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Rugby, a team sport
Several cars arrive on a scooter and enter the locker room singing, Lucien, Nathan, Nicolas, Pierre-Antoine, already there, laughing as they put on their purple outfits. In short, the good humor of the Zébulons is a pleasure to see. Why this name? “Because at the beginning, the little ones tend to hop on their own two feet during waiting times, like Zébulon from the magic merry-go-round! », Explains Véronique, director of Zébulons du Puc, the Paris university club. In other rugby sections, the under-7s are called the Farfadets or the Shrimps…
Warm-up, essential
Damien and Uriel, the two coaches, take their twenty beginners to the middle of the field. All are required to wear mouthguards. On the other hand, helmets to protect the ears and head are at the discretion of each. Before starting the hour-and-a-half-hour training, Damien gives an update on the tournament which took place last weekend: “We will work on the weak points that I spotted during the matches on Saturday and the Sunday tournament. Today is defense training with tackles! “. To warm up, the little ones start by running, raising their knees high and touching their buttocks with their heels.. Knee climbs! Not hunted! Heels-buttocks! We do it again once to warm up. Ready? Let’s go !
Training session: passes and tackles
Damien and Uriel then propose the clock game. The plots are placed on the lawn at noon, 3 a.m., 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. You have to catch the ball, run around the clock without releasing the ball and put it back. Then we move on to tackles. There are two teams, attackers and defenders. Damien recalls the rules: “ Form two columns. As soon as I say “play”, you have the right to tackle! Be careful, you must tackle your legs to put the other on the ground! »The coach passes the ball, Gabriel takes it and starts running. Damien encourages him: “Remember to keep the ball, it must not get out of your hands! Gabriel sped at full speed and managed to score the try without being tackled. Lucien runs off in turn and Côme tries a tackle. Damien stimulates his players: “ Lucien, send your whole body forward, don’t stop! Como, this is not a tackle! Forbidden to grab the attacker by the shoulders! Let the legs! Augustine, do not be afraid, climb on him, do not wait for him! Bravo Augustin, you are a good tackle! Tristan, hug your arms around Hector’s waist, yes! »Hector takes a light blow on the forehead, he rubs his head and, courageously, sets out again to attack. Martin and Nino score a try. Damien counts the points : “6 tries for Martin’s team, 1 try for Tristan’s team. You missed all your tackles, it’s not going! »Tristan limped a bit, he took a crampon. He is treated immediately by the doctor, always present during training. A sip of water, a massage, arnica and off we go. Well done Tristan!
A sport of contact and solidarity
Contrary to what some parents imagine, in rugby, there are only minor injuries, never serious injury. Everyone gives their all, and it’s the same when it rains, because they love to roll in the mud … Practice this sport from an early age is a real asset in life. First of all because it is a team sport that conveys positive values such as courage and solidarity. Unlike football, which is very individualistic, everyone worries about each other. Even though it’s a contact sport, it’s a gentleman’s sport, not at all violent. The tackles are not likely to invade the playgrounds!
Learning the rules
Rugby is a very physical sport,
players shake hands at the end of each match
In practice: how to register it?
The French Rugby Federation (FFR) gives on its official website www.ffr.fr the addresses of all the rugby clubs in France.
Tél. : 01 69 63 64 65.
Rugby is practiced, for girls and boys, from 5 years old. Selection tests or trial sessions take place before the September registrations.