Performance Analysis - Analysis Sequence

There is clearly a handling error in the midfield, but from where might this orignate?

Performance Analysis - Sequence Notated

Always go back to source to see if there has been a snow ball effect

Performance Analysis - Observation Sequence

Watch the same area five times and see how much additional information you pick up at each viewing
To watch without a specific purpose in mind, may lead to distraction from a key event

Performance Analysis - Scrum 8 use

Performance Analysis - Scrum 8 use

Performing under pressure

Psychologist John Neal gets technical in explaining brain function and the biology of performing under pressure.

Reinforce Techniques With Analysis

This clip reveals a startling lack of understanding from some pro players. Quins scrum half Danny Care has also identified a weakness which he exploits, rugby is not just about grunt!

Testimonial Sequence

Coaching Process-OBSERVATION and ANALYSIS

Focus on each key factor at a time

Observe action several times from different positions

Compare observation with correct template to find matches and mismatches

Decide on your action: Build on strengths, correct error or do nothing to see if any issues can be self corrected

Continuous Performance Profiling - Technical

Watch white 13 and assess the technical development you as the coach might wish to address. What process would you use?

Continuous Performance Profiling - Tactical

Watch white 13 and assess the tactical development you as the coach might wish to address. What process would you use?

Coaching Process-Course Structure

The coaching course is designed to assist coaches to be better at coaching and does not focus on increasing rugby knowledge

There will be several opportunities to coach and receive feedback from the session review

Every review is an opportunity for the coach to learn. Even when participating as a player for someone else, the coach should be considering the process and how it affects their performance and understanding of the task

Positive and honest feedback within the coaching group is a valuable method in which to help each other become better coaches


The coaching process is based on:

Instruction and explanation

Demonstration

Observation and feedback

Listening

Summary

Interview - Mental Fitness

What is mental fitness? Performance psychologist John Neal explains the significance of mental fitness in modern rugby.

Eddie Jones On Motivation

Confident players have the will and desire to perform. Wales seemed to have lost their way with players looking deflated and lacking leadership, create an environment where players know what is expected of them and develop those skills

Expert - John Neal - Teams

John Neal discusses the attributes that make an effective team.

Fitness - The Bear Crawl

This is a brilliant exercise to add to your circuits, warm ups or conditioned games to improve core strength. It is important to master the technique before performing high repititions.

A Player's Responsibility to Prepare

It's not just down to coaches to prepare players for the game. Most of the work must be done by the players themselves, to ensure they are in the best physical and mental condition to perform and learn.

Interview - Psychology Introduction

John Neal introduces a series of videos to help with the psychological aspect of coaching and performance.

Training for Power

Power is essential for performance on the rugby field, and should be a part of every rugby player's physical training. Here are some 'power jump' exercises that you can include in your personal S&C programmes.

Tactics Are For All Your Players

Danny Care scores a great try due to a lack of tactical understanding from several players. Simple match analysis would resolve this and outlines why coaches should work with all players on roles & responsibilities

Breakdown - Two Man Turnovers

Turnovers at the breakdown is back in the spotlight and the recent Australian performances have highlighted how important they are. Neal Hatley from Bath explains how the role of the 2nd man is key and how to practise the technique

Paul Gustard - Stay Positive All Of The Time

See what Paul Gustard has to say about creating the best environment for player development and performance

Evasion Skills - Hand-off

Hand-offs can be an extremely effective attacking tool, particularly in sevens where there are fewer defenders to beat. Here, a player from Stowe School performs two to complete an 85m run-in. Using a strong, outstretched arm keeps the defender at a safe distance.

Passing Under Pressure

Being able to pass under pressure is how players perform in games. This exercise challenges players to react to multiple prompts and is great for all junior and senior players

Strike move from Lineout

RGS Guildford secure lineout ball and perform a 'circle' ball, with the fly-half looping around the centre who pops the ball back to him. This is to draw in defenders, to create space out wide. The winger is able to exploit this space to complete the try.

Wasps - Footwork The Key To Big Tackles

Aggressive tackling is fundamental to Wasps performances and their players physicality is part of their DNA. Brad Davis overseas a tackle technique session that will change your approach to coaching the tackle

Functional Movement Warm Up Part 1

Every player should be able to perform these movements well! Mastering these will carry over to preventing injuries, managing collisions and maximising power and speed. Check out the related videos for part 2.

World Class Basics

All the top coaches agree. Rugby is all about performing the basics well. This means being able to execute accurate skills at the right time, under pressure...

Game - Defence Touch

Another conditioned game that will test your players' fitness. This requires all defenders to perform a 'down-up' after each touch, before re-aligning. As players become tired, more gaps will appear, testing the defence even more.

Building Intensity

Being able to perform skills and execute patterns at a quicker pace and make decisions instantly can make the crucial difference for teams competing at higher levels. But, how do you coach intensity? Using games is crucial to recreating the pressure of a match...

Functional Movement Warm Up Part 2

Every player should be able to perform these movements well! Mastering these will carry over to preventing injuries, managing collisions and maximising power and speed. Check out the related videos for part 1.

Interview - Curiosity

Performance Psychologist John Neal discusses the importance of curiosity in coach development

3 v 2 in Channel

A development of the 2 v 1 and 3 v1 drills, the attackers now must beat 2 defenders. This requires more decision-making ability as the movements of the defenders could change every time. Players must communicate as well as continue to perform their handling and running skills.

Fitness - Bodyweight Circuits

When players have mastered the squat and plank techniques, they can incorporate them into a bodyweight circuit, that can be developed to suit various fitness levels. Challenge yourselves to decrease the rest time between sets and perform each exercise for longer as you progress.

JWC 2012: Defence

Statistics from the 2012 JWC show that teams with stronger defences performed better.

Tony Rea - Best ways to Learn

London Bronco's coach explains that studying the detail is crucial for development and performance. Improve on the basic skills rather than seeking more complex solutions

Sevens - Uncovered - The Playmaker

This footage outlines the importance of "decision making" in seven's. The top sides have players with a variety of skills but to be consistent performers teams require a playmaker who has the vision and tactical acumen to manage team tactics "On the move" and the ability to create opportunities out of nothing

Reaction Tackle

Keep your players on their toes with this quick-fire 1v1 tackling exercise. Start with bags then progress to live tackles. Defending players have an obstacle to negotiate before performing the tackle, just as they may have in a game.

RCD Video Upload Tool: Tutorial

If you film your matches or training sessions, it can be hard to find time to share analysis with players or coaches. With our new video upload tool, you can add your own video clips to coaching plans, or just share them with friends. Here's a quick 'how-to'.

Passing - 3 v 2 Static Defenders

Progress to working in 3s against two static defenders. The pressure is on the middle player to hold their depth and perform a quick pass.

The Importance of Basic Breakdown Skills

Continuously we see that the best teams are those that perform the basic skills better than their opponents. Basic skills such as passing, catching, running, tackling, and rucking. The breakdown is an essential element to the game as teams look to control momentum. Mastering the basic rucking and clearing techniques gives many teams the edge, and the quick ball that is required to enable their attack.

Stuart Lancaster on Culture

Stuart Lancaster sharing his words of wisdom about creating a performance culture.

Strong Body Position for Scrummaging

A strong attack is built on a solid set piece, and a solid set piece depends on performing fundamental techniques well. In the scrum, this means a strong body position made up of many components. Log in to see the full version of this very useful video from Wasps community.

Offload out of the tackle in channel

A good start for developing offload and tackle skills, allowing you to manage the amount of contact in the tackle whilst performing the skill successfully. Key factors : Strong base - Lead with arm and shoulder - Keep looking forward with head up - Wrap arm around legs / waist and squeeze tight with other arm - Use attackers bodyweight to rotate your body

Coaching Process- KEY FACTORS

Key Factors are the building blocks to a technique

Use questions to assess the understanding of the players

Focus on just 1 - 2 key factors at a time

Use demonstration again to highlight any key points

Remember a technique can only become a skill, if it can be performed to the same level when under pressure

2v1 in multiple channels

Repeated attempts are very effective ways of accelerating learning and the ability to perform a technique under pressure making it a skill

Coaching the new Scrum Laws

An brief summary of coaching the new scrum engage sequence. Always include a good upper body warm up and highlight the importance of a strong core with your players. Check the 'Body Position and Technique' section for full videos including hooking technique.

Conor O Shea - Do half time team talks make a difference

Conor O Shea talks about how half-time team talks can a difference to performance in the 2nd half

How coaches learn - John Neal

Performance psychologist John Neal explores the importance of curiosity for effective coaching.

Pressure's on - Coaching Decision Making

Total Control Under Pressure - When teams performances unfold late on in matches and players seem to struggle to make the right decisions its usually to do with fatigue and pressure. How can coaches help players to improve in this area

Review to Improve

Premiership Rugby coaches explain how reviewing is changing the game. Using video can help the learning process, reinforce game plans and improve players.

Scrum Factory - 7. Isometric Neck Stretches

It is important to note that with these exercises, the neck pushes against the arm and not the arm pushing against the neck

Why are skills important?

The London Scottish Skills Coach explains why skill work is important and why you should incorporate them into fitness.

Why Use Games For Fitness?

Here's London Scottish Head Coach, Skills Coach, S&C Coach and Player explaining why they prefer to use skills for fitness.

Stay Positive at Training

Win or lose, it's important to focus on the positives to maintain confidence in your players and a productive training environment.

Sevens - Uncovered - The Support Staff

Use Games For Fitness

Using games for fitness will keep your players engaged and enjoying their rugby as well as saving time running shuttles!

Collision Fitness - Spinning Bears

Another innovative exercise from "The Athlete Factory" which combines speed & power with technical accuracy. These exercises can be applied to all age groups to build confidence

Quins - Using Games In Training

Elite coaches explain how they translate their desired playing philosophy and principles into practical hands-on coaching approaches, drills and games

Fitness - Bear crawls

Groundwork fitness has been introduced by professional clubs over the last two seasons. Getting players fit for the contest at the breakdown is about specialist conditioning and these exercises are very tough when done properly

The Miss Pass - common problems

To develop handling

Quins - Our coaching philosophy

Harlequins coaches talk through their coaching philosophy and what it means to their players

Offside Touch

Try this offside touch game from London Scottish. Gets your players working hard whilst developing their technical skills.

Tackling 5 - 'Boxer Hands' and Arms

Expert Conor O Shea - what makes an effective team

Conor O SHea discuss what makes an effective team

Being positive with players is crucial

Building a positive environment for your players is important for their self-esteem and confidence on the pitch.

Interview - Conor O Shea priorities

Safety 1st With The Tower of Power

The "Tower of Power" is integral to coaching all contact with safety as the main priority

Scrum Factory - 11. Flanker Channeling and The Role of the Number 8

The roles of each player in channelling the ball to the number 8

My Dream Lions Team

Building the scrummage

The new scrum laws are providing a challenge for all levels of the game, here Jon Curry from Northampton saints questions junior players on their knowledge, clarifies his interpretation and provides some practical answers and solutions to executing an effective scrum

Sir Ian McGeechan - Why use Video?

Sir Ian McGeechan highlights how useful it can be for development to capture video footage and share it among players, coaches and parents.

Using Games - 'Choke Ball'

Jake Sharp from Oaklands college delivers a fun game that requires a range of skills from the players. The coach uses lots of questioning to cement the learning and talk about why games are such an important coaching tool

Premiership academy - Match Preparations

A look inside the changing room and how a Premiership academy squad prepares for a top clash. Have things changed?

Core Stability for Rugby Players

Becoming stronger and more powerful is important for rugby players of all standards. However, it is important for players to have a strong core before they progress into lifting weights. Here are some simple core exercises that can be done anywhere without any equipment.

Military fitness for games - Pre season

Pre season fitness can be tedious and repetitive however you can integrate the latest fitness drills into games of touch or other conditioned games to make your training more challenging

Fun Offloading Game!

Ball control is the key element to an effective offload. Jim Evans from Harlequins uses some fun games to coach this skill

Tackling 19 - Conditioned Games

Tackling 19 - Conditioned Games

Club safety meeting

Safety is paramount to all clubs rugby planning

I Had To Change The Way I Coach

Mike Ford changed his coaching style, it's a brave thing to admit you were not coaching the right way. How do you coach?

Rucking - Live With 5

A clever and competitive practise using 5 players that involves passing, tackling and then making the crucial decision of what to do at the breakdown. This can be done from Under 12's upwards

Coach Player Rapport

Do you understand the significance of 'Rapport" and how this can influence how good a coach you are. Elite coaches, experts and pundits provide a clear view of how important this is

Advanced Passing Skills

Passing skills are a high priority for most coaches and teachers. This video features a "Grip Game" to test the offloading skills and ball control of players

Chapter 6 - Introducing the Lineout

Sir Ian McGeechan: Technology in Rugby

Sir Ian Mcgeechan discusses how technology has developed the game at all alevels but especially the professional aspect

Conor O Shea - Gamesense for elite

Conor O Shea relates GAmesense coaching within the professional environment

The Miss Pass - simple exercise

To develop handling

Learning to pass laterally in 4's

Developing our lateral passing skills. The coach can alter the width, depth and number of players

Back Play - Attack From Scrum - Younger Youth

To take advantage of the forwards being grouped and to utilize the space this provides, young players should be encouraged to develop their decision making from a non-prescriptive environment.
It’s not a matter of going through a strike move repertoire. Its a matter of attacking the space between the two teams and running support lines that will assist the ball carrier

Interview - Sir ian Mcgeechan - Technology

The Lineout Game - The floor game

The lineout competition is not won and lost when the ball is caught. If the team defending the throw cannot compete in the air, they can subsequently compete on the ground and disrupt the quality of possession the opposition wish to use

The Lineout Game - Lifting techniques

The Lineout Game - Lifting techniques

Scrum Factory - 14. Sub Unit Engagement

Using the triangles to coach an effective scrum

Scrum Factory - 5. TOP Towels & Bands

The use of towels and bands are used to develop front row posture just before engagement when the body weight is forward and balance is important

Scrum Factory - 15. Binding

The bind should be secure as opposed to tight. A secure hand grip will enable the players to react to pressure whereas a tight bind may limit the ability to respond and change position

Interview - Questions

John Neal highlights the importance of asking questions for quality coaching and for player development.

Coach by asking question's - John Neal

Psychology expert John Neal discusses how important it is for a coach to ask effective questions.

Level 2 - Second Row Bind - Traditional Bind

Level 2 - Second Row Bind - Traditional Bind

Sevens - Uncovered - Attack

Elite coaches discuss their attacking philosophies and this underpines the skills and techniques they will work on as coaches and the type of trainign sessions they will plan. As a coach how do you coach the skills that the Fijian players possess or the patience the Welsh side had to win the last 7's world cup. Does the team represent the ideas and plans of the coach?

Tackling 6 - Revision of Tracking and Basic Technique

Combat fitness - Press Up Jackal

Our combat & collision skills are behind the southern hemisphere and elite coaches are working hard to change this. Here is a simple exercise for both technique and fitness