TIP: We recommend reading Minis Curriculum, Session Planning & Design and Coaching Skills & STEP prior to this sample session. Pitch sizes and teams sizes below adjustable to group sizes/training space.

SESSION FOCUS: Concentrate on good offload technique, ‘winning’ the contact and decision-making throughout session for age-and-stage (See Curriculum)

0-15 mins - Coaches choice of Activation games

15-45 mins - Zone Circuit, Groups of 8-10 with 10 mins per zone (Add additional games and session time if larger groups)

ZONE 1 - CALEY BALL

Age-and-Stage Note: Adjust game to be touch and remove kicking and breakdown condition for younger year groups. Focus on principle of gaining extra position when reaching the other half.

Session Focus Points:

• Highlight use of the offload to attack space around tackle/touch and gain ground.

• Possible Conditions: Defenders drop-off after touch, ‘Wallace Ball’ over/underloads, offloads only in either half, one-handed offloads only.

• STEP: Rotate individuals with ‘can’t be tackled’ superpower in their either half.

ZONE 2 - WALLACE BALL

Session Focus Points:

• Highlight use of the pass to find and reach the space.

• Possible Conditions: X passes before a score, Must pass after Y steps, ‘Attackers’ cannot/must score

• STEP: Use different balls, adjust dimensions or scoring zone (multi-direction)

ZONE 3 - Skills & Technique

Skill Activity (7 mins): Numbers Game (Narrow)

Setup grid for 2v1s (15x5m), split into a group of attackers and defenders with each group lining up in single file at the side. On coaches call, 2 attacker enter grid from one side, and 1 defender enters from the other. Coach feeds the ball to attackers to execute a 2v1, with an offload if tackled. When finished players return to group and repeat.

PROGRESSIONS: Retain focus on offload if tackled but make the grid larger/smaller and increase to 3v2s, 4v2s etc depending on coach call i.e. first number is attackers, second number is defenders.

Technique Activity (3 mins): Offload Returns

Setup a small square grid (4 cones, 5x5m) with 1 player on a corner with a ball and another on the opposite corner. The remaining player(s) runs back-and-forth between the remaining cones receiving and making a one-handed offload between the 2 static players - similar to the below video. Do 5 passes on each hand then rotate players. Make enough grids to minimise inactive players (prob 2 or 3).

PROGRESSIONS: Mix conditions i.e. catch with 2 hands, pass with 1 or catch with 1 hand, offload with the other. Use a variety of balls.

45-60 mins - Rugby Games, Stay in Groups and use Zones as pitches (Round Robin if time allows)