If you’re ambitious and want to take on new challenges as a coach, what prerequisites do you need? Here are some key pointers to check you are ready.
Taking on representative teams can be very frustrating because you have much less time with the players than you would in a club or school scenario. You have to be able to change your mindset as well as have the coaching nous for each different circumstance.
EXPERIENCE OF THE SYSTEM
A coach needs to understand the nature of the competition he is leading his side into. If they are running a representative side, they may have a very short season and only a few coaching opportunities with the players before each game.
Unless a coach can deal with these issues, then he is going to struggle to pull together a plan and team.
RUGBY EXPERIENCE
There is no doubt that a good playing background aids a coach’s ability to take sides to a higher level. It is not a pre-requisite, but former players will have had a number of experiences of being coached themselves by some excellent coaches. They will be able to bring these experiences to their own team when it comes to them coaching.
If the coach hasn’t had those opportunities, then they should have tried to work with sides who have good coaching setups, or attended as many CPD events as they can.
DELIVERY AND LEADERSHIP
The first two factors in choosing a coach matter little if the coach cannot go on to deliver the coaching.
He has to have a good command of the players. This does not mean he shouts the loudest. Instead, he should have the respect of the players because what he says makes sense.
And more crucially, he needs to be correct. The technical aspects should be strong. In his drills and exercises, they move to or are part of game-related scenarios.
Finally, in terms of delivery, there needs to be a structured training plan, balancing skills and tactics. For example, if they are playing the next day, the coach will be aware of possible fatigue issues and temper his sessions accordingly.
TIMING EXPECTATIONS
There is a point in every session when a player cannot learn or benefit much more. An increase in knowledge is offset by demotivation or increased tiredness. A coach should think about the player’s expectations of how long the session is going to last for.
When it reaches this psychological barrier, only the player can decide whether to carry on. Say you have trained to 90 minutes, then you could ask the players if they want to continue to complete what they are doing. This is not the time to try something new.
TIME TO "TELL"
Sometimes it’s time to “tell”. Though more and more coaches are player-centred, with a limited amount of time with the players, you will have to “tell” more than sell, ask or delegate.
Remember the players should be pretty motivated in the first place. Yet, they will have some fixed ideas from their other coaches. You won’t have time to discuss all the aspects you might want to cover.
If you have a good understanding of the system, you can fast track some decisions to suit your circumstances.
Dan is a practising RFU Level 3 coach and coach educator. He coaches with the Bristol Bears DPP programme, is the assistant coach with University of Bristol Women's team and is a coach mentor for Broad Plain RFC mini and juniors section.
He was Head Coach of Swansea Schools U15 and has previously held coaching roles with the Young Ospreys Academy and as Assistant Coach with the Wales Women's Team for the 2010 World Cup. He was director of rugby for Cranleigh School, Surrey. P...
Register now to get a free eBook worth £10
Get this brilliant ebook worth £10 for FREE when you register now
When Maggie Hammond opted to dial down her busy career due to ill health, she was about to receive some devastating news. This is her ...
Newsletter Sign Up
Join over 75k coaches that are saving time searching for fresh coaching ideas with our free email newsletter: ✔ New drills ✔ New games ✔ New warm-ups. Delivered direct to your email inbox
"I have been coaching competitive soccer for over 20 years in Las Vegas. I feel like you are my personal club director. My players and myself have learned a lot from your sessions. The exercises from Soccer Coach Weekly are easy to understand and implement. I never run out of ideas and there is always an exercise for whatever problem we need to fix. Thank you!"
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
"First and foremost, Soccer Coach Weekly is truly unique and exceptional for its clarity and for explaining the "why?", in addition to the "how?". Soccer Coach Weekly is also professionally managed - any issues, which are infrequent, are resolved in an expedient and courteous manner. I place Soccer Coach Weekly at the top of my recommendation list for any new or seasoned coach of the beautiful game."
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
"I coach both young club players as well as players at the High School level and both genders. The talent range is wide at times, however with the use of Soccer Coach Weekly I am able to apply the information to all talent levels and player ages and make the session fun and challenging for all players. It has helped spark me at times when I am at a loss for what to do at the next training session or offers a different approach to a current problem."
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
"My team and myself are truly enjoying the Soccer Coach Weekly downloads. Pierrefonds Titans are a great group of U16 Females who compete in the Lac St-Louis Association of Montreal, Quebec, Canada."
Subscribe Today
Since 2006, we’ve helped tens of thousands of coaches just like you build strong teams and deliver effective and inspiring training sessions, week-in, week-out.
Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful soccer coach. ALL the support you need to become a great Youth Soccer coach: ✓ Proven, practical coaching advice
✓ Hundreds of ready-to-use drills and full-session practice plans
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Rugby Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
Part of Green Star Media Ltd. Company number: 3008779
We use cookies so we can provide you with the best online experience. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Click on the banner to find out more.