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LOGINT95 > Coaching mixed ability
Dan Cottrell
Dan CottrellNotes from the latest webinar
Please feel free to add your thoughts.
Key takeaways
- Every player deserves access to all rugby skills regardless of ability level.
- Differentiation should focus on individual needs without excluding players.
- Strategies for mixed ability coaching include biobanding (grouping by size), mentoring, layered complexity, and personalized goals.
- Coaches should create an inclusive environment where players feel they belong.
- Feedback should be actionable and appropriate to each player's skill level.
- Games should be structured to ensure all players get meaningful involvement.
- The biggest coaching challenge is balancing development for both stronger and weaker players.
Discussed topics
Understanding mixed ability coaching challenges
Dan introduced the webinar topic of coaching rugby players with wide ranges of ability, noting this is different from coaching players with special educational needs.
Details
- Dan: Explained that most coaches face this challenge regularly unless working with top professionals.
- Dan: Emphasized that players vary in size, skill level, experience, rugby knowledge, and family background.
- Dan: Stated firmly that no player should be prevented from having full access to rugby skills.
Conclusion
- Mixed ability coaching is a constant challenge that requires intentional strategies.
- While positions may naturally suit different body types, all players should have access to all skills.
- There should be "no cop out" in making sessions inclusive.
Theoretical framework for differentiation
Dan presented evidence-based approaches to differentiation in coaching.
Details
- Dan: Explained Tomlinson's view that differentiation means tailoring tasks to individual needs.
- Dan: Discussed scaffolding, breaking complex tasks into smaller segments and gradually adding complexity.
- Dan: Described Vygotsky's "zone of proximal development", players need to be slightly uncomfortable to learn.
- Dan: Emphasized the importance of feedback loops that are immediate and actionable.
Conclusion
- Effective differentiation requires understanding learning theory.
- Players need appropriate challenges that push them slightly beyond comfort.
- Feedback should be tailored to each player's level.
Practical strategies for mixed ability coaching
Dan shared several practical approaches to manage players of different abilities.
Details
- Dan: Recommended biobanding (grouping by size) for some contact activities.
- Dan: Suggested layering exercises with progressive complexity within the same activity.
- Dan: Discussed mentoring where better players help those slightly below their level.
- Dan: Advised using process goals rather than outcome goals.
- Dan: Cautioned about game design, as stronger players often dominate unless rules are adjusted.
Conclusion
- Splitting groups should be limited to 10-15 minutes of a session.
- Mentoring works best when the skill gap isn't too large.
- Games need careful management to ensure all players are involved.
Creating an inclusive environment
Dan discussed the importance of language and environment in mixed ability coaching.
Details
- Dan: Emphasized focusing on skills rather than comparing players.
- Dan: Suggested using role models and encouraging team support.
- Dan: Noted that creating this environment requires concentration and intentionality.
Conclusion
- Inclusive language helps create a positive learning environment.
- High standards should be set for all players.
- The environment significantly impacts player retention and development.
Practical drill examples
Dan demonstrated several practical drills that can be adapted for different ability levels.
Details
- Dan: Showed passing drills where distance and defender movement can be varied.
- Dan: Presented exercises where players can be given different starting positions.
- Dan: Explained how tackling drills can be modified by changing cone positions.
- Dan: Demonstrated games where different players have different rules or focus areas.
Conclusion
- The same basic drill can be differentiated by changing small variables.
- Players can work together while having individually appropriate challenges.
- Visual cues like coloured cones can help manage complexity levels.
Challenges with tackling confidence
Several coaches shared their experiences with players who struggle with tackling confidence.
Details
- Ross: Described coaching under-9s with some players who have learning difficulties and are struggling with tackling.
- Dan: Suggested using "tackle licenses" and creating breakout groups for less confident players.
- Ben: Shared a story about a player who left the team due to tackling anxiety despite various interventions.
- Dan: Acknowledged that sometimes players may need to try different sports if they can't overcome contact fears.
Conclusion
- Tackling is a particular challenge that requires patience and targeted support.
- Some players may need more time to develop confidence.
- Not all players will ultimately be comfortable with contact aspects of rugby.
Managing player frustration
Justin raised concerns about more skilled players becoming frustrated with less skilled teammates.
Details
- Justin: Described coaching 11-12 year olds with a wide range of abilities and neurodiversity, with some standout players getting frustrated.
- Dan: Suggested focusing on individual development rather than team development for younger players.
- Dan: Recommended giving players personalised challenges that make sense for their skill level.
- Dan: Emphasised that passing should be taught as the right decision, not just to include others.
Conclusion
- Players need to see their own pathway to improvement.
- Individual development plans can help keep better players engaged.
- Team skills will develop naturally when individual skills improve.
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