Hi Ian,

A skill is all about knowing when and how to use the right technique at the right time and then executing it successfully. It's part thinking (decision making) and part doing and the more skilful the player, the more effortless it looks.

Techniques are mostly about doing e.g. the step by step process for doing a V drag or block tackle which we spend a lot of time on as coaches.

I work with a fantastic coach who always challenges the team to come up with ideas and situations when they would use certain techniques that they have just practiced. She then encourages them to make the right decision & execute it in small sided games to develop the skill at the end of the training session.

I hope that helps.