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I hear you about the football passes - we will enforce a turnover for this infraction but not necessarily in the first session

Over the weeks we gradually add more and more "rugby rules" drip feeding them to the children so they can adapt to them over time whilst still having fun (i know you have only 3-4 weeks)

With 2-5th grade size 4 rugby balls will be fine, if you have the budget and wanted to use 3's with the 2nd graders that would be ideal but they can use a size 4 no problems

Glad you found the USA Rugby docs useful 

Let us know how you get on 

Thanks for the comment!

I went to usarugby.org and looked at the material.

The Start Rugby Pack Games is great! I can definitely use some of these for 2nd and 3rd grades!

Reading the Rookie Rugby Guidebook, I find that I pretty much do everything in that guidebook with my 4th and 5th graders! Which by the way, I don't enforce the backward pass rule as much... if the pass is a little forward I let them play on. However, I do tell them to backward/laterall pass as I think it is essential and characteristic of Rugby. One thing I don't want, and it happens everyday we play rugby, someone will forward pass overhand as a QB in FB!! So if I allow one deliverate forward pass... all heck will break loose and we will find ourselves suddenly playing football!

Please tell me your opinion as to the size of rugby balls I should be using with 2/3rd grades and 4/5th grades. 

Awesome job introducing rugby into your Phys Ed class! how do you find the elementary students grasp the game? I take it they love playing it too if you keep introducing it which is great!

Having coached a lot of young students, I completely agree that the lateral and backwards passing concept can be hard for them to get their heads around. We like to play a lot of passing lead up games which promote "rugby style" underarm passing but not necessarily backwards to get them used to handling the ball as well as helping developing hand eye coordination skills and team work, over time these games can be progressed to involve backwards passing.

if you go to the usarugby.org site and down load some of the rookie rugby resources (left hand side of page > youth rugby > resource library) and skill cards there are some great games and drills that are perfect for introducing your students to the game.

I think there are some in the community locker on this site too,

have a read and get back to me if you have any Q's

I am a Phys EdTeacher in Miami and despite not ever having played Rugby myself, I teach basic Rugby at my school (elementary).

I show them a real basic touch Rugby played in half a soccer field, no "downs", backwards passing, kick-for-forward-passing, touch-ball-down in try zone, Rugby.

I use a size 5 Rugby ball but I am currently thinking about getting some size 3 Rugby balls! The biggest problem I have teaching Rugby is the concept of backward or laterall passing and assisting the ball carrier.

As typicl with a Phys Ed program, I have to teach many other sports and games so I only get to play Rugby 3-4 weeks a year. I might consider making a small club (if I wasnt so invloved with darned jai alai!!).

Anyway, any comments and suggestions that you have feel free to shoot them this way!

pantxo

I agree with the fact that going back to the very basics of the game is a good solution.

Simple drills on passing, tackling, mirror runs to keep the line, etc... They also all have to understand that communication is key, because despite what you see in football, soccer, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, etc... your teamates are behind you, never in front.

If I may suggest: if you can already detect skilled players from others, teaming up 1 skilled player with a "beginner" one would be a great way to enhance communication, teamwork and will smooth your work...