Better Rugby Coaching / Better Rugby Coaching / The Huddle

JUSTICE 4

Angus — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:37:33 GMT

Despite the SA commentators informing us last night that this meant "justice for all" I don't think you have to be a rocket scientist to realise it is a pretty direct attack on the IRB regarding the suspension of Bakkies Botha. I mean Matfield even had justice across the front of this head gear

I have looked at the video of the Botha "incident" many times and can find absolutely nothing wrong with it and no reason he should have been cited let alone suspended and feel Botha was made into some sort of scapegoat because of the injury Jones was unlucky enough to receive.

Having said this though, I can also see no justification for the SA players and obviously management to deliberately challenge the IRB in this way - mind you if the IRB are as on the ball as the SA commentators there is no danger of them realising they have even been challenged :cool:

PRE season with out the ball

stacyduv — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:01:44 GMT

In short , I will be responsible for a pre season my first official one,:w00t: for the seniors of the club, now I am for as much ball handling or ball familarisation as possible but there seems to be a school of thought of almost 6 weeks there should be no ball contact , which for me would seem a waste , I planned 2 weeks fitness then drills with fitness using a ball for the rest, so my question is , is there a wrong or right to not use rugby balls in pre season.

Lets look forward to a good hard CLEAN game on Saturday.

Saludos

8 weeks for eye gouging?

Ferret — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:41:21 GMT

Trying to keep this on a technical coaching level, and not get drawn into emotional 'us v them' ... if the IRB minimum ban for gouging is twelve weeks and (I think) the Springboks are saying, or trying to imply, it was accidental ... what does eight weeks mean? That it was a little bit accidental? Either he did it or he didn't.

My boys are reaching an age now where they are starting to face foul play from some teams. What am I supposed to tell them when the world champions play like this and are treated leniently? Shall I be like de Villiers, and effectively tell them that everyone else does it, so they may as well join in?

I love this game and I love coaching it but I despair of how we are supposed to do it when the rules are applied in such an inconsistent way.

Ferret

Club Fantasy League

chaSmash — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:09:54 GMT

Guys,

As part of raising funds for next seasons tour, i was thinking about running a club based fantasy league. The thinking behind this is this:

Each player in the club is assigned a "value" based on past seasons performance and alike as well as a nominated position
Each participant then picks a team of 7 players 4 back and 3 forwards or vice versa within a budget
Participants then pay a weekly fee of a couple of quid on top of match subs and are awarded points based based on their teams performance that week. fees being split between tour kitty and prizes.
The award structure will be along the lines of this

Playing full game - 2 points
Playing part game - 1 point
Try - 3 points
Drop Goal - 2 points
Penalty - 1 point
Team score 4 tries - 1 point per player
team lose by less than 7 - 1 point per player
no tries conceded - 1 point per player
Opposition captain's MOTM - 5 points
ATTENDING TRAINING - 1 POINT PER SESSION
1ST TEAM DEBUT - 5 POINTS

Yellow Card - -5 points
Red Card - -10 points

Has anybody ran anything like this before with success/failure?

Any comments on the scoring system ( i have a secret agenda to use this get the players encourage each other between 1st and 2nds and to train every week)

Have left negative scoring to minimum as to introduce negativity but there may be some more point deduction activities.

All comments / suggestions welcome

Scrum Binding in Rugby 7's

pauln — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:21:39 GMT

Are there any laws regarding the binding together of the props and hookers of the same team in Rugby 7's. I have noticed in the IRB 7's that the props bind high on each other and the hooker binds underneath their arms to each prop. As far as I can tell this is perfectly legal and provided the hooker does not leave the scrum before the ball is out then there is no problem. Here in Northern CA the referee society seem to invent or interpret laws their own way and insist that the props have to bind on the hooker.

Which is correct?

"Hands On" call

Ruggaz769 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:26:08 GMT

I am a flanker playing senior rugby. One issue i have with rucks is when each ref has a different interpretation of when the ball is cleared from a ruck. When i ask a ref they give me one of four reasons:

1. When the player has their hands on the ball the ball is out. . .

1a. When the player has their hands on the ball the ball is out. ..unless they are searching for it and trying to get it out.

2. Once the ball is behind the hind-most feet the ball is out

3. The most annoying is when they dont give a clear answer and say "i will rule it as I see it"

Very confusing. Any Clear answers?!

New ruck interpretation from iRB

Chunky Charvis — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 02:42:59 GMT

Basically "hands on" from a player on his feet after a tackle is allowed to keep hands on ball even if ruck does form.

I thought this was to be in force from May 23rd? Haven't seen much evidence of it being applied much in the Lions game so far?

New ruling on the tackle area

May 13, 2009, 8:07 am
Filed under: Dan Cottrell, ELVs, Rugby Refereeing | Tags: IRB, ruck, tackle area

Here is the latest ruling on the tackle area from the IRB:

Ruling Request from the NZRU and ARU Laws 15 and 16

Law 15 6 (b) states:
After a tackle any players on their feet may attempt to gain possession by taking the ball from the ball carrier’s possession.

Law 16.1 (b) states:
How can a ruck form? Players are on their feet. At least one player must be in physical contact with an opponent. The ball is on the ground.

Law 16.4 (b) states:
(b) Players must not handle the ball in a ruck.

When a player has complied with Law 15 6 (b), is on his feet and playing the ball after a tackle and is then joined by an opposition player on his feet so that the situation outlined in 16 1 (b) occurs, can the player who has complied with Law 15 6 (b) continue to play the ball with his hands or at what point does he have to release the ball? This does not appear to be covered by Law.

Ruling

Law 15 6 (a) states: After a tackle, all other players must be on their feet when they play the ball.

Law 15.6 (b) reads: After a tackle any player on their feet may attempt to gain possession by taking the ball from the ball carriers possession.

Law 15 5 (e) states that: If opposition players who are on their feet, the tackled player must release the ball. This indicates that after a tackle a player on his feet may play the ball.

Law 16 1 (b) states: How can a ruck form? Players are on their feet. At least one player must be in physical contact with an opponent. The ball is on the ground.

Law 16.1 refers to a player from each side in physical contact over the ball and implies that the ball is not in the possession of any player.

Providing a player from either side on their feet after a tackle comply with all aspects of Law 15 and have the ball in their hands prior to contact with an opposition player on his feet those players may continue with possession of the ball even if a player from the opposition makes contact with those players in possession of the ball.

Any other players joining the two players contesting the ball must not handle the ball in accordance with Law 16.4 (b). If the ball is not in possession of any player after a tackle and a ruck is formed players may not use their hands in accordance with Law 16.4 (b).

Kicking from hand

Angus — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:45:06 GMT

Can anyone assist with resources for the correct techniques and practices for kicking from hand?

ie spiral punt, shunt kick, box kick and up and under

Thanks
Angus

Scrum halves taking steps before passing?

colm_ose — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:35:24 GMT

Hi lads and lasses,

I've been reading for a while now but I have a question that's been bothering me for a while.

Why do top level SHs take steps before passing the ball from the back of rucks/scrums?

I can understand if the ruck isn't secure/ball isn't clean but it happens far too often for me.

Surely quick ball to the backline or a forward is better use of the ball than the potential of fixing a defending forward and going through the gap? Especially in high level rugby where the defensive patterns are set in place around the breakdown very quickly. :unsure:

Mike Phillips/Blair being on the Lions tour has brought this to the fore at the minute. :laugh:

Receiver coming into the lineout

Gary — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:48:31 GMT

Can anybody clarify if the receiver can come into the lineout under the new interpretations. I understand he may well do, so long as he is replaced by someone standing in the lineout proper and is also 2m away before the ball is thrown in. If this is so, why am I not seeing it in the current international games being played under the new rules - it's a no brainer surely?

New to Coaching

kiwifella — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:08:34 GMT

Hi all, Im a has been rugby player who has played since i was knee high. I've come over from NZ and decided to hang up the boots and start coaching, however, its coaching U15 girls!!! I've got a bit of an idea of their skill and abilities, having watched them play the tail end of last season, and to be honest, there seems to be some talent there, but im not sure they were maximising their previous coaching sessions (obviously with the previous coach).

Although ive played long years (which included some premier grade in Aust. and some minor Provincial rugby back home in NZ) i can recall what I learnt in my playing years and have a really good idea to get these girls up and running and making their sessions fun and beneficial to them, I just dont know how to coach it. Its all good in that i know what needs to be done, but not so sure about how to show them. The rugby club is going to put me through the appropriate coaching courses to get me up to speed with teaching or coaching kids, I guess for me, for probably the first time in my rugby career, im not too sure about how togo about it, how long the sessions should be, how many?.....how intense?.....

Any thoughts from anyone?

Immediate Jackal

Angus — Thu, 21 May 2009 22:51:29 GMT

In a recent game my players in defence were getting penalised for handling the ball on the ground at the tackle

Scenario is

player A tackles low
player B arrives while the tackle is in progress and the opposition player is on his way to the ground
He helps to put him on the ground by grabbing around the shoulder area so that as soon as the opposition player hits the ground player B is on his feet and squatted over him with hands on the ball to jackal it

To me I see nothing wrong with this as the opposition player is required to release the ball as soon as he makes contact with teh ground and if he doesn't it should be a free kick (in Oz) to my side

I had a long chat with the ref the other night and he explained he had been told the tackled player should be allowed the opportunity to place the ball back to assist his side in continuing play and my player B was stopping him from doing this (by trying to pick up the ball)

He also said that assuming player A still has a hold of the opponent when player B is trying to steal the ball (normally the case as it is instantaneous) then player B's presence has made the tackle into a ruck and therefore cannot handle the ball on the ground

My only arguments to that were that he should check out the tackle situation in Super Rugby in particular players like McCaw because if these interpretations were applied he would be out of a job and secondly that he shouldn't let the technicalities of the law get in the way of a good game

He took what I said on Board and also agreed to bring this point up at the next QLD Referees meeting so I am interested to see what the response is as I have been coaching this technique to the second man into the tackle

Thoughts please

Angus

19 reasons to learn to ruck

Toby — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:31:45 GMT

The ruck is probably the least understood area of the game. Break any of the 19 laws relating to it and you will give away a penalty or a free kick.

A referee friend of mine recently challenged me to list all 19 offences that a player can commit at a ruck. I got 16 of them. I was quite pleased with myself, until he pointed out that if I didn’t know them all how could I expect my players to know them?

He was quite right and I have now made sure I know them all. More than that I had my players learn them as well.

The result is that my players can instantly recognise when a ruck has formed and know what they can and can’t do. This has dramatically reduced the number of penalties they give away at the breakdown.

Junior players don’t need to be able to recite all 19 possible offences, but they should have an understanding of what a ruck is and a good idea about what they are allowed (and not allowed) to do. They can only achieve this if they are constantly reminded at training and if you point out when they have committed a penalty offence.

So the big question… can you name all 19 ruck offences?

Don’t worry if you can’t.

Click here to down a ready reference guide to the 19 laws governing the ruck. Please feel free to circulate the document to your colleagues and players (and to parents and supporters) if you wish.

100 Q&A: How do I help forwards improve their support play?

DanC — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:43:42 GMT

Improving forwards support play

1. In set piece practices, use a supplementary event after the set piece. For instance, a ruck after a scrum, a maul after a lineout or some channel passing after either.

2. Set out clear roles after a set piece. Often referred to as a "pod system", split the forwards into groups who are expected to go to certain places on the field. For instance, 1,2,4,7 first ruck from scrum, 3, 5, 6, 8 next ruck.

3. Use sequences of play. Map out how you want the moves to go from a set piece and make sure the forwards know where they have to run to. If this sequence breaks down, the forwards need to have a new plan for what happens next.

4. Shorten routes and find shortcuts. Support play is about arrive quickly and in the right direction. Feedback and review game footage or game situations to help forwards work out how they can get into position quicker. Shortcuts are the preserve of players who use anticipation and scanning - admittedly very good players, but not beyond the wit of others.

5. L shapes not J shapes. In the southern hemisphere they say the support line of a forward should be an "L" shape, where he cuts sharply in behind the ball carrier, rather a more laboured "J" shape.

Recent NZ coaching insights

DanC — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:33:53 GMT

Here is an interesting artilce from Stuff.co.nz. I have highlight some of the more pertinent comments.

All Blacks raise intensity

By DUNCAN JOHNSTONE - Stuff.co.nz

The All Blacks squeezed in a bit of extra training on Wednesday but the coaching staff are also wary of information overload on their young charges immersed in a game of catchup with France.

A morning practice and a goalkicking session in the afternoon have kept the All Blacks busy in their quest to try to square the series in Wellington on Saturday night after last weekend's shocker in Dunedin.

"We are trying to raise the bar and raise the intensity this week as we should be," was how assistant coach Wayne Smith explained the extra work, adding that Monday had been disrupted by head coach Graham Henry attending a funeral.

And there was no shortage of work to be done - bolstering defensive systems that leaked three tries at Carisbrook, boosting attacking options against the French rush defence, invigorating the chase game to go with the field kicking and generally getting more aggressive in both the forwards and backs divisions.

But with so many new players involved as injuries bite deep into the All Blacks stocks, Smith said there was also a need to keep things simple.

"They are under the pump now with the public," he said, clearly understanding the national disappointment with last week's effort.

"These guys have lived their lives trying to be All Blacks. They know what it means when they get there. Our job is to keep them excited, enthusiastic and learning ... coaching is an art rather than a science.

"At the end of the day it's a green rectangle they are playing on just like it is in their home town - that's our philosophy. They are great rugby players they have just got to put it into the international arena."

Smith is enjoying the challenge that comes with trying to knock this new bunch of players into shape.

"You get groups of players in from diverse teams from diverse styles and you just have to work with them and stamp your style, get excitement around it and keep improving," he said of blending Super 14 players from different franchises into the test squad.

"It's not a problem, it's just a challenge.

"There's no magic wand. I have been in this game a long time and you just have to work with people, help them improve, and concentrate on the process."

He had no doubt that the challenge would go up this weekend with the French tinkering with their winning side, making three changes to the starting XV - placing Sebastien Chabal at lock, Nicholas Mas at tighthead and exciting youngster Maxime Mermoz at centre.

"Chabal is a high impact player who makes his mark on a game," said Smith, stating the obvious. He had high regard for Mermos after watching his performances in the French championship playoffs.

Mermos plays for Dan Carter's Perpignan club and the Smith had spoken with his injured star about the centre and other players. That information would be passed on and backed up by the usual video analysis but Smith added: "The players have to do their own homework, we can't spoon-feed these guys."

100 Q&A: Do I need a coaching philosophy?

DanC — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:21:13 GMT

A coaching philosophy is the way you behave when you coach. It is the thing that guides your thinking on what you do in training and on the pitch.

A clear philosophy is helpful because it maintains consistency and gives you a basis on which to build.

It is like a mission statement. You don't have to state it. But plenty of the top coaches in all sports have a clear path in mind and often they will tell others.

Is it appropriate for all coaches though? Undoubtedly yes. Players and other staff will find it easier to understand you and where you stand. They can make their own decisions, and yet still align them to your philosophy. For instance if you believe that players need to be empowered on the pitch, your forwards coach might give more tactical decisions over to the pack rather than imposing his own.

New Rugby Club in Javea Spain

javeabulls — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:25:18 GMT

The Javea Bulls is a new rugby club on the costa blanca (about 30 mins north of benidorm). We aim to become semi-pro in 3 seasons, we have a squad of 27 players (75% english, 20% spanish and 5% other nationalities). Currently looking for qualified coaches/players who can join us and boost the club. Facebook `Javea Rugby Club`. Also looking to start pro academy training camps (in the sunshine) and link up with UK clubs for player swap etc. (Club shares are available). Also looking for sponsorship. Interest on any level please get in touch asap.

Defensive Systems, what are you using?

cjp — Tue, 29 May 2007 19:26:05 GMT

Up and In, Up and Out, Up and Decide?

The following is culled from an answer given by Rick Campbell (an Australian RL coach) to a question about slide defenses on an RL coaching forum and may be of interest given that most defensive ideas seem to be coming from RL at the moment.

"Various defensive formations:
Slide - now called Up and Out --- the object is to mark up INSIDE your opponent and slide him towards the sideline ... used when you have a small pack of forwards and a very fast back line.
You show the opposition space on the outside and tempt them to use it ... when they do, you use your speed and the sideline ... you are trying to keep the opposition from coming down the centre ... and if they do you are packing your forwards closer together to allow them to help each other. Used very successfully by the Canberra Raiders in the late 1980's.
Up & In ... here you have a slower backline, but big strong forwards ... you mark up OUTSIDE your man and drive them back into your killing zone where your big forwards can pound the hell out of them ... the winger will actually mark up between his opposite centre and winger and get in between them to deny the ball going out wide. Used by Canterbury Bulldogs.
Umbrella ... a real throwback to when the defence was only 5 yards back from the Play The Ball ... not used these days ... people tend to think that Up & In is umbrella, but it isn't ... although there are similarities. Warren Ryan used umbrella with the Canterbury Bulldogs in the 1970's ... they would rush up on the outside and form a big U shape, channelling everything into the ruck area ... this caused the two Sydney Grand Finals where there were no tries scored and the results (from memory) between Canterbury and Parramatta were 4-2 & 6-2 ... all goals.
After that defences were moved back 10 yards ... and it becomes physically impossible to keep rushing up and back for 80 minutes.
Big gang tackles were a feature of this very hurtful defence ... it was designed to intimidate teams ... and it worked, in it's day.
Up & hold ... now you are starting to get into the late 1990's ... here the teams would perform the Up portion of the UP & In or Up and Out ... which is to advance the first 3-5 metres very fast ... and then to slow down and adjust to what the opposition is doing ... so if you are always running a slide defence, then the opposition can put on angles to beat a slide and same with Up & Out ... but Brian Smith when he was with St George developed the Up & Hold defence theory ... wait until the opposition had performed all their angles and then tackle the final ball carrier ... so sometimes you might Up & Out and other times you might Up & In. Canberra
I know toyed with this defence as well. It was good in theory, but I didn't like it in practice (personal opinion) ... when I saw it in operation I saw a flat footed defence line against a fast moving attack. But Brian Smith had developed the basis of the defensive pattern for the 21st Century ... his theory was the next great leap.
All defence measures should begin with the individual needs & then extend to the overall needs of the proposed team pattern.
Foot placement with the foot furtherest from the ball should always be forward, this will aid the individual to have his hips, head & shoulders directed toward where the ball is coming from so that correct steps can be taken to read & counter its movement.
Next the alignment of the player is important.
Namely where he is standing in relation to the attacker he is marking up on which is determined by defence pattern or if he is in the right corridor of the field if he is playing in a zone defence situation.
Subject: The Pattern
The pattern needs to be mapped out carefully so that all defensive players are acting in co-ordination with each other when defending.
The three basic types of defence patterns these days are Up & Out, Up & In, & Up & Decide.
Up & Out is a very re-active system that means that you go up then re-act to what the attack is doing with their direction in attack.
It also means that you need to give away metres on your flanks so that you can push your opponents toward the sideline. Up & Out is used effectively with your defensive line compressed so that you can get more numbers in each tackle to slow down the speed of the play-the-ball.
If the ball is shifted to an edge then you slide on the inside of the man carrying the ball thus forcing him to an edge where you can control their options.
Up & In is a very pro-active defence because you are dictating to the attack where you will allow them to play their attacking moves.
Also by moving from the blind-side of the attacking player you are placing extra psychological pressure on ball runners & receivers which can lead to more handling errors.
This type of defence is more physically demanding but is also a lot more aggressive - it is very good against free-flowing sides.
Up & Decide style incorporates the advantages of both Up & In as well as Up & Out. With this type of defence the first four defenders either side of the ruck (A, B, C, D defenders) use a zone style Up & In combined with a slight umbrella formation with the "D" defender.
This is done to force the close ruck plays back in to a "hitting zone" & dictating where you want the ruck to be. If the ball should get outside the "D" defender then the other players will play an Up & Out (Slide) style of defence - pushing them to the sideline.
Subject: Added Extras
The Up & Decide system is the one that is being hailed as the saviour of defensive connoisseurs due to the fine-tuning of added extras that are now being implemented.
Due to the defenders racing up off their line at such a great speed time is needed to re-set in defence; so numbers are needed in the tackle to give the defenders re-set & refresh time.
But attacking plays are aimed at getting on their fronts (elbows & knees) as soon as they get touched to gain the upper hand in the battle for the ground (the speed of the play-the-ball).
So the defenders now rush into the attacker with the purpose of getting under his upper body using his armpits as levers to keep him upright (remembering also that the tackle is made ineffective if the ball is allowed to be promoted).
Once this is achieved then the attacker is turned side-on so that assistant defenders can "dance" with the attacker for a short time (a second or two), is put to ground with all tacklers present, then a peeling motion is undertaken to secure more time for the defensive line to re-set.
Under this system seven-second play-the-ball times from initial contact are not unrealistic.
Hope the above helps.
Rick"

Given the extra players available on the RU pitch it might be possible to use a version of the Up and Decide with the A B C D defenders operating as above, shading the outside and driving play infield but have a 3 man "linebacker" core (probably back row players and scrum half, off a set peice) backing this line up but shading inside, ie keeping inside their opponent/the ball and tackling very destructively, as suggested by Philip Coleman. Coleman suggests a 3 man secondary who initially defend the lick but on running plays can push up to defend the run.

(Clearly all pie in the sky if your team 1-15 are not good tacklers! As John Dixon (assistant coach at Brisbane Broncos) point out, none of this much matters if every player cannot successfully perform one on one tackles.)

Has anyone had any experience either playing or coaching these systems?

Chris

The Wilf Paish Rugby Football Tests

Jonesy — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:24:55 GMT

Hi there.

Has anybody made use of the above fitness assessment tool if so:

Where can you download the necessary spreadsheet to allow calculations to take place at the training session?
How effective a tool is it at assessing fitness?
How effective a tool is it to motivate players to improve fitness?

For those who not aware of these tests follow this link.

http://www.brianmac.co.uk/rugby.htm

Jonesy

Mini Rugby - Kicking from Hand

RobbieD — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:39:29 GMT

Dear All:

I've been watching a lot of Super 14 matches lately (on www.RugbyZone.com) and it occurs that our Mini kids need some updated coaching on Kicking from Hand effectively.

Most notable, is kicking the ball kind of end-on ... not the way we were shown during school! If it's executed properly I assume the kick tends to have greater distance.

In the past few years with our kids - up until U10, per Continuum Rules anyway - no one has even considered kicking. A double edged sword I know, but now the back 3 really need to kick effectively.

Any thought on how to teach correct technique?

Robbie

Your favourite rugby quote (from you)

DanC — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:55:49 GMT

I have just read a blog site which had four or five really good quotes, only for me to read that they were made up.

So, do you have some wise words which can only be attributed to you? (I can search the web to check!)

To start you off I have put down a couple of first words:

"Coaching children to listen is like..."

"If winning doesn't matter, and development does then..."

And my first effort:

"A good goal kicker knows his limitations, a great goal kicker knows his mind"

Dan Cottrell (b.1967) rugby coach and author

Revving up your team

Kes — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:30:56 GMT

I am having trouble getting the best out of my team on game day. I'm not quite sure how to really amp them up before a game.

I have always been a very technical player and am a technical coach, not an emotional one, so I'm having a hard time getting emotions up to bring out the competitive edge. What pre-game routines have you found work best for really motivating your team?

Thanks in advance,

100 Q&A: How can I get the pre match talk just right?

DanC — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:52:54 GMT

In response to a question on the forum, here are five top tips on "talking the talking" so the players can "walk the walk" onto the pitch for the game.

1. Speak from the heart

You must be convinced in what you are saying if you are going to convince the players. Anything you say must be said with uttter belief. This will come across in your body language, tone of voice and facial expression.

2. Speak about the here and now

Your team talk needs to focus on what happens next. It keeps the players in the present, concentrating on the tasks in hand. Don't become focus on two weeks' time or the end of the season, think about what needs to be achieved in the 80 minutes.

3. Focus on what you do well, not on your weaknesses

Build the players up with their strengths. Say how they can exploit these strengths in the game. It is also an idea to focus on a more mechanical aspect of the game where it is easy to see progress - say tackling. "We are going to knock them back in the tackle, not let them move without one of us on top of them."

4. Speak to the individual when addressing the team

All the players will have dominant goals which they focus on more than other things in the game. It might be the team, winning or enjoyment. In your team talk mention all these aspects, within a logical plan. This helps each player put himself in the context of the game.

5. Be a modified self

Some of us are louder than others, some more reserved. If we go to an extreme, we lose sense of what we personally stand for. Let your team talk be just that. A talk. Not a whisper, not a shout. It doesn't need to be long, or even that eloquent. Your personal passion will be enough. And remember it is the players who are taking the pitch not you. You don't need to be fired up. You don't need to talk about "you", you need to talk about them.

Punishing poor performance in training sessions.

Jonesy — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:29:43 GMT

I would be interested to hear other coaches views regarding the use of punishment e.g. press ups, sit ups etc when poor form has been shown in training sessions. I ask in particular with regard to Under 19's rugby and younger.

Personally I do not find any merit in this practice. I would rather encourage and reinforce good practice.

Jonesy

Ladies Under 18's Rugby

Jonesy — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:57:11 GMT

I am about to take up a head coach position with a Regional Under 18's ladies team. Having previously only coached Boys/men at various age groups I was wondering if anybody had any advise/views on what I can expect in terms of technical prowess and tactical awareness?

Many thanks

Jonesy

Bridging illegal? The Big tackle- Austin Healey show

Jackal — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:35:48 GMT

Firstly, its great to see that TV has seen that rugby is a consumer sport too! :)

I was watching the show the other day and Austin was putting a top flight team through its paces in training. The tackle ball was being trained and the first two attackers came and cleared the starting ruck as they should. The third player was told to go down and bridge over the ball to protect it.

Now I am no pro coach at all, in fact I consider myself a beginner, so that's why I am asking - is this legal? From my mind I couldn't see the player holding his weight on his legs and bending over the ball (facing oncoming defenders). So, have I been doing this wrong?

I understand sealing the ball is illegal, but what is correct for that third player arriving at the ruck?

Of course, clearing quick ball would be my first prize, but if the ruck was now about to become a full blown ruck, there could be more than 2 or 3 defenders going for this attacker "protecting" the ball. Please advise.

What's your views on

sneakypete — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:38:43 GMT

within the YOUTH (Mini & Midi) level about age grade players playing up or down.

I dont have an issue with kids playing up a grade - we all know that some kids learn faster and to keep the interest & challenge for them play them up a grade.

I dont agree with playing down a grade, as there would be an obvious skillset difference (some teams use this for a WIN AT ALL COSTS scenario).

Whats your views ... whats the laws

Season or Weekly Captain

Quintastic — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:52:44 GMT

I coach an U15 side we have 26 boys registered with an average of 22 turning up every Sunday to play. I called a meeting and discussed with the parents about the development of the team and what they expected. It was decided that we would try and give everybody the same amount of playing time through out the season regardless of result (as some of the boys had little or no experience before last season), “lets try and develop them for the long term” was a quote which I strongly agreed with.
On our last game of the season the captains mother accused me of having a grudge against her son "the captain" has he did not start every game, I checked my records he started 15, on the bench for 5 and out for 1, but on each occasion he came off the bench and played. The mother would not accept my argument that we needed to develop everybody has agreed earlier in the season

Forgot to mention the boys wanted and picked the captain who is a hooker we also had 2 other hookers in the squad one of which we converted to a prop.

Should the captain start every game?

Guidelines for Player of the Season

sneakypete — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:22:37 GMT

What would you include for selection guidelines for Palyer of the Season awards. So far I have sportsmanship, team player, passing, tackling, ball handling skills, commitment, continual signs of improvement, understanding of the game, enjoyment of the game

What would you have

100 Q&A: What should I do from my own lineout on my own 5m?

DanC — Fri, 15 May 2009 10:58:16 GMT

You have a lineout on the 5m line. Unfortunately it is your own 5m line. What can you do?

Of course it depends on a number of factors but here are some choices.

1. Shorten the lineout

This is a must. It keeps the opposition forwards further away. Your forwards not involved in the lineout can be 5m from the action, the opposition 10m.

2. Throw to your best jumper

Winning the ball is more vital than where in the line.

3. Throw long

Some sides, with a good hooker's arm, will throw over the back of the lineout to a player running forward from the tryline.

4. Throw short

Less chance of a crooked throw, less time for the opposition to react, easier to win a reaction jump.

5. Throw quickly

If it is a throw on the 5m line, know the call anyway, get into position quickly and throw the ball, before the opposition has a chance to set up.

Junior Player Recruitment

Scarlet — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:54:42 GMT

I coach my local clubs under 9's team who will be going up to under 10's next season. We will be required to play 10 a side which is going to be a problem as we don't have enough players.

I plan on holding a recruitment evening in July and will advertise this in the local paper, on posters and flyers in local schools beforehand. We did put flyers into some schools last year which proved unsuccesful but I can't think of anything else to do at the moment.

Does anyone have any ideas on how we can attract the extra players we need?

Many Thanks

defending - 2v3, 3v5

dragonslayer — Fri, 08 May 2009 18:23:12 GMT

i'm trying to be like a sponge at present and would like to pick your guys brains as to how you would coach defending when the attack is overloaded in both a 2v3 and 3v5 situation. I have to coach it next week as part of a district identification session and have 15 minutes with each group as part of a carousel system of skills with defending being the theme for the session.

My thinking is to highlight the importance of communication and will introduce the scenario without giving them any feedback with the focus on them trying to work out the best way to approach the situation. I then intend to develop the principle of the inside man leading a drift to counteract the attacking overlap.

Do any of you guys have any further suggestions as to how I could get the most from a 15 minute session and what would be best to focus on. I'm not really looking at tackle technique etc as this is being developed at a different station but i'm looking to focus on decision-making as the theme and what each individual's role may be.

Your input would be gratefully appreciated!

Punishing players for mistakes by substituting them

DanC — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:07:23 GMT

Today I heard of instances of two different teams in youth rugby (u13s and below) who substitute players in games if they miss a tackle (one team) or make a mistake (another team). They are both successful teams in their own right. Not sure if this is ok myself.

The greatest try of all time?

Toby — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:25:44 GMT

One you've probably seen already.

What to work on first for under 13's

kronfeld7 — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:36:12 GMT

What is the first areas you would work on for under 12's going into full 15 a side game next season under 13's.

We have no players who play at school or have experienced 15 a side rugby apart from a training game last sunday against an under 13 b team

Our rucking & mauling is good/ scrums are good/ ball handling good, when not under pressure, but obviously these areas still need work.

but specifically what areas should we focus on, especially preseason, and before 1st game in september

ruck techniques: to stick or clean?

dragonslayer — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:12:02 GMT

several players at my school (u15 level) are being taught differently at present with regards to the process at the ruck. with their clubs they are taught to 'blow' and 'seal'. while at district level they are taught to 'stick' and 'clean'. several of them are confused and asked me for advice so i explained that 'blow' and 'clean' are the same thing but they are coached to perform them in different order and the same applies to the 'stick' and 'seal', although the term sealing off is now illegal. they asked me what i would do and i tried to be diplomatic about it and explained the process was correct in both instances depending on the scenario and is a decision-making process. i advised them that they should try to develop their decision-making at the contact area and performs actions relevant to the situation. i believe that in close support and contact cleaning out a jackler/tackler etc would be the best option to generate fast ball, although the option of stick/seal/bridge could be performed in areas of uncertainty and it was better to secure ball than blow and possibly allow a defender to take the ball. i then explained that when a team plays with width they tend to have less support in these wider areas and the first man should maybe secure the ball as opposed to blowing first. These decisions need to be developed in training and communication at the breakdown was paramount along with good effective techniques. Various players have now been selected as part of the dragons u15 training squad and have now been introduced to 'double-stacking' which again has confused them even more!!

your views on the process would be most welcome and also if you can explain the term 'double stacking' i would be grateful. cheers

Tough first year

TTDKing — Wed, 06 May 2009 08:50:21 GMT

I've just finished my first season as a coach for my clubs under 15's side and what a tough year it's been, i now have new found respect for our senior coaches. From players leaving half way through the season, new players arriving and trying to fit in, injuries, and some weeks only having a half the team at training it's been an eye opener for me and not as easy as first thought.

But onwards and upwards.

As the forwards coach i now have the great task of teaching our team of soon to be u'16's how to lift in the lineout which as a flanker i do week in week out when playing but as a coach haven't got a clue where to start. I can picture it now a mass of twisted ankles a squashed lifters. The lineout was a big part of our game last season so i want it to be an even bigger part this season now they can lift.

My questions are:

1) Is there any difference in the laws on lifting at u'16's to higher age groups.

2) What's the best way to teach them the art of lifting.

Cheers

game philosophy

dragonslayer — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:58:11 GMT

i get asked this occasionally and i sometimes think i'm not really sure what my philosophy is. i guess as a young and new coach i'm trying to experiment and get new ideas before i can really say what it is that i believe in. what philosophies do you guys have? i coach from u11 to u18 and i suppose at present i have different views on how each team should engage in a game.

be interested to hear what you guys would say as you all seem fairly knowledgable on here.

100 Q&A: How can I motivate my team straight after a big loss at the weekend?

DanC — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:13:04 GMT

You have just suffered a heavy defeat. What are the tried and tested methods of reviving the team in the first few hours after the game?

1. Close off the game

Straight after the defeat, gather the team together for a short debrief. Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United boss, says he wants to get his criticism in at that point and then close the game off. Monday morning (or your next training) is the start of building up to the next game.

2. Succinct criticism to the whole team

Any criticism should be brief and aimed at the whole team, rather than individuals. Those who are most responsible will probably know that they were in the wrong. If they don't, pointing this out in front of the whole team will not improve matters.

3. Avoid empty promises

Promises and pledges are easily made and quickly broken in the heat of defeat. Better not give any targets immediately other than you are looking forward to next week.

4. Be a model of discretion

After a big defeat you will be become a focus of players who want to "talk through" the game. They will be seeking reassurance, or perhaps be looking to pass on the blame to someone else.

Individual encouragement and no bad word to say against fellow players should be your approach.

5. Be fair, be honest but wait for reflection

You should avoid looking for excuses, seeking out weak positives or making assertions that are not a reflection on the game. They will come back to haunt you as you try to build towards the next game.

To be specific about what went wrong takes time. You need to consider what happened in the game. Listen to others. Watch the video if you have one.

Be honest and fair about why things went wrong. It might be that the other side were simply a better team, stronger in too many areas for your team to cope with.

6. Take the game in context

A heavy defeat does not mean the team is a poor team. If bottom plays top in a league, if a lower league team plays in cup game against a higher league team or there are a significant number of players missing, then the loss could have been pretty much inevitable.

Remind the players of this fact but be honest. A better team on the day can provide a target for the future (though don't tell this to the players on the day!).

Getting Junior Forwards to WANT to ruck

Number7 — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:49:50 GMT

I coach an under 10s rugby team that win a lot of games and has very talented backs. The thing letting our team down is our forwards at ruck situations. They all know what to do at a ruck as they show it in training but lack something on the pitch :(

I do not know if it is self belief, confidence, lack of desire or something else. I just wish I could get the forwards to do it on the pitch.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance :D