Managing your time at practice

Plan and tell

Plan which players are needed where and when in advance. Now you can tell them before training.

Use workshops

Split training into workshops, where groups work on exercises for a short time. Players move to exercises quicker because they retain groups for the workshops.

Bibs and numbers

Giving coloured bibs to players as they arrive saves time later when splitting into teams or groups. Numbering also pre-empts the movement of players.

Water breaks

Use one compact area for breaks so players are kept together. Breaks have a set time of one minute. Provide a “15 seconds to go” warning. Use a whistle to indicate the end of the break and reassemble away from this area.

Example: U9s team-play practice

Arrival: Planned forwards are given the number “1”, all others are number “2”. Two teams are pre-selected by also giving each player a coloured bib, red or green. Players place their water bottles in the assigned area.

10.30am: Warm-up (10 minutes).

10.40am: Water break.

10.41am: Game play – red v green (2x5 minutes + one-minute half time).

10.52am: Water break.

10.53am: Unit skills (20 minutes). Number 1s (forwards) – lineout practice. Number 2s (backs) – realignment and go forward exercises.

11.13am: Water break.

11.14am: Team/individual skills (2x10 minutes + water break). Two workshops – team play at breakdown and tackling. Bibbed teams do each exercise in turn.

11.35am: Water break.

11.36am: Game: Red v green (15 minutes, including water).

11.51am: Warm-down (5 minutes).

11.56am: Debrief.