Transition Play

Approximately 75% of possessions in a junior rugby match will come from random sources such as turnovers, opposition mistakes, kicks, intercepts, kick-offs. Therefore it is important to spend large periods of time at team practices, helping players to become more proficient in transitioning from attack to defence and vice versa.

• 75% - unstructured / random possession starters: turnovers, opposition mistakes, kicks, intercepts, kick-offs.

• 25% - structured possession starters: Scrum (more likely), line-out.

Comparing Adults and Kids Rugby

Check out this video for more information and ideas: 

Coaching Ideas: 

• Create rules that encourage turn-overs.

• Keep the whistle in the pocket - let them play

• 'Play on' - avoid saying 'play on' as they will get used to your voice

• Ask questions

• Start games from kick-off. The receiving team then attacks from 'unstructured' play.

• Use multiple balls - add news balls at different times to attack and defend from different scenarios. 

Coaching Points

• Realign - get into position quickly. 

• React - attack space (we don't really know where space will be, so avoid over-prescribing what the players do)

Let them Play!