LTPDst3cover.qxd (Page 1) - Scottish Rugby Union

HOPPING AND BALANCE DRILLSHOPPINGOn spot catching a tennis ball.Forwards and backwards.Lateral hopping - controlled landings.BALANCEShut eyes - balance and push off wall and hold.Balance on uneven surfaces (i.e. Wobble board)Vary amount of knee bend during balances.How much and when to progress?Once coaches are satisfied that young players are able to displaycontrol and balance in their jumping movements, then regularlower intensity jumping and landing activities should beincluded in coaching sessions, particularly in any speed relatedwarm-ups at the beginning of sessions. The volume of exercisesused in any session should be measured by the number of footcontacts and the volume should be kept low initially untilplayers are competent at the intensity level of the exercisesbefore progressing to more complex movements.At all time quality of the movement should be stressedrather than quantity.48