Tackling performance errors

A performance error happens when a player cannot perform a skill in a match that they can do in training. The following strategies can help you identify the cause of the problem and how to correct it.

Tiredness

Tiredness is the easiest cause to diagnose and frequently the easiest to overcome. Ask the player about their pre-match routine. What and when do they eat? How much do they drink before a game? Do they sleep well before games?

If necessary get the player to keep a simple diary, logging their exact routine. Based on their answers you can advise them about eating and drinking before games to maximise their performance.

Tactical naivety

Speak to the player about what they would do in different game situations. Get them to talk through their decisions during exercises and games in training.

In terms of overcoming the problem, put them into more game-related scenarios. Players can often learn more about how to play in different situations by experiencing them.

Encourage your players to talk to each other about what worked and what didn't. Ask the defenders what they saw and how easy different options were to defend against.

Anxiety about the game

The first step in overcoming pre-match nerves is for the player to realise that everyone else feels the same way and that if they can control their nerves they can turn it into a positive.

Different things work for different players and you may have to try a number of options before finding one that works.

Pre-match routines can help overcome nerves. Introduce a period of relaxation before games. Players sit quietly and focus on their breathing while you speak to individuals and give them positive messages about their own performances.

Use self talk and visualisation to help players remember things they are good at or excelled at in past performances.

In some cases changing a player's position in the team can help them rebuild confidence. For example, moving a struggling fly half to centre or full back can help by taking some of the responsibility from them.

This article is taken from the Better Rugby Coaching e-newsletter. Click here to sign up and get free rugby drills and skills twice a week.