A weekend of Rugby and Respect.

As the sun was shining we decided to have a de brief from the Petersfield tournament before launching into training. Lots of very constructive comments from the children that attended with many also understanding the areas that we need to improve on. This helped to focus the thoughts of the children and the coaches in what we were going to do that morning.

The children were split into three groups after two tag bulldog and some serious drills were started.

My group started by learning how to fly like ducks. Much amusement was had with a few good impressions done by some children. The point was to get them to support the runner with the ball. By running behind the player with the ball when tagged the ball carrier has passing options. The majority of children picked this up and some good off loading was done. Some couldn’t get passed being ducks!

Big Gav’s group concentrated on footwork and quick ball passing. In a circle with two taggers in the middle the ball was passed quickly around then circle with those in the middle trying to intercept or tag the player with the ball. Hopefully encouraging swift movement and swift passing.

Nicks drill was encouraging the children to pass the ball down the line before being tagged. It all seemed to be going well from where I was standing. Nick reported back that after a slow start the ball made it to the end many times.

In the middle of the drills we held our two minutes silence for all those solders that are either deployed now or have been in the past. Many injured, many killed. I was very pleased that the children knew what this was about and maintained the silence. Thank you to all of them.

We then split into four teams of 5 and had a couple of games.

Some excellent running with the ball and some good tries. Areas to improve on........tagging! We will get there.

Next week we are at Horsham. Hopefully see you there.

Gavin M