From Cauliflower Ears To Subterfurge: Inside the World of a Pro Rugby Coach
Sep 20, 2023
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John Dobson, one of South Africa's celebrated rugby coaches, talks about tactics, halftime pep talks, coaching communication, and bug-free coaching boxes. The podcast explores cauliflower ears, lifting in line-outs, potential rule changes, player welfare, strategic alternatives, and building team culture.
The battle in the scrum relies on dominance and forward movement, with penalties awarded to the team pushing the opposition back.
South African teams place a strong emphasis on the scrum and developing dominance in set pieces.
Possible changes to the game include adjusting rules related to goal-line dropouts and foul play decisions to prioritize player welfare and maintain physicality.
Coaches provide technical feedback, strategy adjustments, and utilize humor to create a grounded and inclusive team environment.
Deep dives
Cauliflower ears and strapping
Cauliflower ears are caused by friction and trauma in the scrum, with the locks often strapping their ears to protect them. Thigh strapping in the scrums is primarily used by the lifters to provide grip and stability.
Winning a scrum
Winning a scrum is determined by the dominance and going forward. The team pushing the opposition back is usually awarded a penalty. However, the collapse of a scrum can be complex to judge, and sometimes penalties are given in unclear situations.
Technicality and tactics in the scrum
The scrum is a technical and synchronized battle, with teams using different tactics and exercises to reinforce their scrummaging skills. South African teams, in particular, have a strong emphasis on the scrum and developing dominance in set pieces, such as the scrum and the maul.
Possible changes to the game
Some possible changes to the game include adjusting the goal-line dropout rule and improving consistency in foul play decisions. There could also be more consideration for player welfare and finding a balance between safety and maintaining the physicality of the game.
Analyzing the opposition
The team thoroughly researches and analyzes the opposition, including studying the referees and their tendencies during games.
Half-time talks
During half-time, the coaches provide technical feedback and strategy adjustments to the players, ensuring they feel prepared and safe before going back onto the field.
Keeping the team grounded
The coaches utilize humor and teasing to keep the team grounded and prevent egos from dominating the team environment.
Creating a sense of belonging
The coaches prioritize creating a team environment where every player feels valued and has a voice, ensuring a more inclusive and collaborative atmosphere.
John Dobson is one of South Africa's most celebrated rugby coaches. As head coach of the Stormers franchise, who won the 2021-22 United Rugby Championship, Dobson is renowned as one of the most passionate and knowledgeable coaches in the game. The team talk candidly to Dobson about tactics, what coaches say to players at halftime, what makes a good coach, the clever way coaches communicate with players during a game and why coaching boxes have to be swept before games to ensure they aren't bugged. For the rugby novice and connoisseur alike. Get bonus content on Patreon
