RUGBY CANADA NON-CONTACT AGE GRADE RUGBY GUIDE Contents Content Page Introduction 2 Long Term Player Development 3 Preparing to Train and Play • Warm Up and Cool Down Activities 7 Warm-Up Movements 8 Game Sense Coaching 9 Whole – Part – Whole Coaching 11 Games for Understanding 12 Flag Rugby 26 Basic Skill Practice Templates 27 Principles of Play 39 Developing Basic Tactics 40 Organizing a Festival 42 1 Introduction Rugby Canada’s Non-Contact Age Grade Rugby Guide has been developed in line with the Rugby Canada Long Term Rugby Development model (LTRD). The skills and games included in this document are to be used as a guide to assist trained coaches at the NCCP Community Initiation level to teach the non-contact game with the principles of LTRD. Non-Contact rugby provides a safe and simple introduction to the game of rugby union. This guide has been developed to offer coaches working with young players in the non-contact game the opportunity to grow their knowledge and skills, and in doing so improve the experience afforded to young players entering the game. An early positive experience has been shown to lead to longer-term player participation. Non-Contact rugby introduces both the player and coach to the fundamentals of evasive running, handling and passing, as well as the basic rules and principles of the game of rugby union. Flag Rugby is a fast paced, fun game suitable for boys and girls. The invasion nature of the game provides opportunities for players to develop a basic understanding of the principles underlying rugby and other team sports such as Soccer, basketball and hockey. NCCP trained coaches who have a full understanding of an athlete’s needs at all stages of the Rugby Canada Long Term Rugby Development Model will be able to use this guide to assist in the following: • Deliver a safe, enjoyable coaching session. • Coach basic rugby skills of running, evasion, handling and passing. • Safely and knowledgeably introduce and apply the rules of the Non- Contact game. It is important to note that this guide uses the Flag variation of the game however all of the basic skills and games can be applied to all variations of non- contact rugby including touch rugby. 2 Long Term Athlete Development All coaches should ultimately strive to allow the individual player to develop to their maximum potential. The philosophy of long-term athlete (player) development is to provide the right sort of training at the right age for the player. For players involved in flag rugby (U7 – U10) this means that there is an opportunity for players to develop the fundamentals including physical literacy- Physical literacy is made up of the A, B, and C’s of movement. A - Agility. B – Balance. C - Coordination This period also provides a window of opportunity to develop aspects of speed in young players- Specifically coaches should offer players regular opportunities to experience activities that develop agility, quickness, change of direction, multi–directional speed and short bursts of speed (no longer than 5 seconds duration). Coaches should try to incorporate activities that promote the development of the A, B, and C’s into their sessions. Some example activities are shown below- • Multi-directional forms of running, jumping and skipping. • Single leg balancing games (adapt passing, catching activities). • Mirror games (mirroring each other’s movements). • Known exercises starting or finishing in new positions (start sprints from belly or one knee; end with hands up or on all fours). • Opposite arm circles (right hand circles forward, left backwards). • Simultaneous arm and leg circles. • Jump in place with 180° or 360° turns while in flight. • Cross step-over running (combined with ball familiarisation activities try the cross step-over, without using arms). • Obstacle running (place hurdles directly on floor and have players run over or around them). • Relay races are excellent for developing speed. 3 LTRD Key Stage 1 Reminder…… STAGE 1 Active Start Movement Skills The Player - PLAYS The players in this stage are 0 - 6 Male and 0 - 6 Female Players at this age need to learn fundamental movements through fun and games. Physical activity that is fun becomes a part of daily routines within their family and community. The Coach - GUIDES To ensure that the athlete’s needs at this stage are met the coach should act as a guide, providing an environment for players to explore in a safe and exciting way. Corrections and guidance should be very simple, positive and enthusiastic. The Game - FUN The end result should be a fun and safe experience. The emphasis is placed on open play (general movement) with all athletes participating as much as possible. Ensure that players are learning the absolute basics of passing, running and scoring. 4 LTRD Key Stage 2 Reminder…… STAGE 2 FUN damentals Kick Off to Rugby! The Player – PLAYS The players in this stage are 6 - 9 Male and 6 - 8 Female The capacities of young players dictate that most learning activities are best promoted through the medium of play. This theme does not just apply to modified games but also to reduced exercises and drill activities. Specific techniques and corrections can be integrated throughout the activity while still maintaining maximum participation and enjoyment. This will also ensure that players receive a positive and motivating experience. The Coach – GUIDES To facilitate the needs and capacities of younger players the coach should act as a Guide, providing environment for players to explore in a safe and exciting way. Corrections and guidance should be subtle and simple, dealing with issues in a broad rather than detailed perspective. The Game – FUN Participating should be a fun and safe experience. The emphasis is placed on open play (general movement) with all players running, passing and in some cases tackling. Younger players will continue to participate in activities that are enjoyable and rewarding. As players mature and develop greater capacities their needs and the demands of the game will also change. 5 LTRD Key Stage 3 reminder……. STAGE 3 Learn to Train Develop the Basics The Player - EXPLORES The players in this stage are 9 - 12 Male and 8 - 11 Female At this stage the players’ capacities allow them to learn through exploring. Trying out new approaches, pursuing solutions and new experiences in a controlled environment will facilitate the development of the player. Individuals are capable of problem-solving and should be encouraged to express their opinions. The Coach – TEACHES Due to maturation, the players are now capable of longer periods of concentration and attention; therefore teaching rather than guiding is more appropriate for accelerating learning. Knowledge of how to facilitate learning through understanding is critical together with skill development and progressions. The Game – STRUCTURED With the capacity for greater understanding and technical competence the game develops from open play to a more structured format to include the development of basic unit play (restarts - forwards and backs). The game is still fun, safe and enjoyable with ample running, passing and beginning to tackle. 6 Preparing Players to T rain and P la y Warm up/warm down The principle reason for a warm up is to prepare the body for more intense activity. With young players it also provides an opportunity to work on some basic handling skills, communication and specific running movements. It is good practice in rugby to try and make warm up game fun and enjoyable Warm ups also • Help prevent injury. • Raise the heart rate. • Increase blood flow to working muscles. • Provide players with some mental preparation for the session. • Provides a clear start to the session. If they are interesting and fun, it will also encourage players to be on time to start the session. Structure of the warm up • Running activities to raise body temperature. Think how players run in rugby, use lots of directional and pace changes, but keep intensity low. • Introduce some dynamic stretching activities. Focus on major muscle groups and as the primary activity is running start with the legs and move up the body. • Return to a running activity or a game to raise temperature further. This activity may build on the previous running activity , but be of an increased intensity. Again it is good practice to use balls in the warm up and use activities that are game related. • Complete the warm up with some further stretching. Warm up Activities Evasive running in a grid 20m x 20m Individually. • Run in into space • Avoid contact, use evasive actions (Dodging, swerving, stopping). • Use their eyes to find new spaces. • Carry Ball in two hands. Progression 1. Move ball around waist whilst running; throw ball up and catch it; score a try on floor, pick up a different ball; roll ball and re- gather. 2. In pairs, follow my leader (leader attempts to lose follower, by changing direction, speeding up, swerving, etc.) 3. Pass a ball between two. Score a try, partner picks up throw up for partner to catch; roll ball to each other. 7 Warm -Up Movements BEAR CRAWL On all fours, arms extended, player crawls forwards on feet Equipment None instead of knees with back in straight position, hips above shoulders. DUCK WALK Player puts hands behind head, squats down, and starts walking Equipment None like a duck forwards and backwards. MONKEY WALK Player walks around on two feet and only one hand. Equipment None Alternates hands only when the walking hand gets fatigued. CRICKET WALK Player squats down with arms between legs grabbing ankles. Equipment None Player starts walking. Walks forward, backwards and side- to-side. CRAB WALK Player reverses down on all fours (so it looks like they are Equipment None almost like a chair), stomach facing upwards, then moves left leg and left arm, and then right leg and right arm.