FITNESS FOR RUGBY LEAGUE - Coach Rugby League .com.au

• Performing agility and speed exercises in relay fashion will help keep enjoyment levels
high.
• Specific speed & agility drills give players a chance to practice and refine the skills they
have been learning.
• It is important that the coach keep an eye on players performing skills with correct
technique.
• Using a number of different drills will prevent boredom and fatigue.
• Ten minutes per session is sufficient time to spend on these areas.
• Drills should be designed in line with players maturity and physical growth. Keep the
distance that drills are performed over and the number of drills small for smaller
players.
• When the players in a team have reached the age- of 13 to 15, their training can be very
similar to older players. The training load is however not as high.
• A smaller number of reps, shorter distances and shorter time periods would be used for
most training drills.
• Longer rest periods should .be allowed for agility, and speed training to ensure that good
running technique is practiced.
• Active skills drills should be practiced in small groups, again emphasising correct
technique.
• Of a 60 minute training session, up to 20 minutes should be devoted to developing and
maintaining fitness.
• Remember, as young players mature, they will become bigger, stronger and faster and
can endure an increased training load.
• All training activities should have an element of fun and play.