Rugby Coach Weekly

Ben John, a former professional rugby player and the brain behind The Rugby Trainer, dives into his journey from player to renowned online coach. He discusses the significance of consistent, short training sessions to enhance skills. Ben emphasizes creativity in drills to engage young players and shares insights on decision-making gleaned from top professionals like Marcus Smith. Additionally, he reflects on social media's power in coaching, showcasing how platforms like TikTok can effectively refine players' techniques.

Jamie Taylor, an expert in sport skill acquisition and coaching, shares his insights as an Assistant Professor at Dublin City University and a coach developer. He explores the vital 'why' behind coaching techniques, urging coaches to move beyond templates to enhance player development. Discussion includes the balance of exploration versus exploitation in skill acquisition, the role of reflection in improving coaching, and optimizing session planning tailored to athletes' needs. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about refining their coaching craft!

Oli Bishop, Defence coach for Ealing Trailfinders Women and U23s, shares his expertise from Level 4 RFU research on tackling. He emphasizes the crucial role of pre-contact positioning and demonstrates how anticipation can influence success. Topics include effective hand placement strategies and the importance of leg drive post-contact. Oli also discusses how to coach out poor tackling habits, ensuring players build confidence while mastering the techniques necessary for dominant tackles.

Sam Halliday, a dedicated PE teacher and rugby coach for youth teams, shares his passion for fostering inclusivity in girls' rugby. He discusses innovative recruitment techniques, including social media's role in engaging players. Sam emphasizes the importance of peer-led learning and empowerment in developing skills and confidence. He also highlights the significance of creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and the impact of team identity on player belonging. Packed with practical advice, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone involved in coaching.

In this discussion, former professional cricketer and mindset coach Lewis Hatchett shares his insights on perfectionism in sports. He highlights the fine line between motivation and self-sabotage, revealing how the pursuit of flawless performance can lead to anxiety. Lewis introduces 'excellencism,' a mindset that encourages athletes to set realistic goals while embracing mistakes as growth opportunities. He also emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and supportive coaching environments in fostering resilience and adaptability among athletes.

Send us a textRaising funds for grassroots rugby can feel like an uphill battle, but Ed Flynn has cracked the code. In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, host Dan Cottrell sits down with Ed, a coach and fundraising powerhouse, to uncover the strategies that have helped his clubs thrive. From securing local business sponsorships to running hugely successful raffles and race nights, Ed shares his tried-and-tested methods for generating support, engaging the community, and ensuring clubs have the resources they need to grow. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HEREAlso, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!

In this engaging conversation, Stuart Armstrong, a renowned coach developer and host of The Talent Equation podcast, shares his insights on ethical coaching. He delves into the dilemmas coaches face, such as balancing inclusion with performance. Stuart emphasizes the need for continuous support for coaches, highlighting mentorship and peer learning. He advocates for better resources to empower volunteer coaches and stresses the importance of safety and ethical practices in fostering a positive environment for young athletes.

Send us a textJoin Rugby Coach Weekly's Dan Cottrell as he sits down with Marlo Boyd, Bath Rugby’s Development Officer, Bath University women's forward's coach and former Bristol Bears player. Marlo opens up about her unconventional journey into rugby, the lessons she's learned about managing emotions—both hers and her players’—and how emotional intelligence can foster trust and growth in a team. Together, they explore actionable strategies for coaches to incorporate empathy, manage emotional highs and lows, and build a safe yet driven environment for players to thrive. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HEREAlso, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!

In this discussion, Craig Wilson, Director of Rugby at Yale University and founder of The Contact Coach, shares insightful strategies for grassroots rugby coaches using video analysis. He emphasizes the importance of capturing even imperfect footage and making it accessible for analysis. The conversation highlights effective feedback techniques that balance positivity and critique while ensuring players are not overwhelmed. Craig also discusses innovative ways to involve players in their own performance reviews, making video analysis a powerful tool for improvement.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell welcomes Dr. Mark Carroll, a sports coach and lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland, and a host of Labours of Sports Coaching. Together, they delve into the myths and realities of motivation in sports coaching.This conversation challenges traditional approaches and offers fresh insights. From breaking down misconceptions about the coach's role as the ultimate motivator to exploring how self-determination theory and other frameworks can shape coaching practice, Dr. Carroll discusses the delicate balance between external motivators and fostering intrinsic drive, the nuances of psychological safety, and why context is king in every coaching decision.Whether you're a grassroots coach or working with elite athletes, this episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas and practical advice to help you create environments that truly inspire performance.📩 Connect with Dr. Mark Carroll on LinkedIn or explore his podcast, Labours of Sports Coaching, for even more insights. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HEREAlso, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!