Ages Skill Progression /

Under 6 and 7's

Goal

To have a basic understanding of rules as well as completing a basic introduction to passing / carrying / play the ball and tackling technique (U7’s).

• Introduction of Under 6 to Under 7 rules
  • For example: Field 40m x 20m, no scrums, no conversions, no kicking in general play and no markers
• Introduction passing and carrying technique
• Introduction to landing safe on the ground
• Correct play-the-ball
• Introduction to tackling techniques U7’s (NRL Tackle Ready Program)
• Direction of defensive line

Emphasis

Fun and enjoyment

Under 8's

Goal

To have a basic understanding of rules as well as completing a basic introduction to passing / carrying / play the ball and tackling technique (U7’s).

• Introduction of Under 8 rules
  • For example: Field size 68m x 30m
• Progress from basic pass / carry technique to
• Catch / pass and running onto ball
• Understanding roles of dummy half and first receiver
• Progression of tackling technique, front on / side on

Emphasis

Fun and enjoyment

Progression of basic skills

Under 9's

Goal

To have a thorough understanding of mid league rules and a progression of basic fundamental skills.

• Review of Under 9 rules, for example:
  • 8 players on the field
  • Field size - 68m x 30m
  • Markers
  • Kicking in general play (No bombs)
  • No scrum
• Further progression of catch / pass / carry
  • Carry ball in two hands
  • Catch ball off chest
  • Hands up
  • Catch and pass in one motion
  • Correct footwork
• Basic understanding of positions
• Introduction to basic kicking technique
• Basic introduction to defensive roles, for example: 
  • Markers etc

Emphasis

Fun and enjoyment

Basic understanding and knowledge of rugby league

Under 10's

Goal

To have a thorough understanding of mid league rules and a progression of basic fundamental skills.

• Review of Under 10’s rules, For example:
  • 11 players on the field
  • Field size – 80m x 48m
  • No scrums
• Continue progression of catch / pass / carry from first year of mid league
• Introduction to Go Forward
• Introduction to support
• Progression of kicking technique
• Progression of defensive roles
• Increasing core skill challenges

Emphasis

Fun and enjoyment

Players ready to progress on to Under 11’s

Under 11's

Goal

To prepare players for Under 12’s by end of the season.

• Review Under 11’s rules.
• Continued progression of catch / pass / carry.
• Introduction of basic draw and pass technique.
• Progression of go forward and support.
• Continued progression of defensive roles.
• Introduction of kick and chase

Emphasis

Fun and enjoyment

Players ready to progress on to Under 12’s

Under 12's

Goal

To prepare players for Under 13’s by end of the season.

• Introduction to rule variations from under 11’s to under 12’s, for example:
  • Full field – 100m x 68m
  • 13 players on the field 
• Introduce fitness transition games
  • Emphasis on skills
  • Go forward and support
  • Focus on coaching points
• Progression of draw and pass technique 2v1, 2v2
• Basic understanding of line running
  • Width / pass
  • Angle of run
  • Positioning of support
• Progression of tackling of technique

Emphasis

Enjoyment

Preparation for Under 13’s

Under 13 and 14's

Goal

• To prepare players for Under 14 and 15’s by end of the season.
• Introduction to ruck plays and backline formation
• Progression of draw and pass 3 v 2, 3 v 3
• Progression of line running and support play
• Progression of footwork and evasion
• Progress to defensive teams (left, right and ruck)
• Progression of tackling technique and introduce double marker defence
• Introduction to weights (technique only)

Emphasis

Enjoyment

Fine-tuning basic skills

Under 15 and 16's

Goal

• To prepare players for Under 16 and 17’s by end of the season.
• Introduce optional preseason fitness
• Progression of formation and ruck plays
• Fine tune catch / pass, draw / pass
• Introduce play the ball speed
• Fine tune defensive roles (teams, kick chase, trail, slide etc)
• Progress weight training
• Introduction to goal setting

Emphasis

Enjoyment and sportsmanship

Fine-tuning major skill areas

Under 17 and 18's

Goal

To prepare players for senior football by end of the season.

• Compulsory preseason fitness
• Introduce game plans
• Fine tune catch / pass, draw / pass
• Fine tune defensive roles:
  • Teams
  • Kick Chase
  • Trail
  • Slide
  • Line Speed
  • Technique
• Introduce individual weights programs
• Fine tune goal setting
• Progress plays with the ball speed

Emphasis

Enjoyment

Being fully prepared for senior football

Resource

playrugbyleague.com