Rugby coaching tips to improve decision making skills

When two teams are evenly matched physically, the difference between them is the ability to make correct decisions. Use the following rugby coaching tips to get players thinking fast and accurately.

Decision making skills

Set up game-like situations for your players. Give them the freedom to make the decisions they think are most appropriate.

Vary the situations you present from simple 2 v 2 scenarios to more complex 4 v 4 or 5 v 5 situations. You can look at attacking the blind side from a scrum or the options in the opposition's 22m area.

Evenly matched sides

Balance your small-sided team games with a mix of the stronger and weaker players. Or overload a side with the weaker players.

The stronger players will then need to find ways to break down a numerical advantage, differentiating their skills. The weaker players will need to take on more responsibility.

No limitations

Give players the freedom to express themselves. Don't impose limitations on what they can and can't do. Instead, let them find out for themselves what works and what doesn't.

However, if an individual makes the same mistakes over and over again, speak to them one-to-one and talk through their thought processes.

Feedback coaching tips

Players need opportunities to discuss the decisions they have made and hear what their peers think of them.

A key coaching tip is to make sure the non-active players are in a good position to watch the action. Encourage them to comment on what they observe and what they might have done differently.

Real coaching expertise

You really show your expertise when you develop your line of questioning. This happens from an interesting set up and game situation, and players making mistakes, or better still correcting them and finding solutions.

Checking that they have understood the reasons for success is the coaching key to this.