Practical rugby ways to use ‘It depends’ from the man himself!

Dec 6, 2024

In this insightful discussion, Dave Collins, a renowned performance consultant and psychology expert, shares his dynamic coaching philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability in coaching, explaining how context shapes strategies. Dave delves into the balance of questioning and active practice, encouraging curiosity among players. He also highlights the role of reflection and experimentation in coaching growth. With anecdotes and practical tips, this conversation is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance their coaching techniques.

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ANECDOTE

Mixed-Ability Rugby Coaching

Dave Collins used to coach a mixed-ability rugby team by grouping players based on size and personality.
This ensured even distribution of talent across multiple nine-a-side teams, maximizing participation.

ADVICE

Coaching Beyond Movement

Use demonstrations and explanations to convey more than just movement patterns.
Model commitment, coping mechanisms, and work ethic to instill valuable qualities in players.

ADVICE

Peer Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Encourage peer learning and knowledge sharing within the team.
Highlight good answers and solutions from players, and facilitate implicit or explicit sharing.

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Join Dan Cottrell as he dives deep with coaching legend Dave Collins in this thought-provoking episode of Rugby Coach Weekly. Together, they explore how context dictates coaching strategies and how to develop adaptable, critical-thinking players. Dave tackles big questions:

What does a Dave Collins rugby session look like?
How do you balance questioning with active practice?
Why is “It depends” a cornerstone of professional judgment in coaching?
How do you foster curiosity and skill acquisition in players and coaches?
What’s the role of experimentation and reflection in developing as a coach?

This episode is packed with actionable insights for coaches, educators, and leaders in any field.

Suggested Further Reading

Expand your understanding with these academics and resources referenced in the discussion:

Mosston and Ashworth's Spectrum of Teaching Styles – foundational work on teaching methods across diverse contexts.
Shane Pill and Brendan SueSee – experts in physical education and sport pedagogy.
Jamie Taylor and Dave Collins’ Upcoming Book on Skill Acquisition – releasing soon, blending ecological, cognitive, and predictive models of learning.

Who is Dave Collins?
Dave Collins is a renowned performance consultant and psychologist. He is the director of Grey Matters, a leading consultancy specialising in performance psychology and coaching, with additional expertise in clinical psychology, counselling, conditioning, nutrition and sports medicine: in short, a one-stop shop! One big feature of the company is their 'pracademic' status; they generate original research to meet client needs as well as deploying current innovations.

Dave has worked with elite athletes, coaches, and teams across multiple disciplines, helping them reach their highest potential through evidence-based approaches. He is a former Performance Director for UK Athletics and has held senior roles in both academia and applied sports settings.

Currently, Dave is a Professorial Fellow in Human Performance Science at Edinburgh University and a Professor of Elite Performance at Dublin City University.

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