EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
The very best players always seem to make that extra yard or metre in attack. On rare occasions, it's simply a case of a bigger player crashing through a smaller player. But even the largest players can put down by well-organised and technically efficient defences. MORE
How you get your players to "talk" more in games and training is a constant challenge for coaches. Responding to a request for activities and advice from one of our readers, here's a selection of approaches. MORE
In this newsletter, we focus on the “how to coach” skills. That’s the way you coach, as much as what you coach. So, here’s 20 plus coaching thoughts to consider. Let’s start with advice on chocolate and other sugary delights. Having researched this carefully, I found I changed my mind on what I suggested to... MORE
Improve your success rate at rucks. For example, the winning teams in the first weekend of the Six Nations won over 95% of their rucks. Then, once you have worked how to win the rucks, figure out how to play away from those rucks. To warm up, let’s start after the ruck. In the VIDEO: Develop... MORE
With the start of the Six Nations smashing its way onto UK terrestrial TV over the weekend, many coaches and players were able to watch how defences dominated much of the play. While you won't have the time or professional resources to replicate these defences, you can certainly create more chances for dominant tackles, no matter what age you coach. MORE
A better decision maker selects the right skill at the right time more often. That's not always an easy task to coach. While you might give the players plenty of skills, choosing the best skill requires a huge amount of judgement in often very dynamic circumstances. MORE
While ever player brings their own style to a position, there are some core traits that any flanker needs to have. Help them develop them, in attack and defence with the following advice, activities and tactics. MORE
Tackling has so many elements to master that we need to keep mixing up our training routines to help emphasise the different techniques needed. MORE
Kick with a purpose, kick with a plan. That means connecting the kicker and the chasers too. Here are some activities to build those connections, plus a bit of back to basics for young players to the game, so they can learn the essentials of how to kick. MORE
The way we coach is an important as what we coach. The most compelling messages are not just content-driven. They matter to the recipient. MORE
Like other disciplines, rugby has a jargon of its own. Unless the meanings are explained they can be meaning-less. That's why I've explained them in plain, simple English and with large, clear illustrations in my manual Rugby Tactics Made Simple. But not only that, you'll learn how to coach the tactics with my tips. If you’re new to coaching or prefer a more simple style this is a great, straightforward introduction to rugby tactics. "It highlights the key fundamentals of all aspects of play & gives coaches a good understanding of terminology and techniques at the highest level" - Richard Whiffin, assistant coach at London Irish MORE
Anxious about coaching rugby to children? Maybe you're already coaching, but sometimes struggling to get your points across at training? Perhaps you sometimes simply run out of preparation time? Possibly you're feeling your sessions are getting dull? Do you want a few new skills to boost your player's skills now? Or to help your players develop the techniques for seasons ahead? Maybe even the core skills for their whole rugby playing career? Here's the answer... MORE
Ready-made, age-appropriate, safe training activities, to provide a complete rugby coaching curriculum for players from ages 11 - 16. MORE
