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Rugby Session Plan Template

Intro

An example Session plan Template

This is a template for creating rugby session plans. It includes sections for warm-up, main activities, and cool-down, as well as space for notes and objectives.

Session Planning Tips

When planning your session, consider the following tips to ensure it is effective and engaging: Start with a clear objective for the session. Know what you want players to achieve by the end of the session.

Make sure to Warm-up and Cool-down

Include a proper warm-up and cool-down to prepare players physically and mentally for the session and aid recovery. Be flexible. Be prepared to adapt your plan based on how the session is progressing and the needs of the players.

Engage and Encourage

Use positive coaching techniques. Focus on encouragement and constructive feedback to build confidence and skills.

Keeping players active and enaged

Keep players moving and engaged throughout the session. Use a variety of drills and activities to maintain interest and focus. Finally, have fun! Rugby is a game, and the enjoyment of playing should always be a priority. Plan for progression over time. Build on skills learned in previous sessions and introduce new challenges to keep players developing.

To help coaches plan and deliver effective rugby sessions, here is a detailed session plan template that can be adapted for different age groups and skill levels.

Download - Session Plan Template (Word Docx)

Below is an example of how to structure a session plan using this template.

Overview Section

The overview section at the top of the session plan provides key information about the session:

  • Age Group: Specify the age group of the players (e.g., U7, U8, U9, etc.)

  • Coaches: List the names of the coaches involved in the session

  • Venue: Indicate the location where the session will take place

  • No of Players: Specify the number of players expected to attend

  • Phase: Indicate the phase of the season (e.g., Pre-season, In-season, Post-season)

  • Aim of Session: Clearly state the main objective of the session (e.g., skill development, fitness, teamwork)

  • Equipment Required: List all the equipment needed for the session (e.g., cones, balls, bibs, etc.)

Session Structure & Timings

The session is divided into different phases, each with a specific duration and focus. The table below outlines the structure of the session:

  • Phase: The different parts of the session (e.g., Warm-up, Main Activity, Cool-down)

    • Warmup/Activate
    • Game Zones
    • Skill Zones
    • Team Run Scenarios
    • Warm Down / Reflect

  • Duration: The time allocated for each phase

  • Activities: A brief description of the activities planned for each phase

  • Coaching Points: Focus words to use. Key focus areas for coaching during each phase (e.g., technique, communication, teamwork)

  • Learning Outcomes: Why are we doing this? The intended outcomes for players (e.g., improved passing skills, better fitness, enhanced understanding of game tactics)

Notes & Reminders

Warmup/Activate

Note

  • Specific warmup that helps prepare players for the rest of the session.
  • Focus on stretches and Injury prevention through Activate
  • Adapt to relate to rest of session.

Game Zones

Note

  • Small-sided Games with emphasis on encouraging CARDS & Principles of Play
  • Games should be APES (Active, Purposeful, Enjoyable & Safe)
  • Introduce new skills into game / competitive conditions
  • Adapt and progressive – new rules/constraints to make harder or easier.

Skill Zones

Note

  • Individual and unit skills that support the core purposes and outcomes of the game zones.
  • Individual techniques improvements and repetition
  • Great opportunity for personalised observation and feedback
  • Multi-skill rotations or alongside Game zone to reinforce or provide correction.

Team Run Scenarios

Note

  • Full team run and development
  • Practice multi-phase play with scenarios and combinations
  • Against Coaches to challenge
  • Develop team links and continuity

Warm Down / Reflect

Note

  • Slow team jogs and gentle stretching
  • Discuss the session, reflect and feedback from players.
  • Coaches debrief and next session planning

Aim to incorporate core skills into every session – Tackling/Rucking, Handling/Passing, Kicking, Scrummaging and lots of fun!

Coaching Skills & Philosophies

Core Coaching skills (TELL, SELL, ASK, DELEGATE):

  • INSTRUCTION: Clear, short, and simple explanation. Less is more. Ask questions to check understanding. Involve players.
  • DEMONSTRATION: Focus of 2-3 points and delegate demonstration to players.Repetition where needed. Build into game/skill zone with “Freeze Frame”.
  • OBSERVATION/ANALYSIS: Focus on 1 key point, observe from different angles, Build on strengths, Correct faults – avoid negatives and praise effort.
  • FEEDBACK: Ask open question to guide reflection, Limit to 1 or 2 key points. Simple and specific. Keep it positive. Make use of “Freeze Frame” & “Rewind”.

Coaching Philosophies

CARDS Coaching Philosophy

  • C – Creativity
  • A – Awareness
  • R – Resilience
  • D – Decision Making
  • S – Self Organising

Principles of Play (Attack/Defense)

  • Contest for Possession
  • Go Forward
  • Support
  • Continuity
  • Pressure

Games should be APES

  • A – Active
  • P – Purposeful
  • E – Enjoyable
  • S - Safe

Rugby’s Values (TREDS)

  • T – Teamwork
  • R – Respect
  • E – Enjoyment
  • D – Discipline
  • S – Sportsmanship

Core Mobility Skills (SOL)

  • S – Stability
  • O – Object Control
  • L – Locomotion (Combination skills E.g. catching whilst running)