Filed under: Dan Cottrell, Rugby Coaching, Rugby Training | Tags: Better Rugby Coaching, learning, New ideas, Rugby Training, skills
What sort of coach are you?
I can easily patronise with what I am about to say, so be warned!
Are you the sort of coach who listens to others with every intention of changing what you do IF you think they have said something worthwhile.
Read that sentence again: “with every intention”. That is a very open minded coach. There are dangers with being that sort of coach. You can become unpredictable and confusing to your players.
But it is a healthy attitude to take if you want to develop yourself. As long as you carefully integrate new thoughts in your planning and action, then the positives keep you and your coaching fresh.
Anecdotally I reckon that only one in ten coaches is capable of this. Am I right?
Some areas of the game are “off-limits” for new ideas for some coaches. Imagine telling a former tight head about how to scrummage…
These “off-limits” areas are perhaps justified in the case of a tighthead – well only just. But take an area like tackling. In an area where safety is paramount, coaches will often think back to their own experiences of “learning” to tackle and not listen to new ideas. “I was taught this way, and it was safe…”
And finally: there are coaches who like to have thought of the technique/tactic before. It is a challenge to be told something that they don’t do already. I regard myself as quite open. It goes with the job. I hear new ideas everyday. But I sometimes have to check myself when I hear something I think I should know. I need to listen and not reject.
You never stop learning. Every great coach knows that. That’s why you have kept reading!
Filed under: Dan Cottrell, Rugby Fitness, Rugby Skills | Tags: All Blacks training, fitness, skills, Tanerau Latimer
Openside flanker Tanuerau Latimer, or “Lats”, gives us an insight into some of the training he does with the All Blacks.
I have followed Lats’ career with special interest after I coached him for half a season when he came over on a rugby exchange at the school I used to teach at. He was only 15, but his playing ability and strength was outstanding. He didn’t look big on the pitch, but few will forget being tackled by him.
What impressed me most about him:
1. His dedication to his personal health and welfare.
2. His constant strive to find better ways to win at the breakdown.
3. His demeanour on and off the pitch. He was calm and yet ruthless.
He loved playing rugby. He inspired others around him. I can only say that I facilitated his development in the short time I was coaching him.
Filed under: Dan Cottrell, Rugby Skills | Tags: catching, dropping the ball, passing, skills
Here is a rugby top tip that should improve your rugby players’ catching skills.
Most of us know that you need have your hands ready to catch the ball. A “W” shape for instance.
However try getting your players to point their fingers towards the ball.
1. It means there is flex in the fingers as the ball arrives. The hand lifts up as the ball arrives.
2. Keeps the ball in the fingers and off the palms, giving more control.
3. Tends to push the elbows away from the body, leaving less chance for the ball onto the chest and easy movement of the arms.
