Keep it simple: how to run U10 sessions
A big drill catalogue is useful for choosing, not for using all at once. The guidance from the RFU, World Rugby and experienced mini coaches comes down to a few habits.
1One theme, one activity, then play
Every new activity costs 3–5 minutes of walking, setting up and explaining. So Wednesday is one activity for 20 minutes, then 30 minutes of game. Sunday repeats it harder, adds one more, and plays for 45 minutes.
2Repeat, don't keep adding
Kids get better at a drill the second and third time they do it, because they spend the time playing instead of learning the set-up. Re-use the ★ starter set and make it harder, rather than picking new drills each week.
3Talk for 30 seconds, then play
Show it, name one thing to look for, start. A common rule of thumb is that children learn about 3% from explanation, 7% from demonstration and 90% from practice. Give feedback while they play, short and specific.
4Everyone busy, no queues
Groups of 3–4, a ball between 2–3, several grids running at once. If more than two players are standing in a line, split the group.
5Make it a game
Score it, race it, count it. Game-like practice with a defender teaches decisions; mistakes are part of it. Ask questions instead of telling: “Where was the space?” “When did you pass?”
6Change one thing to make it harder or easier
Change the space (bigger is easier for attack), the numbers (3 v 2, then 3 v 3), the defender (walking, then jogging, then live) or the rule (pass before contact). Change one thing at a time.
7Contact: build up every time
Walk, then jog, then run. Tackle below the base of the sternum, max 2 per team at a ruck. Start tacklers on their knees for new players. Safety is the first concern.
8One cue at a time
Give one or two cues, not five. Two things they did well for every one correction. Use “next time…” instead of “that's wrong”, and show it rather than describe it. Praise effort, not just speed.
9Fun, friends and fair game time
The RFU Codes of Practice put enjoyment first: equal game time, mixed-ability groups, no fixed positions at this age. Sessions for U9–U11 are capped at 90 minutes.
Speed: what we do at training, what stays at home
At trainingWednesday starts with the 5-minute dynamic warm-up. Sunday starts with speed starts (with the ball from week 5) and a footwork station. Personal-best check on the first and last Sunday.
Acceleration cuesLean forward · drive the knee straight · push the ground back · big arm swing. With the ball: ball in the arm opposite the front leg, rip it back on the first step.
At home (optional)The jumps and strength sessions in the Junior Accelerator course are for parents to do at home, short and technique first. Two team sessions a week is plenty for most players, so treat home work as extra, not expected.
Aylesford Bulls · Under 10s