Stage 3: Learning to Train

STAGE 3

Learning to Train

Develop the Basics - Fundamental Sports Skills

The Player - EXPLORES

The players in this stage are generally 9 - 12 years old for boys and 8 - 11 years old for girls

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 att ention; therefore teaching rather than guiding is more appropriate for accelerating learning. Knowledge of how to facilitate progressions and learning through understanding is critical for development.

The Game - STRUCTURED

Now that players have 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 the intoduction of tackling.

Learning to Train Player Capacities

Technical Capacities

1	Evasion Skills
	Swerve Off both feet / directions Ability to get past defender Sidestep Off both feet Weight transfer Ability to get past a defender Speed Change of pace
2	Handling Skills
	Throwing Variety of styles: One handed, two handed, overarm and underarm Varying length of pass Differing directions Catching Hands in W Shape Hands above eyes Bringing into the body Passing Lateral Moving the ball across the body Off the ground Pop Switch Miss Loop Basic Ball Control Individual ball skills Picking the ball up and placing the ball on the ground Picking the ball up and passing Controlling the ball in “contact” Coordination Hand-eye coordination Grabbing flags

3	Contact Skills - U12
	Confidence in Contact Body management Bump and pass Off loading Passing in contact Control the ball Rolling Falling Contact with the ground Bumping Contact with players on ground Safe Tackling Technique Side Tackle Front Tackle Tackle from behind Getting back to feet Rejoining the game
4	Scrum Skills - U12
	Basic Body Position Stability Safety Core strength Formation Foot position Stability Eyes on the target zone Engagement Stability Safety Binding Hooking Scrum Half Delivery Pass from scrum
5	Lineout Skills - U12
	Basic Body Position Safety in Jumping Catching Throwing Simple over head throw Basic Body Position Receiver Catching the ball Pass from the lineout

6	Backline Attack
	Re-Alignment Depth Width Support Running Going with the ball carrier - not leaving isolated Decision-Making Identifying space Attacking space
7	Kicking
	Basic Ball Control Individual skills Dribbling Game Kicking Drop kick Punt Kicking along the ground

Tactical Capacities

1	Laws/Ethics
	Knowledge of U10 Flag Rugby Laws Pass Backwards Offside Free Pass Knowledge of U12 Modified Contact Laws Tackle Lineout Scrum Advantage Concepts of Honesty and Responsibility Concepts of Sporting conduct Perspective on sport
2	The Game
	U10 Rugby Flag Rugby / Touch Rugby 7v7 U12 Rugby Modified Contact 7v7

Principles

Go Forward

Running

Evasion

Support

Running lines

Passing backwards to team mates

Continuity

Maintaining possession

Introduction to Team Play

Collective action in attack and defense

Physical Capacities

1	Agility
2	Awareness of Body in Space
3	Balance - Static and Dynamic
4	Coordination and Manipulation
5	Speed and Locomotion
6	Warm Up and Cool Down
7	Introduction to Triple Extension

Me
ntal Capacities

1	Development of Self Imagine
2	Social Confidence - Response Positive Reinforcement
3	Enthusiasm and Commitment
4	Focus and Concentration

Lifestyle Capacities

1	Identification with Positive Role Models
2	Self Expression
3	Creative Thinking
4	Communication Skills
5	Work As Part of a Team
6	Self-control - Balance Personal Wants / Needs with Others
7	Awareness of Health and Safety Issues