like weaving through cones, crawling under ropes, and jumping over hurdles helps develop agility, balance, and ball handling. Kids love the challenge and variety this drill offers.
9. Ruck Ball
Ruck Ball teaches the fundamentals of rucking. Kids compete to secure a ball on the ground, emphasizing proper body position and drive. It's a controlled way for them to learn the physical aspect of the game safely.
10. One-on-One Tackle Drills
Safety is paramount in rugby, and proper tackling technique is crucial. One-on-One Tackle Drills involve a ball carrier and a defender. The focus is on the defender making a safe, effective tackle, while the ball carrier tries to evade the tackle.
These drills not only make rugby training sessions more enjoyable, but they also instill essential skills that young players will carry with them as they grow in the sport. When integrating these drills into practice, remember the importance of positive reinforcement and creating a supportive atmosphere where kids feel confident to try new things and improve at their own pace. Rugby is more than just a game; it's about building character, camaraderie, and lifelong love for an incredible sport.
In conclusion, integrating fun and engaging drills into rugby practices for kids serves multiple purposes. It ignites a passion for the sport, develops fundamental skills, and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle. By using the drills outlined above, parents and coaches can provide a dynamic and enjoyable rugby experience for kids to practice at home, at school, or in local clubs, setting the foundation for the next generation of rugby enthusiasts.
.png)
.png)