8 Top Tips for Coaching Rugby

These are some of my suggestions and ideas that can be used at all levels of coaching, ranging from primary right up to U18. They are by no means gospel but do provide some sort of framework in which to go by when designing a session or plan going forward.

1. SAFETY

The safety of players is paramount and this should always be at the heart of planning and delivery. It is vital that all formalities are taken into consideration to ensure your training environment is both safe and purposeful. Consider the following

-Risk Assessment (Prior to the session, have you checked the location and area you will be using?)

-Participants are dressed correctly (for example no jewelry or incorrect footwear)

-Using Age Grade Appropriate Equipment (i.e. the size of balls)

-Space - ensure the areas you set up for a game or drill provides players with enough space to express themselves. This prevents collisions or any unfortunate injuries taking place, this specifically common when teaching the younger age groups.

-Time - ensure players are not overtraining in line with RFU regulations.

-When teaching contact - break it down / do not rush the process. The 1st lesson on tackling is crucial in their development as players and it will stick with them.

-Injury (Concussion) Follow RFU Protocol and 1st Aid procedures.

-Control is important during the sessions and I go to Whistle control (use sparingly) and 5 seconds count down to get the attention of a group.

2. TECHNIQUES

Rugby is an incredibly technical game and this is why many teachers, coaches, and volunteers stay clear of coaching it.

I am very much in favor of game-related practice and not spending whole sessions based on 1 single drill, however, depending on the age and experience of the group you are coaching - that may be required. There are ways however to ensure the engagement of players is high within the drill work.

In order to play the game players need to have the skills and techniques. So here are some of my tips for teaching the important skills of the game:

-Passing:

1:1 get every player a ball where possible and get them working on holding the ball correctly ( when practicing right-hand pass they hold the ball facing upwards with the right on the right side bottom and the left at the top virtually just guiding the ball and vice versa for the left) and then passing directly above them focusing on following through and bringing the hands through.

Pair work: both partners working stationary facing the same direction but they keep their hips and chest square and they focus on a swing motion and follow through to their teammate. It is essential that they don't turn their body inwards and face their partner. Once they get the hang of it they can move and focus on passing in front.

Competition in 4s: Start stationary again passing down the line focusing on hips and chest square but now getting the players in the middle to focus on catch and pass in 1 movement if they can. Race of how many or down the line and back - tailor it to suit the group you have. Then can apply running (try line to halfway and introducing on being behind ball carrier).

-Catching

Don't over complicate it - Hands up, give a target, bring into the chest. Ideally, better players will be able to catch out in front and then distribute.

-Tackling

This ultimately is essential in any players' development and it is vital they are taught correctly to both instill confidence and ensure they are safe to play contact rugby. A few key things I would recommend:

-Falling - get players to fall (might sound silly) over which they will quite enjoy doing but more importantly they are naturally getting into the right body positions.

-Break it down - I go for the following mantra: ZOOM SET BOOOM:

ZOOM - is closing the space to the opponent

SET - set your feet, get close to the opponent, adjust the body height

BOOM - hit with shoulder, a ring of steel arms, drive legs and get player to the ground.

With young players, I would start them kneeling and progress from walking, jogging to then running. Lots of opportunities to practice and pairing with someone of a similar is important especially at a young age. Tackling is all about confidence and mindset.

Once they have grasped the technique and you feel that the players are ready for contact - praise good tackles, make a big thing about it! Give a turnover so they are more motivated within a game. If players are using their arms - get them to hold tennis balls when defending! Have fun.

3. FUN

This is why they play the game and we coach. Make sessions fun, have a smile on your face, be enthusiastic, have high energy as this will rub off on your players. You as the coach set the tone of your sessions.

If players make a mistake don't be over critical especially at a young age, but ask them questions:

What could you have done differently? So they are taking ownership of learning.

4. Element of Competition

Players thrive off being challenged and this is key to achieving intensity and motivation within sessions. Now, of course, this is age-appropriate but even the little ones respond well to relay races, first to 10, etc.

Some of the following ideas may help give your sessions a bit more buzz:

-Points scoring system (players love this)

-Position-specific

-Reward particular skills with turnover / double points

Points scoring needs to be easily managed as you will either be coaching on the run or co-coaching. If you have the luxury of having a helping hand - get them to score. Players will lose focus, intensity if scoring is wrong.

5. Game Related

As I earlier eluded to, I am a fan of TGFU (teaching through games understanding). Where possible plan sessions to be game related, this allows players always to be training realistically and with focus.

Some ideas for this practice:

-WHOLE PART WHOLE (Start with a game then do a skill break out maybe 2 on 1s then return to the game to see if it is better).

-Overload Attack + Defence (working on being clinical and scrambling in D)

-Scenario-based (coach on run and have numerous balls and go through different circumstances i.e. line out on halfway, 5m scrum...

-Warm-ups always with a ball - 10 passes (trying to get to 10 without other team intercepting or you making a mistake - add a touch to make it harder)

-Change the layout of the pitch - players always being challenged.

-A team that scores keep the ball and attacks another way - CONTINUOUS rugby.

6.Use of Conditions

The use of conditions within sessions and specific gameplay is a key tool in controlling groups, individuals and being able to create a challenging environment.

We all have the players that are too strong for the group or maybe players that aren't keen so don't always try hard and it is a constant juggling act as a coach to try and get the best out of the group. This is essentially the key to being a good coach - quickly getting to know our group and individualizing.

So some of my suggestions in training sessions to try and differentiate accordingly would be:

-Challenge stronger players (weak hand to pass, limit touches, have to pass, etc).

-Entice weaker players by giving them some superpowers / special rules (make a touch/tackle your team scores a try)

-Headbands rather than bibs for some players to get heads up (different color bibs represent something in your game)

7. Player Centred

The older your group get and the better the group get, give them more ownership of their learning. Step away and channel practice rather than dictating and limiting their involvement both in planning and execution.

This can be in many aspects:

-Warm-ups

-Team Talks

-Feedback

-Challenging each other

-Allow your players to try things

The best coaching environments are those where the players feel free to express themselves both physically and verbally. Every player needs to have a voice.

8. Feedback

Pretty self-explanatory but a crucial part of the session. My key ones are:

-Start of Session

-Individual

-Collective

-Coach on Run (don't have to always stop play)

-Player led (help guide ask questions, how are we doing then? what 2 things could we focus on?)

I hope the 8 tips are of some use and help give you something to take into your next session or planning.

More coaching tips to follow.....