Less is more!

Something I have struggled with as a coach from time to time is taking a step back and allowing situations to play out before either blowing the whistle/cutting in with feedback or stopping play. Changing our methods isn't easy but like the game and players, we also need to evolve and update our methods. They say less is more and this is certainly fundamental to creating a positive environment that everyone thrives in.

Creating a + culture is crucial for individuals and teams to fulfill potential and ultimately enjoy success. Rugby is such a diverse team sport with so many different personalities, shapes, sizes, and opinions. It is essential that your players feel valued both in their own role but more crucially in the bigger picture which is the team environment. The winning side more times than not will be the one that has the best team environment.

Coaches are there to facilitate the players and team to solve game-related scenarios in training sessions that will best prepare them on match day. In order for players to build combinations and have the confidence to be decisive and select the right options they have to feel empowered and backed by teammates.

The minute the whistle goes it is over to the players - they are the ones that can impact the game, not the coach. They need to feel that they are in charge and in control not the other way around or it will limit the progress and the flexibility of our players and teams on game day. Although it might feel more comfortable to be the one chatting in huddles, be in the heart of a training session - sometimes we need to look from the outside in. Do not feel you have to be screaming or running up and down the touchline to have an impact.

The minute the whistle goes it is over to the players.

A few ways we can do this:

- Run a team practice and take yourself behind the posts - maybe where you stand on Saturdays and just watch. See what is happening / who is taking control / what happens when things go wrong? or good?

-Coach on the run - add in little scenarios that will focus on things your team needs to.

-Individualise feedback - do not always stop-start practice for say huddles when actually you just want to make a point to 1 or 2 players.

-Nominate different players throughout a training session to be captain / or have a leadership role.

-Channel learning doesn't give all the answers - have progressive drills/games in the back of your mind and be adaptive in your session.

Do not be the coach that is feared by players or takes the enjoyment out of it.....

Some ideas and thoughts about the coaches' viewpoint. I certainly find this tricky from time to time especially with younger players, but it is key our training and matches are PLAYER CENTRED! Furthermore that our we facilitate not dominate.

Thoughts from coaches on this very welcome. How do you create + environments? How do you get the best out of your players?

James Kaminski

www.jkrugbycoachingandmentoring.com

jkcoachingandmentoring@gmail.com