Guildford Rugby Club

Under 9's Junior Development Pathway

Age Group: Under 9's

LTAD Stage: FUNdamental

Train/ Match: Mini

Window of Optimal Trainability (Focus of athletic training)

Movement FUNdamentals, ABCs (Agility, Balance & Coordination)
Speed
Flexibility
Strength – Only using bodyweight

Overall Coaching Approach

Safety (with Introduction of Tackling)
Keep it Fun!
Concentrate on Skills development from previous years. Adding tackling as a new skill
Let it flow but ensure safety always
Develop correct/safe tackle technique which requires a great deal of coaching/time
Participation through varied Games for ALL abilities
Coach through questions and Keep it concise & positive (SPF)
Keep them active (Max 30 seconds listening time only)
Players to run with the ball (two hands) and evade defenders and be creative

Player Capacities

(Consolidate and develop previous age skills)

Technical

Consolidate & Develop Individual and team skills / Introduction to tackling (Key element – safety)

Evasion

Swerve & dodge / change of pace
Always go forward to space

Handling skills

Lateral Pass (both hands)/ Decision making (2v1 & 3v2)
Pick & Pass and Sweep Pass

Contact Skills

Introduction of tackling (Front & Side) – SAFELY – Build Confidence slowly
Falling and placing the ball – long and jack knife presentations
Pop up pass from ground.
Getting back on your feet to re-join game (Quickly)

Continuity

Re-alignment / support running & passing
Defensive lines

Tactical

Laws / Ethics

Knowledge of Mini laws
Pass backwards / Offside / Scoring (Players may dive to score)
Introduction of tackle rules (Both defence and attack)

The GAME

Be aware of law variations

Principles

Continuity – maintain possession / Communication (encourage verbal skills)
Decision making – allow them to explore various game scenarios and their outcomes
Vision – Create/be aware of space and how to use it.
Formation – Different types of attack / defence formations based on what player sees

Physical

Agility

Awareness of body space

Balance – Static & dynamic

Co-ordination and manipulation

Speed, Power & Endurance

Mental

Tolerance

Focus and concentration

Lifestyle/ Personal

Positive response to discipline & structure (Particularly given the introduction of Tackling)

Self-control, balancing personal needs / wants with others