Objective: make better decisions before, during and after contact situations — scanning, choosing to carry or pass, and supporting teammates.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10 min | Numbers Game |
| 5 min | Dynamic Warm-Up |
| 8 min | Overload Decision Block |
| 8 min | Pressure Decision Block |
| 12 min | Decision Rugby |
| 12 min | Touch Tournament (+ up to 5 min buffer) |
Timing: planned to 55 minutes with a 5-minute buffer built in for the 60-minute slot — use it to stretch Touch Tournament if the session's running to time, or absorb it elsewhere if you're running late.
Numbers Game
Goal: build awareness, communication, reaction speed and decision making before applying it in contact.
20m × 20m grid, one ball between every 2–3 players. Players move continuously; coach calls a number and players form groups of that size. Add passing before grouping, then introduce more balls.
Coaching point: heads up, scan constantly, communicate early, react quickly.
Movement channel
High knees, carioca, walking lunges, side shuffle, accelerations down a 15m channel. Balance, coordination, movement quality, athletic posture.
Overload Decision Block
Goal: build the 2v1 decision, then stretch the same picture wider as a 3v2.
Start as the 2v1 Decision Drill: 15m × 10m channel, 2 attackers vs 1 defender. Coach feeds the ball; attackers try to score while the defender tries to stop them. After a few reps, widen to 20m × 15m and add a third attacker plus a second defender for the 3v2 Attack Challenge: attackers identify space, defenders try to stop them. Rotate groups regularly throughout.
Coaching point: draw the defender, pass late, run straight, identify the weak shoulder, keep width, support the ball carrier. Watch for passing too early — commit the defender first.
Pressure Decision Block
Goal: build controlled defensive decisions in a 1v1, then raise the pressure and pace.
Start as the Defender Choice Game: 10m × 10m channel, 1v1. Attacker attacks the line, defender chooses how to defend — hold, drift or tackle. After a few reps, open it up into Chaos Contact: 20m × 20m area, multiple balls, mixed attack and defence happening simultaneously. Coach adds balls as the game develops; players react to constantly changing situations.
Coaching point: stay square, protect the inside shoulder, read the attacker's cues, be patient, then scan constantly, communicate, decide early as the pressure rises.
Decision Rugby
25m × 20m pitch, two separate games (5v5 for U12, adjusted numbers for U10). Attack: carry or pass appropriately, support the ball carrier, communicate. Defence: make good decisions, protect space, work together.
Touch Tournament
Multiple small pitches, round-robin 3–4 minute matches, bonus scoring for great communication, effective decisions, teamwork and support play. This is the flex block: let it run the full 17 minutes if the session's on schedule, or cut to 12 if you're behind.
Scoring
- Try = 5
- Good Decision = 1
- Excellent Support = 1
- Defensive Stop = 1
Equipment checklist
- 30 cones
- 8–10 rugby balls
- 4 tackle shields
- Bibs, water, first aid kit