Portarlington Rugby Football Club

Training on Mondays and Thursdays 7 - 8:15pm

Stage 2

Players at the early stage of Stage 2 have just come out of Mini 3 rugby where the emphasis was on playing for fun and will need time to explore the game that is now facing them, bigger pitch, full lineouts, scrums and restarts. Coaches will need to be patient as the player acclimiatises to the 15-a-side game. The focus is on the development and application of individual skills in collective team play (Attack/Defence). Developing cohesion and co-operation in an organised/structured system of play is important. Emphasis should be on Key Factor awareness in individual skills ahead of unit or mini-unit play. A sound knowledge of the key factors of individual skills and that coupled with an understanding of how to apply the Principles of Play are a requisite for any coach at this level if they are to teach the players understanding of Stage 2.

Players at this stage can be recognised in General Movement by their position in relation to the ball:

Attack:

Players on or around the Ball - Life of the Ball

Players positioned Early before the ball emerges - Early Group

Players position late from the initial source of possession - Late Group

Defence:

Players Defending the Ball - Ball Defence

Players positioned early in the space - Early Support

Players position late in the space - Late Support

Players positioned deep behind the initial defence - Deep Players

Coaches need a thorough understanding of the principles of play in Attack/Defence and how to apply them in training to teach the players the understanding of their roles in each group. Players need to channel their competitive instincts from individual towards collective action. The coaches ability to create an environment where players can explore and experiment by taking risks and using mistakes as a learning tool is key to the players development at this stage.

Players will experience rapid growth at some stage during this period so they need to experience different positions forwards and backs and this should be encouraged by the coach. Players capacities make it possible for the development of good technique through repetition and that coupled with tactical skill development will ensure a solid foundation in the basics to play the game. Coaches should look for the players developing a strong competitive group mentality and establishing a solid-common framework where player can express their individuality.