Good Question!
However before the GRFC gives you their answer they have 2 question for you to consider:-
- Are your children playing 11-a-side yet or are they still playing 7 or 9-a-side?
- Do you think you are coaching appropriate subject matters to the age group?
in answer to your and our first question; In our session plan and video library you will find session plans and videos that will walk you and your players through drills that have been designed to teach young player how to work together in a unit, whether it be 2, 3, or 4 accross the back. The techniques shown were developed by one of our coaches and have to-date been 100% successful in teaching young players how to defend in an organised way.
and secondly, ask youself if you believe that your players have developed the cognitive abilities to understand how to defend as an organised unit yet? at 12 very few players have developed the inteligence, communications, decision making, prioritising skills and spacial awareness necessary to defend successfull as a unit. You may be asking too much of them. try developing the defensive play in games that they enjoy so that they learn the principles first, before moving onto more complex practices. Our videos and session plans will help you do this.
We at GRFC hope this helps resolve your defense issues.