Rugby: season

We have open this thread to continue the discussion on Player Empowerment started in the Coaches Hot Tip in this month's newsletter. If you missed it, here it is again. There is no doubt that if you want your team to be successful, you need the players to make decisions on the pitch for themselves. We know that if a team is used to getting the answers to problems on the field from the coach, it will mean that they will hesitate and look to the touchline before commiting to an action and that, of course, will be far too late! The coach can still influence things but once the game has started it is a fairly minimal influence, during the game it must be the players who react to situations as they happen and make decisions immediatley. Therefore, it is essential to have leaders in the team who feel confident about making decisons in the heat of the battle. They need to know that even a wrong call is better than no call. They should feel that their coach will support them in making a call and, if it was not necesarily the best decision, will help them make a better one next time without being too critical. Ideally, the leaders and decision makers will be at key positions in the team where they can communicate with other players as well as influencing play themselves. Key positions are Numbers%3A 2; 4/5; 8; 9; 10 and 15. This is often referred to as "The Spine or Backbone" of the team. This is not to say that a good captain and leader can't be in another position but if they are, for instance an 11 or 14, they will need good co leaders in the key positions to communicate their decisions during a game. To develop this spine to operate as leaders, the coach should involve these players in discussions about how the team are playing - making them feel some ownership and responsibility for the teams performance. They could also be involved in unit practises, for instance the 2 and 8 could Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 occasionaly lead part of a line out practice, once the coach has agreed with them what the practice needs to achieve. The coach is not giving the players complete control but rather, allowing them to be involved in the process of team development. Obviously, the age and ability of your team can affect how far along this path you can go but, even with players as young as Under 8's, I have found that delegating some responsibility is a really effective way to build a cohesive and well functioning team! Let me know your thoughts on this type player empowerment. Good luck Simon

My son has played all season U9's on the wing and has now be brought into a inside centre role. What are the key differences he needs to make to be successful in his new position

I am trying to put together a season long coaching schedule for under 13s and under 14s covering all the aspects of the game

I am currently coaching under8's rugby in England which is 7 a side tag. Next year we are going into 9 a side contact and we wanted to start coaching our players the techniques of tackling and carrying the ball into contact towards the end of this season to prepare them for next season. We didnt carry this out as we were unsure what the RFU directive was regarding preparing for the step up. Some people say they were training their players and some people were not. Does anyone know the official line from the RFU whether or not you can train in contact or not

Just signed up and looked through the pre season training plan. Can someone explain more fully 'the option plays' session in particular how is this introduced and explained to payers

RFU - proposed Mini's rule changes%3A All - just a quick straw poll%3A Have any CLUBS that you are aware of officially come out in SUPPORT of these changes? If not, have they come out officially rejecting the proposed changes, or are they adopting a "wait and see" attitude? Regards Stephe

Does anyone have any ideas for a pre season fitness regime for under 13`s.Outsided of our training sessions I am looking for a personal programme that the guy`s can undertake themslves.

U11 Rugby I am coaching the U11's this season. There are some significant rule changes from U10. Please can I get some advice on what lessons were learned from coaches who have been through a similar experience.

i shall be starting coaching later this month, hope fully the under 6s agegroup. does any one have any drills or ball games suitable for this age group? thank you, chris.

I will be coaching under 10 next season and need some guidance on how to interpret the rules for the maul?

I'm taking over as coach for an amateur rugby union team.I have taken a look around this site, but I keep wondering what to put emphasis on at the start of season. General fitness? rugby basics (passing, ruck, etcetc)Are there any complete season templates out there that I could change to my team's needs?thank you

I am trying to plan winter training sessions and am interested to know what kinds of drills and workouts that have worked best?

I have just started helping our head coach with under12's team. He wants to retire and has put me forward to be head coach next season. I am a little worried on how i should aproach training with the boys, going to a full 15 a side team on a full pitch. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I am a coach with an under 10 rugby side. Last season the team found it hard to stay in their positions (acting like a swarm of bees). Can anyone suggest how i can get them to stay in positions, particulary our backs.

I coach under 8's and next season they will start contact. When am I allowed to start teaching them tackling skills? I sit january during their under 8 season or at the start of the under 9 season ?

Some of my U9s players, who are experiencing contact for their first season, are showing reticence in tackling - how do you coach or get through the fear factor/element?

Has anyone got any tried and tested preseason fitness drills aimed at 1st grade players

How to become a fly half and begin training ready for u16s next season

Many of our players workout but not necessarily rugby specific programs that address position requirements and skills. I'd like to have a set of bench marks and standardized training program for our team that we can also use to inspire competition among each other.

What aims or goals should I be asking for my U11's to achieve this season?