U8 rugby drills and games

Most under 8s, just like U7s players have very little appreciation of the game of rugby. If they have already been playing tag for a year, they will at least understand about "tag" rules, if not the principles of play. However, the challenges remain the same as for under 7s:  keeping the players engaged in rugby-like activities which give them a taste of the game. Spend lots of time on simple games which develop:

• Evasive skills
• Ball handling, with some catch and pass
• Team awareness

Remember that the players are likely:

• To be selfish
• To lack concentration
• To be difficult put into ordered drills or activities.

So, don't fret too much if they don't seem to conform to a team. As long as they are having fun, and the session isn't too long, then your job is done. For warm up games try:

• Shadow buster
• Turned to stone
• Tiger Tales

For evasive and awareness activities try:

• Understand the need to run forward to score tries
• Make a Tag tackle
• Understand the need to pass once tagged
• Work together as defenders

For ball handling games and activities try:

• Star Fighters
• Hungry caveman
• Catch the ball from another player

Click here for a guide to coaching U8s and tag rugby. Click here for refereeing and game coaching tips.