Under 13 Boys Take on Wallingford 28 January 2024

Great to see the boys back out on the paddock and of course playing against a well drilled Wallingford side.

The boys have been working well in training over the last couple of weeks and are making improvements and now these all need to brought into the matches.

Our observations from today to work on in the coming weeks are there are still lads that fear contact, it is a work in progress we know. Also slowing down before both the tackle and contact point this does not happen as much when playing each other as seen on Sunday’s 2nd game. Some are still going a little high which is a point for both players and coaches to address as we need to bring the height down and to see more trying to go for the chop tackle. We as a team need to jackal more and not leave to the 4 that do it week in week out, we need more to be willing to do this.

Lastly all players need to learn not to be ruck inspectors it is not time to rest, we need to be active in winning our own ball or trying to disrupt or win theirs.

We are blessed in the 9 department currently with 5 that can play there, and we will be working with these boys over the coming weeks with the speed, accuracy and delivery of their passing to help them.

However, our shape is looking good, with the teamwork rising every week and a massive reduction in ME and the resulting WE better every time we train and play. We are trusting the players around us more which is helping in attack with our distribution when going forward and looking for space to exploit.

Going forward we are encouraging versatility in the players and have dual roles within the team with their positions this will also help them grow into more rounded players knowing how it is playing different roles within the team.

The boys need to know and understand that ‘failure’ is a natural part of life and in sport and that it helps us grow as individuals and players. Everyone makes mistakes on the pitch. It is about how we don’t let it get to us, as we have to remember mistakes and feedback from the coaches are there to help us improve as players.

With 3 hard games in Feb and only one Sunday training session we all need a concerted effort to get to Friday training to make sure everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet for the games ahead.

Positives:

• Improved teamwork and shape: The report highlights positive development in teamwork and team formation, with reduced instances of missed encounters and better distribution in attack.
• Versatility: Encouraging multi-positional play is praised as it fosters well-rounded players with a deeper understanding of the game.
• Positive attitude: The coach acknowledges the boys' hard work in training and encourages them to embrace "failure" as a learning opportunity.

Areas for Improvement:

• Contact avoidance: Some players are hesitant to engage in contact, which needs to be addressed through training and practice.
• Tackling technique: High tackles and reliance on a limited number of jacklers are areas requiring improvement. The report emphasizes the importance of lowering tackle height and encouraging more players to participate in rucking.
• Passing: Continued focus on the speed, accuracy, and delivery of passes from the nines will benefit the team's offensive strategy.

Action Plan:

• Training focus: Drills and exercises to address contact avoidance, tackling technique, jackaling, and passing will be prioritized in the coming weeks.
• Versatility drills: Implementing training sessions that encourage players to switch positions and experience different roles on the field.
• Positive reinforcement: Coaches will continue to provide constructive feedback and create a supportive environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities.
• Increased attendance: Emphasizing the importance of consistent training to ensure everyone is prepared for the upcoming challenging games in February.

Overall:

This report paints a positive picture of the Chinnor U13 boys' progress with areas for improvement clearly identified. By focusing on tackling technique, contact engagement, and overall skill development, the team can look forward to continued success in the upcoming February matches.

Coaching team.