Youth rugby training should be active, fun and focused on core skills. The best sessions use games that develop running, passing, catching, evasion and support play, keep every player busy with plenty of touches of the ball, and introduce contact gradually under qualified coaching. Popular exercises include tag rugby games, reaction games such as rats and rabbits, passing lines, 2 v 1 channels for draw-and-pass decisions, tag-based evasion games and kneeling tackle drills for safe technique. A typical 60-minute session might include a warm-up game, a passing block, an evasion and support block, and a small-sided game to finish. Follow your national union’s age-grade rules on contact, team sizes and pitch sizes, and keep the emphasis on enjoyment and development rather than results.
Rulebook note: Age-grade rugby follows each national union’s regulations, which set when tackling, scrums and lineouts are introduced, team sizes and pitch dimensions. These build on World Rugby’s Laws of the Game but differ by age and country. Check your union’s current age-grade rules.
Health note: Youth coaches should hold appropriate coaching and safeguarding qualifications, match players by size and ability for contact, provide water breaks, and remove any player showing signs of concussion, following their union’s concussion guidance. Never force a child into contact they are not ready for.
Games and drills at a glance
| Drill | Skill | Age suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Tag rugby | Running, evasion, support play | All ages |
| Rats and rabbits | Reaction and agility | Younger players |
| Passing lines | Catching and passing on the move | All ages |
| 2 v 1 channels | Draw and pass decisions | All ages |
| Tag evasion game | Sidesteps and swerves | All ages |
| Kneeling tackle drills | Safe tackle technique | When contact is introduced |
| Small-sided games | Decision-making and teamwork | All ages |
Key principles for youth sessions
- Maximize activity: avoid long queues; use small groups and plenty of balls.
- Make it fun: games and competition keep young players engaged.
- Keep explanations short: demonstrate, then let players play.
- Focus on core skills: running, passing, catching and evasion come first.
- Introduce contact gradually and only as age-grade rules allow.
- Praise effort and improvement, not just winning.
How to run the key exercises
Tag rugby games: Players wear tag belts, and defenders stop the ball carrier by pulling a tag. Small-sided tag games teach running into space, support lines and passing without the risks of contact.
Rats and rabbits: Two lines of players face each other, one named rats and one rabbits. When the coach calls a name, that team chases the other to a safe line. It develops reaction speed, agility and enthusiasm.
Passing lines: Groups of three to five players jog down the field in a line, passing the ball along and back. Progress from walking to running and from short to longer passes, practicing both left and right.
2 v 1 channels: Two attackers face one defender in a narrow channel. The ball carrier runs at the defender to draw them in, then passes to the support player at the right moment. This teaches one of rugby’s most important decisions.
Tag evasion games: A ball carrier tries to cross a line past one or more defenders trying to pull a tag, practicing sidesteps, swerves and changes of pace.
Kneeling tackle drills: Once contact is introduced, players learn tackling technique from their knees on soft ground, focusing on head position, shoulder contact and wrapping. This builds confidence before any standing tackles.
More games to add variety
End ball: Teams score by passing the ball to a teammate standing in an end zone. It builds passing, movement into space and awareness without contact.
Numbers game: Players line up in two teams with numbers. The coach rolls a ball out and calls a number or numbers, and those players race out to play a small attacking and defending game. It is quick, competitive and keeps everyone alert.
Keep ball: In a small grid, one team tries to keep possession by passing backward or sideways while the other team tries to pull tags or intercept. It teaches support play and quick decisions under pressure.
Ball familiarity circuits: For the youngest players, circuits of throwing, catching, rolling and picking up the ball build comfort with the oval ball’s unusual bounce and shape.
Planning a season of youth training
Rather than repeating the same session each week, plan a simple progression across a season. Early sessions can focus on ball handling and running, mid-season sessions on support play, evasion and decision-making, and later sessions on applying these skills in game situations, with contact skills layered in only where age-grade rules allow. Revisit core skills often, since young players learn through repetition, but vary the games so practice stays fresh. Keeping short notes on what each session covered helps coaches track progress and adjust plans for the group.
Involving parents and volunteers
Youth rugby relies on volunteers. Parents can help set up equipment, run simple drills, manage water breaks and support match days, which lets coaches give more attention to teaching. Clubs should make sure every adult working with children follows safeguarding requirements, including background checks where required. Clear communication with parents about session times, kit, safety and the club’s development philosophy helps build a supportive community around the team.
Sample 60-minute session
- Warm-up game (10 minutes): rats and rabbits or a tag game to raise heart rates.
- Passing skills (15 minutes): passing lines and catching drills.
- Evasion and support (15 minutes): 2 v 1 channels and tag evasion games.
- Small-sided game (20 minutes): tag or age-appropriate rugby, applying the skills in a game.
Include water breaks and a short cooldown with gentle stretches and a quick review of what players learned.
Adapting for different ages
Youngest players: Focus on fun, running and ball familiarity with simple games. Keep drills very short and varied.
Primary-age players: Develop passing, catching and evasion, with tag or modified contact depending on union rules. Introduce basic decision-making.
Teenagers: Add structured contact skills, set pieces as rules allow, positional understanding and conditioning appropriate to their development.
Introducing contact safely
Contact should be introduced in line with your national union’s age-grade rules and only by coaches trained to teach it. Start with kneeling and crouching drills, then walking tackles into pads, then controlled tackles at low speed. Match players by size, experience and confidence. Keep contact sessions short, supervise closely, and reinforce safe head position at every stage. Tackle-height rules for community and youth rugby often require tackles to be low, so coach technique that fits these rules.
Building a positive environment
Young players are more likely to stay in rugby if they enjoy it. Learn names, give specific praise, keep sessions active, and involve every child regardless of ability. Encourage respect for teammates, opponents and referees. Communicate with parents about schedules, safety and the club’s approach to development.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Long lines and too much standing around.
- Overlong explanations and lectures.
- Introducing contact too early or without proper progressions.
- Focusing on winning over development.
- Mismatching players in contact drills.
- Ignoring signs of fatigue or injury.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does tackling start in youth rugby?
It depends on your national union’s age-grade rules, which set when contact is introduced.
How long should a youth rugby session be?
Around 45 to 75 minutes is common, depending on age.
What skills should young rugby players learn first?
Running, passing, catching, evasion and support play, before contact skills.
