I recently polled coaches on Twitter on how long they spent planning.
While over half suggested they spent up to 25 minutes on the process, two in every five coaches spent longer.
Planning a session isn’t easy and we all know the horrors of a poorly planned session.
Here are two coaching ideas to make it easier.
LOVE RETRIEVAL PRACTICE
Read or listen to the best learning gurus and they will tell you that everyone needs to be reminded of what they have just learned and about to forget. Doug Lemov, in his recent book, A Coach’s Guide to Teaching, highlights this time and again.
That means, your training session should include elements of the previous sessions. If at least half the session was purely the same as before, but with small changes, then you would be creating some excellent outcomes.
For example, a tackling exercise could have different starting points, more options for the attackers or a smaller space to work in. A new “play” might be tested out at random moments during the session.
ROLLOUTS IN YOUR TEMPLATES
A training template is a simple way to plan your session. And if your players know what is coming, you don’t need to spend much time explaining or selling what’s happening next.
From a planning point of view that makes things easier. For example, you might follow a pattern of a warm-up game, a skills block, a unit block and then a game to finish.
Having a couple of different templates helps retain some variety, where you might have mixed up the elements, or have breakouts inside games.
From a planning point of view, your “rollout” of a session is the part that needs the most time. Rollout means introducing a new idea, skill or rule into a session. It will be something that the majority if not all the players, and perhaps even you own coaches, won’t have seen before.
To make that easier, follow these three steps:
Imagine what it looks like at the end of the idea, and then work backwards.
Away from the session, talk through how you would explain it to the players. If you can use something physical, like salt cellars and pepper pots to map it out, that’s even better.
Before the start of training, explain it to a fellow coach, or even a player.
Both these ideas should make the planning process easier, because you can be confident of good outcomes.
Here are some planning ideas to help build your sessions:
While our priority will be re-engaging players with games, we will still need to mix in "skill zones". This is another name for a more intense focus on a particular skill or technique.
Have a bank of skill zones ready to drop into your sessions.
Here let's focus on passing. MORE
In this planning for post-lockdown training, we are going to look at rebuilding your lineout skills. Specifically, we want to relearn the throw, jump and catch connection. MORE
When you return to rugby, there will be a long list of areas you need to do to rebuild your team's skill levels and understanding.
Here are four games that can cover a range of outcomes, building in complexity, moving towards the full game. MORE
In this planning for post-lockdown training, we are going to look at the supporting roles around the ball carrier. Specifically, the way that players are ready to take a pass to attack space or once the defensive line is broken.
To enhance learning, you are better off focusing on an “arc” of learning for a specific area. This means spreading out the training over a number of weeks, rather than dedicating one session to this.
Here’s a four-week plan for busting the line and supporting, but you can split this up into more sections if you want. MORE
In this planning for post-lockdown training, we are going to look at breaking the defensive line. Specifically, the best body shapes, lines of running, handling and support roles. MORE
If you are able to train, then you will be aiming to improve your players’ skills and tactical appreciation around specific areas of the game.
If you are in lockdown, it’s a chance to hone your session planning in readiness for your return. MORE
Let's consider planning our technical and tactical awareness to exploit a narrow defence. In other words, if there's an opportunity to attack when the attack has more numbers than the defence. In the simplest terms, that might be a 2 v 1.
These sessions consider 3 v 2s and 4 v 3s and how and when to use the miss pass. MORE
In Lockdown planning: Quick ruck ball sessions, we focused on applying pressure on the defence. Now, let's plan for the other side of the ball. France's defence coach, Shaun Edwards says that it is his main metric for success: slowing down ruck possession.
To enhance learning, you are better off focusing on an “arc” of learning for a specific area. This means spreading out the training over a number of weeks, rather than dedicating one session to this. MORE
If you are able to train, then you will be aiming to improve your players' skills and tactical appreciation around specific areas of the game.
If you are in lockdown, it's a chance to hone your session planning in readiness for your return. MORE
Challenge your players to think harder about how they play and prepare to play, even if they may not be playing a match at the weekend.
First, play games with a purpose. Of course, retain the elements of fun, but be clear on what potential outcomes each game might have.
Second, play a variety of games and game situations. Mixing up the games will force players into changing mindsets and figuring out different problems.
MORE
Help players make good decisions at the breakdown on whether to pass, run or ruck depending on how many defenders are threatening the tackle ball.
You want enough players to win quick ball without compromising your chances to launch effective attacks. MORE
This session will help players highlight their core skills under pressure. It works especially on short passes when the ball carrier is running “offline”.
Offline means the passer is either running towards the intended receiver or away. MORE
This activity works on the ball carrier sprinting for the line while the defender tries to intercept him.
Getting to the tackle can be as important as making it. This session is mainly working on chasing tackles, so is quite low impact. MORE
There are 10 key factors for drop punting, but if you had to concentrate on just one, here’s which would make the most difference to your players. MORE
The front-on tackle also represents the best opportunity to dominate the ball carrier and win the battle for the gain line. This activity works on this.
Develop players’ ability to come forward, with or without their team mates to make front-on tackles. MORE
The players need to “thunder” into the ruck – powerful and quick – when they identify that is their role. Any delay can mean slow ball or a turnover.
Reduce the thinking time for players so they can execute rucking under pressure. MORE
