Rugby PitchsideCoaching help for U9–U13
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CFreeze! Who is free?
Level 510 minFull squad game (touch or match rules for your age group)Cones, bibsNo contactU9 · U10 · U11 · U12 · U13

Freeze frame

How it works

  1. Play a normal game. Every so often the coach shouts “freeze!” and everyone stops where they are.
  2. Ask: “Who is free? Who could you pass to? Who needs to move?” Let players move themselves, then play on from there.
  3. Keep freezes short (under 30 seconds) and no more than one every couple of minutes.

Coaching points

  • Ask questions. Don't move them yourself.
  • Freeze when it's going well too, so they see what good width looks like.
  • Use touch, or the full rules for your age group only once the drill ladder for contact is solid.

Ready for the next level when: When you freeze, most players are already in a useful space.

Part of these drill ladders