How to overcome three major challenges as a Rugby Coach
1. Educating about improvement, not winning at all costs.
This is a big one, hence why it comes in first. A lot of players (not everyone), and parents for that matter, think turning up to rugby training and playing a season is all about winning. This is a lie. As a rugby coach, have you ever said to your players all we want to do this season is win? Probably not, is that fair? Yes we want to win, rugby is a competitive game that ruffles feathers and breathes contest – and for that matter we do want to win. But at the same time, there needs to be an equal if not more emphasis on improvement.
How will a player measure his or her season? At a young age, most likely on the amount of wins his or her team earns. But as we progress through the grades, self-improvement, and the awareness of, becomes more prevalent. It is through improvement that winning rugby games becomes easier, both personally and collectively. It is our job as a rugby coach to educate players and coaches on the importance of improvement by comparing it to the larger picture. Yes we can win a championship, but not if don’t improve, and that needs to be the focus. For example, if Team A turn up and “go through the motions” and Team B train hard to improve, when the two meet, who do you think will win? Again, we must compare the larger picture of improvement and educate players and parents on its importance. If we do this, winning will take care of itself.
2. Keeping things fresh
Keeping things fresh isn’t easy. It requires time to search the internet, patience to watch countless You tube videos until you find the right one, a willingness to learn a new drill or skill to teach and the courage to try and implement it. Studies have indicated that players are three times more likely to respond positively to a new drill than one they have practiced over and over again. How many can say that they can create new drills on the spot? Not many, that’s for sure. Only when you have been coaching for a number of years will this confidence befall on you. For the sake of player development, keep your coaching ideas fresh, change up the drills you teach, coach new skills and be remembered as a rugby coach who showed he or she was willing to learn and develop as well as the players.
3. Engagement, dedication and commitment.
How can we as a rugby coach plan a training session, a recovery session, a gym session or an entire season for that matter if we cannot rely on the dedication, engagement and commitment of all those involved:
a) Start by setting the standard. Turn up to training early and be the last to leave. We all know the role of a rugby coach is far more than teaching skills and patterns; we are also co-counselors mentors and role models. If you’re always there you can build a culture around you, and have players buying into it.
b) Set the expectations early. Hold a team meeting in the clubrooms with everyone in attendance – including parents, trainers, physios, managers, assistant coaches and players. As long as everyone is aware of what is expected, we can manage and measure the commitment.
c) Always work on player engagement. This starts and finishes with keeping things fresh at training, making sure game days are well organised and ensure players are enjoying themselves.
If the expectations are clearly defined to everyone involved, then everyone can be held accountable. Make sure everyone knows what happens when commitment is judged to be poor and stick to a decision, no matter how hard it is to make. And most of all: set the standard and have everyone buying into your enthusiasm. After all, you are giving up your time too!
Written by Sam Lindsay on Global Rugby
