Guildford Rugby Club

Under 15's Junior Development Pathway

Age Group: Under 15's

LTAD Stage: Training to Train

Train/ Match: 60:40

Window of Optimal Trainability (Focus of athletic training)

VERY IMPORTANT – Be sensitive to the physical changes in the players (not all the same) as this effects training
Player positions may change as they develop
MORE structured games / encourage free thinking.

Overall Coaching Approach

Develop physical capacities (esp. Aerobic conditioning)
Develop Speed & specialisation of Rugby SKILLS.

Player Capacities

(Consolidate and develop previous age skills)

Technical

Consolidate & Develop Individual skills / Intro to new skills / cont. Develop tackling (Key element / safety)

Evasion

Avoid contact
Swerve
HAND OFF (Full)
Change of pace
Sidestep

Handling skills

Ball in two hands
Decision making – Creating & Preserving space
Switch pass
Spin pass.

Contact Skills

Fine tune tackling skills
Falling and placing the ball
Passing from ground & out or around tackle.
Getting back to your feet – re-join game.
Gain possession in tackle

Maul

Full Maul.
Ball carrier – Strong base & protect ball
Support Players – Body position/drive, secure and deliver ball.
Defenders – secure ball & player / drive.

Ruck

Full ruck. Ball carrier – Ball presentation.
Support players – Protect ball carrier & secure ball.
Tackler – release, regain feet & contest.
Create Ruck to maintain continuity (Speed).

Scrum

Full
Fully contested
Attack & Defence strategy.

Lineout

Uncontested
lifting permitted
Game strategy from Lineout.

Backline attack – Multiple phases in match conditions.

Penetration – Positioning, Alignment & identification of space
Angle of run & timing of pass
Players be aware of formal role in a pattern

Backline defence (Prevent penetration through defensive line / attempt to regain possession.

Alignment / move forward / React to threat / TACKLE / Support

Kicking & Catching

Attack, Defence & KO strategies.

Tactical

Laws / Ethics

Understand the rules & Laws of 15s
Personal responsibility for behaviours and actions

The GAME

Full 15s
Tactical awareness
Develop positional specific skills
Understand Games plan
Effective set piece play.

Principles (Team play)

ADD PRESSURE to principle of play
Go Forward / Continuity / Decision making / Team

Physical

Fundamental skills – Increasingly positional specific, as play finds their position. It can change.

Mobility & Power

Speed & acceleration

Strength (Window – 12months after growth spurt slows) – keep to body weight only at this age

Mental

Motivation

Determination

Concentration on key tasks & factors

Goal setting (personal)

Lifestyle/ Personal

Independent thinking

Ambition

Life balance (Coping with pressure)

Acceptance of structure & discipline

Law Variations- Under 15's

Players per side: 15

Max pitch size: 100 x 70

Minutes per half: 35

Max game time per day: 90

Additional variations: 90

Coaching tips: Be aware of early developers (growth spurt / PHV), as training may need to be adjusted slightly / Concentrate on Building the engine and rugby Skills (Inc. Team play) / REMEMBER TO KEEP IT FUN and treat them like young adults, as players will start to be tempted away from Rugby.