U8’s take the next step….

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The U8’s started their preparations for next season with their introduction to contact

Last Sunday we introduced the U8’s to tackling. Some had already done some (Chris was complaining that Elliot was tackling him on a regular basis in the garden) but for most this was their first taste of this. Eric will cover more in his “Coach’s Comments”

This Sunday will be more of the same. I am checking availability for the following Sunday. We are away at Old Albanians (St. Albans) and are hoping to put 2 teams out. I know some of you are away (half term) so it is important you let me know if you are not available.

See you Sunday

Simon

Coach's Comments

1st Contact and not an alien in site, though a few parents looked 'blue' with the cold!!


An excellent first session of tackling with lots of effort from everyone; much better than England the day before!

First of all I would like to welcome Blue and Daniel to the U8 Hedgehogs; we hope you enjoyed your first time playing rugby?

You both look as though you'll fit in really well; lots of effort and great catching and passing skills, as well as strong tackling - well done!

We started the session with our new warm up to include our upper bodies, as well as our legs and hearts!

I was pleased so many of you remembered to do your PRESS-UPS (2 lots of 5, remembering STRAIGHT BACKS); SIT-UPS (10 with knees bent and straight back, NOT just neck/ head) AND KNEE-RAISES (10.)

Please do the same again this week at home; twice at least if you can.

Then Tim Bonnet helped us to learn how to tackle - THANK YOU TIM.

First we remembered how to fall, like in a parachute jump - KNEES, HIPS, SHOULDERS and remembering to HOLD ONTO THE BALL with BOTH HANDS.

Then we learnt how to tackle from the front;
• Wide arms, bent not straight
• Target the BOTTOM OF THE SHORTS of the ball carriers, with your SHOULDER.
• HEAD to the side or behind the ball carrier's bottom (CHEEK to CHEEK)
• Wrap your arms around the legs and hold on TIGHT ("RING OF STEEL")
• Keep your Eyes OPEN and your Chin OFF chest
We started on our knees and quickly progressed to standing, with the ball carrier walking and then jogging towards us. We also practised with our right arm and our left arm so we could tackle both sides.

Everyone put in lots of effort and really listened so that they knew exactly the skills needed. All of the coaches were delighted with your first session and we are looking forward to doing some more next Sunday.

In fact you were ALL so good that we decided that this week's Player of the Week is EVERYONE - very well done!!


See you Sunday

Eric

P.S. Please remember to bring your gum-shields with you.