Coaching/Parenting Tips

[Red Baron]

I have recently put my hand up to be a league tag coach. (Under 6s). Slowly working my way up to be a rugby league coach.

I need tips on how to approach coaching and managing very young kids.

Thanks!

 

[maxta]

Important to just start with simple basics
Keep them interested, as youngsters get bored quickly and if 1 starts playing up, it's all in ...Total carnage 😅
Make it FUN ....so they "want" to be there....this will also make them more attentive to you.
Sometimes adding 2-3 parents to help out is good, as can split into groups for different drills and change every 5 mins, to help keep interest and make it a good social type setting
Good luck and hope that helps...a bit

 

[The Who]

Offer to pay them $1 for every tackle they make. In the Under 6s it won't cost you much, but even at that age they are motivated by money.

 

[mosto]

Hey @Red Baron, firstly, a huge thank you for stepping up. I’ve coached everything from on U6’s to U17’s tag.

First tip: don’t do it on your own. At least enlist a LeagueSafe (help with kids at training and Game Day) and a Manager (help deal with parents).
LeagueSafe is a 20 min free online course, rope another parent in to help.
Manager deals parents, ie Grouo chats, advise training, game times etc., again enlist another parent.

Second and main tip: you’re there to enable them to have fun. So make you’re training sessions fun, and half hour max at that age. The MyLeague app is an incredible resource for age appropriate training ideas.

Finally, enjoy it! The growth you will see in them, particularly at that age, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a fun age to coach.

I’ve pulled away from coaching as such, but am now President of our junior club. Coaching is nothing compared to that gig, but still enjoying it at this stage. Dealing with all Parents, all Coaches, local council, local district admin, NSWRlL, etc is…..interesting….mostly challenging.

But every Friday afternoon, I take a moment to lean on the fence and look across an oval of kids of all walks of life, genders, and abilities and see them exercising and having fun. That’s what brings me back each year.