#288 Jonathan Pendlebury - Coaching at the Developmental Phase
Jul 1, 2024
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Jonathan Pendlebury, U18 Head Coach at RFU, discusses player development, coaching evolution, and self-regulated learning. Topics include enhancing coaching effectiveness, developing future England team members, and exploring coaching beliefs in national playing styles. The episode delves into group dynamics, cultural influences, and continuous improvement in coaching and player development.
Continuous learning is vital for coaches to transition successfully from playing to coaching professionally.
Improving gameplay strategies involves focusing on skill enhancement through coaching drills and skills development.
Tailoring challenges to individual players and promoting self-regulated learning are key in enhancing player development.
Deep dives
Jonathan Pendlebury's Rugby Journey
Jonathan Pendlebury, sharing his journey as a rugby coach, outlines his path from playing professionally at clubs like Gloucester and Leeds to coaching the England Under-18s. Through voluntary coaching and pursuing coaching badges, Pendlebury transitioned to coaching full-time professionally, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and upskilling in the coaching field.
Impact of Volunteer Coaching and Level Badges
Engaging in volunteer coaching and obtaining coaching level badges positively influenced Pendlebury's playing career. This experience enhanced his understanding of the time and effort coaches invest in organizing training sessions, matches, and player management. Through coaching drills and skills development, Pendlebury acquired a better appreciation of coaching methods and the significance of skill enhancement, contributing to improved gameplay strategies.
Coaching Evolution and Development Focus
Pendlebury's coaching philosophy centers around long-term player development and individualized coaching approaches. Emphasizing experiential learning and setting short-term and long-term goals, he strives to create learning moments that challenge and support players. Collaborating with academy systems and academies, Pendlebury fosters a learning environment that encourages players to explore different playing styles and positions, aiming to optimize their growth both on and off the field.
Focusing on Appropriate Level of Challenge and Success
In coaching and developing players, there is an emphasis on providing the appropriate level of challenge to push them beyond their comfort zones. By setting goals and objectives that require a high success rate, such as completing a task 8 out of 10 times, coaches aim to foster improvement and determination in players. Recognizing individual differences in players' abilities and maturity levels is crucial in tailoring the right level of challenge and stretch to enhance their skills.
Encouraging Exploration and Self-Regulated Learning
Coaching strategies involve promoting exploration and self-regulated learning among players. By encouraging curiosity and self-awareness, coaches empower players to take ownership of their development. Utilizing data and trends specific to positions, coaches guide players towards exploring different aspects of their game and expanding their skill sets. This approach aligns with the idea of continuous improvement and adaptability, essential for players to excel and reach their full potential in their respective sports.
I’m delighted to speak with Jonathan Pendlebury this week. Jonathan is the U18 Head Coach and Pathway Development Coach at the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the national governing body for rugby union in England.
Jonathan oversees player development for the U17 and U18 year old (men) in the programmes and pathways of the RFU and the Premiership Rugby (PRL) Regional Academies in England.
Jonathan is qualified to RFU Level 4 coaching award. He has experience coaching and working with all age groups and abilities from junior to senior.
Prior to his position at the RFU, Jonathan worked at Wasps Rugby and with Yorkshire Carnegie as Academy Manager, building upon the experience he gained as a professional rugby player of ten years, having represented Premiership and Championship clubs until 2012.
Jonathan has also completed a BSc (Hon) degree in Sport Coaching with Leeds Beckett, achieving first class honours. He also has a MSc in Sport Coaching.
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