Not sure if this is really the right forum but it sure as hell doesn't belong on the first one.
I thought it might be interesting for some to follow the progress of myself attempting to coach and the rag tag bunch of kids I am trying to impart wisdom to.
Background - My son's school was short of Rugby helpers again this year and while I usually help out withmy son's team I thought it would be good this year to leave him alone to concentrate on being captain of the firsts instead of having dad looking over his shoulder. Instead I have taken up the mantle of coaching the school's Under 65kg team.
1st practice about 9 kids turned up 4 of whom had never laced a boot in anger. Bring your mates on Thursday was the message.
2nd practice still only about 11 kids. Did some basic games and ball handling things to see what the core skills were like so I could plan some trainings.
3rd practice- looks like we have a team! 15 kids all keen and eager. Only trouble is when I ask them what position they want to play I have 8 wingers, no props and a reluctant hooker. Never mind we will work it out. Play some games have some fun, teach some basic skills. Looks like we will have to play a style based on retaining possession but getting the ball away from breakdown areas and set pieces as quickly as possible.
4th Practice - yeah, some reserves! Not only that but I have a kid turn up that is absolute lightening (let's call him 'D'). Overall strategy now is to mould a team that can get the ball into his hands in a bit of space because sure as hell no one is going to catch him. Get some help with the scrum from Tim Mannix from Wellington Rugby and he helps us (I now have support from one of the teachers at school as well - he can take the forwards) make a scrum from the players we have convinced to play in the forwards.
First game - 20 players turn up. Brilliant. Able to put on a fairly strong starting team and only 2 minutes into the game the forwards secure some clean ball and the inside backs feed it out to 'D'. He burns his marker and strollls under the bar untouched. Farkin brilliant!! We end up winning 43-15. Not a bad start and some real highlights among the defence and attack. Lots of work-ons but the boys had fun and left with a smile. 'D' scores 3 tries and even one of the newbies I put on for the last 20 scored in the corner in his first ever game.
Training- I arrived late, having been caught up in a meeting at work to find about 24 kids warming up. Tim Mannix had come along again and this time had brought Cory Jane along with him. The boys had great fun running around with CJ (photos on the Upper Hutt Rugby Club Facebook page) and CJ left us with a signed jersey and some boot bags to hand out at the end of the year.
Second game this weekend and tonight's training will still be fun based but working on getting some organisation into our defence and upping the clearing up skills at the breakdown.
What has so far worked out really well is that we have taken a very 'fun' appraoch to training without skimping on the actual skills stuff. I have made good use of the NZRU Coaching Toolbox and the boys have really bought into the concept and gelled together as a group. I am just really enjoying helping show this group what a great game rugby can be and watching them grow in confidence. No doubt there will be some setbacks and not so good times over the season but that's all good too and part of the game.
Will post a match report after this weekend.
10
33 replies to this topic
#2
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Posted 19 May 2011 - 02:04 PM
Ooops! Forgot the important part which is asking you guys for any tips or ideas I can take to training.
Feel free to share.
Feel free to share.
#3
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Posted 19 May 2011 - 03:01 PM
That was a fantastic read, thanks for posting. Will watch this with interest.
Robbie Deans: The worst Australian Coach of all time
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Posted 19 May 2011 - 03:48 PM
oooh a good news story.. I like!
Rugby Football is our game
Bay of Plenty is our name
We are the pride of all provincial rugby teams
Pass it here, pass it there, we are going to pass it everywhere.
We are the greatest team of all
We dont hold that ball to long, we just pass it right along
Play the game Bay of Plenty, play the game
Play the game Bay of Plenty, play the game
Bay of Plenty is our name
We are the pride of all provincial rugby teams
Pass it here, pass it there, we are going to pass it everywhere.
We are the greatest team of all
We dont hold that ball to long, we just pass it right along
Play the game Bay of Plenty, play the game
Play the game Bay of Plenty, play the game
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Posted 20 May 2011 - 01:15 AM
Great work Crucial, awesome read, thanks.
It sounds like you have everything in hand, but if you haven't already done so - have a look at defensive patterns and come up with something that suits your team and drills to match, breaking it down into stages and working towards a "greater goal". Scoring half a century in your first match sounds like your attack is almost taking care of itself, so getting the defence to be highly organised and everyone on the same page would be a step in the right direction - not to mention having great defence can be quite an inspirational tool.
I can recommend "blitz" or "rush" defence if you think you can get a handle on it - opposition won't be able to handle it and it will only improve your kids ability to read the game.
It sounds like you have everything in hand, but if you haven't already done so - have a look at defensive patterns and come up with something that suits your team and drills to match, breaking it down into stages and working towards a "greater goal". Scoring half a century in your first match sounds like your attack is almost taking care of itself, so getting the defence to be highly organised and everyone on the same page would be a step in the right direction - not to mention having great defence can be quite an inspirational tool.
I can recommend "blitz" or "rush" defence if you think you can get a handle on it - opposition won't be able to handle it and it will only improve your kids ability to read the game.
I hope that someday we will be able to put away our fears and prejudices and just laugh at people.
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Posted 20 May 2011 - 08:38 AM
Bones said:
Great work Crucial, awesome read, thanks.
It sounds like you have everything in hand, but if you haven't already done so - have a look at defensive patterns and come up with something that suits your team and drills to match, breaking it down into stages and working towards a "greater goal". Scoring half a century in your first match sounds like your attack is almost taking care of itself, so getting the defence to be highly organised and everyone on the same page would be a step in the right direction - not to mention having great defence can be quite an inspirational tool.
I can recommend "blitz" or "rush" defence if you think you can get a handle on it - opposition won't be able to handle it and it will only improve your kids ability to read the game.
It sounds like you have everything in hand, but if you haven't already done so - have a look at defensive patterns and come up with something that suits your team and drills to match, breaking it down into stages and working towards a "greater goal". Scoring half a century in your first match sounds like your attack is almost taking care of itself, so getting the defence to be highly organised and everyone on the same page would be a step in the right direction - not to mention having great defence can be quite an inspirational tool.
I can recommend "blitz" or "rush" defence if you think you can get a handle on it - opposition won't be able to handle it and it will only improve your kids ability to read the game.
Something to think about there with the rush defence. The handling skills of some of the teams you come up against are not that flash and the more pressure you can put them under the better. Higher risk but it could force a turnover quicker than the traditional methods.
We went through a very long period in the first game without the ball. Scrambling and scrapping as much as possible in defence but found it difficult to get the ball back.
Of course what usually happens in that scenario is that you try too hard as soon as you do get the ball and hand it back straight away. I couldn't make training last night due to a work commitment but arranged for one of the Club guys to work with the backs on some basic defence. Just looking at man on man to start with before introducing one-out. Will see the results tomorrow.
One thing I forgot to mention in my intial waffle is that I have insisted that the trainings build to a game of good old fashioned schoolyard rugby at the end using the skills just taught. It's not strictly in the coaching manuals or RugbySafe programme but many of these kids have grown up so wrapped in cotton wool that a bit of a physical knock around is an eye opener for them. It's quite funny to see some of them take a hit for the first time and get up unsure of what to do but then realising that it actually made them feel alive and piling back into it. We keep it under control of course but this is their opportunity to do what the schools and parents have been stopping them from doing until now. Physical contact.
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Posted 20 May 2011 - 07:36 PM
i coached an u14 team a couple of years back when I was injured after double knee surgery. had the time of my life and won a premiership.
advice- keep the parents informed, they can be the kids biggest motivator and your biggest ally, watch for significant changes in body shape. had a prop who turned into a lock then a flanker who turned into a hooker. most importantly is to have fun with the kids-coaching is a great way to enjoy without having to play
advice- keep the parents informed, they can be the kids biggest motivator and your biggest ally, watch for significant changes in body shape. had a prop who turned into a lock then a flanker who turned into a hooker. most importantly is to have fun with the kids-coaching is a great way to enjoy without having to play
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Posted 21 May 2011 - 06:06 PM
While I am not the coach, am helping at trainings for a team of 4 and 5 years olds, none of whom had ever played before...herding cats is a term that qould be appropriate, god knows how people can teach kids this age either!!
Nice stuff Crucial, something I will be involving myself in if TRJnr carries on in years to come!
Nice stuff Crucial, something I will be involving myself in if TRJnr carries on in years to come!
Fear causes hesitation, and hesitation will cause your worst fears to come true.
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Posted 23 May 2011 - 12:29 AM
TR - doesn't matter what sport it is, "herding cats" is the best description I've seen or heard. Soccer is exactly the same.
Crucial - mate that is awesome - keep up the good work. Most of my 2nd Grade senior backline would be 65kg dripping wet and they're facing off against Maori and Islanders twice their size.
Crucial - mate that is awesome - keep up the good work. Most of my 2nd Grade senior backline would be 65kg dripping wet and they're facing off against Maori and Islanders twice their size.
I like .... stuff...
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Posted 23 May 2011 - 08:00 AM
What a great thread! You're obviously doing awesome work, Crucial.
The "fun" but focused approach to training is the way forward. You can teach so many skills around old-fashioned yard ball and can turn almost everything into a contest between groups. If the coach is enthusastic, the kids are 1000% more likely to be.
Keep sessions "interesting" with new ideas. Kids get bored with too much repetition. This site has loads of drills and ideas for conditioned games: http://www.sportplan...Rugby/index.jsp
Don't over-programme the kids with too many attacking moves. Encourage them to play instinctively. Step away from the centre of the action at times and let the players do their thing. The more we can make coaching sessions like street games the better: http://www.brian-ash...g.php?blogId=43
Defence is not just about tackling but also about getting guys in the right places and closing the opposition down. With the team you've got, you will go a long period of time without the ball, but that doesn't matter too much if you work hard to keep a tight line with guards in the right place and defend with patience. An organised rush defence can do wonders for a youth team. Inexperienced players will knock on if you keep closing them down.
Finally, never lose sight of the big picture. Coaching kids isn't just about winnning or even producing rugby players. It's about encouraging the youngsters to learn life lessons. Rugby has so much to teach kids about self-discipline, teamwork, courage, perservance and how to succeed and survive in a competitive world. Have Fun!
The "fun" but focused approach to training is the way forward. You can teach so many skills around old-fashioned yard ball and can turn almost everything into a contest between groups. If the coach is enthusastic, the kids are 1000% more likely to be.
Keep sessions "interesting" with new ideas. Kids get bored with too much repetition. This site has loads of drills and ideas for conditioned games: http://www.sportplan...Rugby/index.jsp
Don't over-programme the kids with too many attacking moves. Encourage them to play instinctively. Step away from the centre of the action at times and let the players do their thing. The more we can make coaching sessions like street games the better: http://www.brian-ash...g.php?blogId=43
Defence is not just about tackling but also about getting guys in the right places and closing the opposition down. With the team you've got, you will go a long period of time without the ball, but that doesn't matter too much if you work hard to keep a tight line with guards in the right place and defend with patience. An organised rush defence can do wonders for a youth team. Inexperienced players will knock on if you keep closing them down.
Finally, never lose sight of the big picture. Coaching kids isn't just about winnning or even producing rugby players. It's about encouraging the youngsters to learn life lessons. Rugby has so much to teach kids about self-discipline, teamwork, courage, perservance and how to succeed and survive in a competitive world. Have Fun!
Edited by sparky, 23 May 2011 - 08:06 AM.
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Posted 23 May 2011 - 09:51 AM
Lots of lessons learned on Saturday by team and coaches alike.
We didn't lose, but didn't win either. Ended up with a draw and although our kicker had an off day, a win probably wouldn't have been the right reflection on the game.
After another first play score under the posts by following the game plan our inside backs decided that if life was going to be easy then they wanted a piece of the action themselves. While I agree with Sparky that we certainly don't want to 'program' the players with set moves etc the overall battle strategy is there for a reason and that is to use the collective skills and resources in the best manner. Put simply, if you start playing as individuals or make individual decisions that ignore the team plan things may not go as well as they could.
I take the blame for not getting this message across effectively at the start of the game, which for us is the opportunity to rock the opposition quickly and force them away from their own plans. We had a late change to the starting backline and I didn't clearly get the new 12 on the correct wavelength. I told him I wanted him to run straight lines to hold the defence but didn't stress that he was to draw and pass rather than keep trying to get through the line. Our early opportunities kept falling over by not getting the ball out far enough.
Plenty of positives as well though and they include the lessons we learned. The boys still fought hard right to the end and kept giving it back. The forwards learned (hopefully) that ruck inspection is not very effective and the backs learned that they need to be a bit more observant so they can target weak points. It wasn't a loss but still a game they felt they let slip.
We find out this week what Grade we are put in for the comp proper and the result on the weekend may come as a blessing in that we won't be put a level too high.
This week will be a tough one to works on things as we have a game on Tuesday (traditionals against UHC) before we can even have much of a talk.
It's a bugger as the game is early in the afternoon and I probably can't get away from work for it so the backs will have to step up another notch in taking the responsibilities on themselves.
We didn't lose, but didn't win either. Ended up with a draw and although our kicker had an off day, a win probably wouldn't have been the right reflection on the game.
After another first play score under the posts by following the game plan our inside backs decided that if life was going to be easy then they wanted a piece of the action themselves. While I agree with Sparky that we certainly don't want to 'program' the players with set moves etc the overall battle strategy is there for a reason and that is to use the collective skills and resources in the best manner. Put simply, if you start playing as individuals or make individual decisions that ignore the team plan things may not go as well as they could.
I take the blame for not getting this message across effectively at the start of the game, which for us is the opportunity to rock the opposition quickly and force them away from their own plans. We had a late change to the starting backline and I didn't clearly get the new 12 on the correct wavelength. I told him I wanted him to run straight lines to hold the defence but didn't stress that he was to draw and pass rather than keep trying to get through the line. Our early opportunities kept falling over by not getting the ball out far enough.
Plenty of positives as well though and they include the lessons we learned. The boys still fought hard right to the end and kept giving it back. The forwards learned (hopefully) that ruck inspection is not very effective and the backs learned that they need to be a bit more observant so they can target weak points. It wasn't a loss but still a game they felt they let slip.
We find out this week what Grade we are put in for the comp proper and the result on the weekend may come as a blessing in that we won't be put a level too high.
This week will be a tough one to works on things as we have a game on Tuesday (traditionals against UHC) before we can even have much of a talk.
It's a bugger as the game is early in the afternoon and I probably can't get away from work for it so the backs will have to step up another notch in taking the responsibilities on themselves.
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Posted 08 June 2011 - 11:52 AM
Haven't done an update for a while as we had one weekend washed out.
Training is still going well. We are having good numbers turn up which puts us in good staed for the season as there are bound to be players away from time to time for various reasons.
They have turned out to be a good bunch and we are working mainly on showing them what to do in certain aspects of the game rather than over-emphasising techniques as such.
It can be quite funny at times when you go to teach them something. Even if you think you are keeping it really simple they seem to take about half a dozen goes at it to start showing that they are even listening then another half dozen to get it right. I'm sure the Teachers among you will understand that but it have taken me many years of involvement to get it into my head that this is how kids learn. Just keep praising each little aspect they are getting right while adjusting the bits they aren't grasping until it all clicks.
Before the game the other day we did some quick work on kick offs as I felt that we were kicking off without any structure and basically letting the opposition have first clean go at us. We worked out a simple system of ball chasers, remaining forwards to be ready to tackle/shut down any play. A fullback and wing to cover kick and the backline to push up together to squeeze options for the receiving team. 10 minutes later they had it down pat and best of all remembered to keep doing it through the game (admitedly only 3 times). It worked a treat and every time we kicked of we were able to pin the other team in their own half.
The game went well and even though we were all over the other team the boys were trying all sorts without it quite coming off and a couple of spilled balls on attack led to runaway tries to the opposition. Halftime score was 12-10 to us.
No need for a rark-up at HT just keep doing what we were doing and the other team would crack. Be a touch more patient but keep having fun by having a go. We did crack them and ended up winning 52-10.
At training last night we worked harder on receiving kickoffs. Giving players the confidence to call for the ball without fear of repercussions if they get it wrong and what the options are after the catch.
Most of all these kids just like to play so when we practice this stuff I let them run for a few phases with everyone getting involved. So far it seems to be working.
Training is still going well. We are having good numbers turn up which puts us in good staed for the season as there are bound to be players away from time to time for various reasons.
They have turned out to be a good bunch and we are working mainly on showing them what to do in certain aspects of the game rather than over-emphasising techniques as such.
It can be quite funny at times when you go to teach them something. Even if you think you are keeping it really simple they seem to take about half a dozen goes at it to start showing that they are even listening then another half dozen to get it right. I'm sure the Teachers among you will understand that but it have taken me many years of involvement to get it into my head that this is how kids learn. Just keep praising each little aspect they are getting right while adjusting the bits they aren't grasping until it all clicks.
Before the game the other day we did some quick work on kick offs as I felt that we were kicking off without any structure and basically letting the opposition have first clean go at us. We worked out a simple system of ball chasers, remaining forwards to be ready to tackle/shut down any play. A fullback and wing to cover kick and the backline to push up together to squeeze options for the receiving team. 10 minutes later they had it down pat and best of all remembered to keep doing it through the game (admitedly only 3 times). It worked a treat and every time we kicked of we were able to pin the other team in their own half.
The game went well and even though we were all over the other team the boys were trying all sorts without it quite coming off and a couple of spilled balls on attack led to runaway tries to the opposition. Halftime score was 12-10 to us.
No need for a rark-up at HT just keep doing what we were doing and the other team would crack. Be a touch more patient but keep having fun by having a go. We did crack them and ended up winning 52-10.
At training last night we worked harder on receiving kickoffs. Giving players the confidence to call for the ball without fear of repercussions if they get it wrong and what the options are after the catch.
Most of all these kids just like to play so when we practice this stuff I let them run for a few phases with everyone getting involved. So far it seems to be working.
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Posted 20 June 2011 - 09:34 AM
After another cancelled week last week we finally got a game on Saturday. The other team showed up with only 14 players so we lent them one as we had a full complement of 22 and it was going to be really hard to give everyone a run otherwise.
The opposition were well organised in the early stages and doing much better than us in the forwards. The problem for them was that in the first 15 minutes they made 2 errors that both resulted in breakout tries to us. Some of the attacking ability we have in the backs is fantastic. As can happen with this age, they then lost a bit of focus and let our forwards back into the game. From that point on it was one way traffic. The score ended up a very un-PC 77-0.
At half time (we were up 32-0) I told the boys I wanted them to use the next half to practice the things we work on at trainings. The set plays, the structure in the forwards etc...this plan turned to shit quite quickly as they were having so much fun using the ball and making runs. Coaching wise I would rather have seen them practice more structure for later tougher games, but you simply can't stop them having fun as that's what they are there for.
Moment of the match was the last play. The little fella that turns up at every training yet must be about 35kg dripping wet was put on just after half time for a longer run than he normally gets. I gave the team a target of trying to work a situation where they could get close and then send him over the line. I didn't quite work out how I imagined but was as funny as a fight. The captain made a big break from the kick off and fought his way right through the opposition to find himself jogging under the posts. He quickly looked up and frantically starting waving the little fella forward while dodging incoming defenders, finally to pop him a pass to fall over the line to great cheers from the spectators. The whole thing was taken in really good spirit and the other team didn't treat it as taking the piss. The little guy had a big grin and the team all gave him hi-fives and pats on the back. Even his father came up afterwards and said 'thanks, that was a really neat thing to do for him as he has never scored a try before'. I'm still grinning even thinking about the whole thing it was so funny but also strengthened the team as a group as well.
The opposition were well organised in the early stages and doing much better than us in the forwards. The problem for them was that in the first 15 minutes they made 2 errors that both resulted in breakout tries to us. Some of the attacking ability we have in the backs is fantastic. As can happen with this age, they then lost a bit of focus and let our forwards back into the game. From that point on it was one way traffic. The score ended up a very un-PC 77-0.
At half time (we were up 32-0) I told the boys I wanted them to use the next half to practice the things we work on at trainings. The set plays, the structure in the forwards etc...this plan turned to shit quite quickly as they were having so much fun using the ball and making runs. Coaching wise I would rather have seen them practice more structure for later tougher games, but you simply can't stop them having fun as that's what they are there for.
Moment of the match was the last play. The little fella that turns up at every training yet must be about 35kg dripping wet was put on just after half time for a longer run than he normally gets. I gave the team a target of trying to work a situation where they could get close and then send him over the line. I didn't quite work out how I imagined but was as funny as a fight. The captain made a big break from the kick off and fought his way right through the opposition to find himself jogging under the posts. He quickly looked up and frantically starting waving the little fella forward while dodging incoming defenders, finally to pop him a pass to fall over the line to great cheers from the spectators. The whole thing was taken in really good spirit and the other team didn't treat it as taking the piss. The little guy had a big grin and the team all gave him hi-fives and pats on the back. Even his father came up afterwards and said 'thanks, that was a really neat thing to do for him as he has never scored a try before'. I'm still grinning even thinking about the whole thing it was so funny but also strengthened the team as a group as well.
It's all Shits and Giggles until someone Giggles and Shits.
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Posted 20 June 2011 - 05:27 PM
That last bit reminds me of game when I was a kid, we turned up and the opponents were going to default, so instead, they put on a lower age group team instead, but with all their reserves on as well (so we were 15 against about 20). We had a couple of tiny blokes, real triers, but a bit out of their depth normally speaking. In this game, however, we were all over the other team, so eventually I got close to the line, but instead of trying to shove my way over, I managed to hand off to one of the little guys, and he crashed over for his first try of the season to the delight of his family on the sideline. A bit later in the game, one of our other big guys did exactly the same, got up close (almost a maul with the kids from the other team hanging off him) and managed a hand-off to the other little guy, for his first try of the season. Both guys, and their families, were super happy that they got a try that season, and as a team we felt better because everyone could say they had contributed points on the board.
It's still Lancaster Park to me.
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Posted 21 June 2011 - 02:23 PM
Crucial said:
After another cancelled week last week we finally got a game on Saturday. The other team showed up with only 14 players so we lent them one as we had a full complement of 22 and it was going to be really hard to give everyone a run otherwise.
The opposition were well organised in the early stages and doing much better than us in the forwards. The problem for them was that in the first 15 minutes they made 2 errors that both resulted in breakout tries to us. Some of the attacking ability we have in the backs is fantastic. As can happen with this age, they then lost a bit of focus and let our forwards back into the game. From that point on it was one way traffic. The score ended up a very un-PC 77-0.
At half time (we were up 32-0) I told the boys I wanted them to use the next half to practice the things we work on at trainings. The set plays, the structure in the forwards etc...this plan turned to shit quite quickly as they were having so much fun using the ball and making runs. Coaching wise I would rather have seen them practice more structure for later tougher games, but you simply can't stop them having fun as that's what they are there for.
Moment of the match was the last play. The little fella that turns up at every training yet must be about 35kg dripping wet was put on just after half time for a longer run than he normally gets. I gave the team a target of trying to work a situation where they could get close and then send him over the line. I didn't quite work out how I imagined but was as funny as a fight. The captain made a big break from the kick off and fought his way right through the opposition to find himself jogging under the posts. He quickly looked up and frantically starting waving the little fella forward while dodging incoming defenders, finally to pop him a pass to fall over the line to great cheers from the spectators. The whole thing was taken in really good spirit and the other team didn't treat it as taking the piss. The little guy had a big grin and the team all gave him hi-fives and pats on the back. Even his father came up afterwards and said 'thanks, that was a really neat thing to do for him as he has never scored a try before'. I'm still grinning even thinking about the whole thing it was so funny but also strengthened the team as a group as well.
The opposition were well organised in the early stages and doing much better than us in the forwards. The problem for them was that in the first 15 minutes they made 2 errors that both resulted in breakout tries to us. Some of the attacking ability we have in the backs is fantastic. As can happen with this age, they then lost a bit of focus and let our forwards back into the game. From that point on it was one way traffic. The score ended up a very un-PC 77-0.
At half time (we were up 32-0) I told the boys I wanted them to use the next half to practice the things we work on at trainings. The set plays, the structure in the forwards etc...this plan turned to shit quite quickly as they were having so much fun using the ball and making runs. Coaching wise I would rather have seen them practice more structure for later tougher games, but you simply can't stop them having fun as that's what they are there for.
Moment of the match was the last play. The little fella that turns up at every training yet must be about 35kg dripping wet was put on just after half time for a longer run than he normally gets. I gave the team a target of trying to work a situation where they could get close and then send him over the line. I didn't quite work out how I imagined but was as funny as a fight. The captain made a big break from the kick off and fought his way right through the opposition to find himself jogging under the posts. He quickly looked up and frantically starting waving the little fella forward while dodging incoming defenders, finally to pop him a pass to fall over the line to great cheers from the spectators. The whole thing was taken in really good spirit and the other team didn't treat it as taking the piss. The little guy had a big grin and the team all gave him hi-fives and pats on the back. Even his father came up afterwards and said 'thanks, that was a really neat thing to do for him as he has never scored a try before'. I'm still grinning even thinking about the whole thing it was so funny but also strengthened the team as a group as well.
That's great coaching mate, brought a smile to my face too.
Robbie Deans: The worst Australian Coach of all time
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Posted 22 June 2011 - 09:43 AM
Awesome stuff Crucial, keep em coming 
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Posted 22 June 2011 - 07:23 PM
Great stuff mate, easily the most absorbing on the Fern at the mo. You're team sounds like it is humming, big ups to you for getting into the ring.
My experiences teaching/coaching kids have taught me:
1 That kids have incredibly short attention spans and get bored at the drop of a hat. At Teachers College we were taught to work out how long you can spend talking to kids..... halve their age and turn into minutes. e.g for a team of eight year olds you cant talk for longer than four minutes. And I think that is being hugely optimistic.
2. The skill in coaching is planning, knowing what you are going to do... having it all laid out prior to training commencing and masking sure the players know you know what you're doing. I liked to take a white board to training and have a detailed plan laid out including times for each activivity that the players could read before we came together. I did the same for games and had a countdown clock and routine written upm on board so everybody new what was expected.
3. Some learn by learning, some by listening, some by doing. I was a player who liked to stand out and watch the others learn a new drill so I could work it out in my head before attempting it.
4. Get the parents onside and you are away. Great that you have a teacher on board. Having a respected staff member at school on your team makes your role about 100000000 times easier. They can chase up kids, put out notices, give messages at assembly etc.
5. Have fun. Building that team culture is what its all about.
Sounds like you are doing a great job. well done.
My experiences teaching/coaching kids have taught me:
1 That kids have incredibly short attention spans and get bored at the drop of a hat. At Teachers College we were taught to work out how long you can spend talking to kids..... halve their age and turn into minutes. e.g for a team of eight year olds you cant talk for longer than four minutes. And I think that is being hugely optimistic.
2. The skill in coaching is planning, knowing what you are going to do... having it all laid out prior to training commencing and masking sure the players know you know what you're doing. I liked to take a white board to training and have a detailed plan laid out including times for each activivity that the players could read before we came together. I did the same for games and had a countdown clock and routine written upm on board so everybody new what was expected.
3. Some learn by learning, some by listening, some by doing. I was a player who liked to stand out and watch the others learn a new drill so I could work it out in my head before attempting it.
4. Get the parents onside and you are away. Great that you have a teacher on board. Having a respected staff member at school on your team makes your role about 100000000 times easier. They can chase up kids, put out notices, give messages at assembly etc.
5. Have fun. Building that team culture is what its all about.
Sounds like you are doing a great job. well done.
The most important player in any team is the tighthead prop. The second most important is the reserve tighthead prop.
#18
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Posted 22 June 2011 - 11:55 PM
And Crucial
6. Cut the troublemakers
Good story. I remember going to watch my nephews play many years ago when they were primary school aged. The older nephew who was a natural player and quick as and often scored a try or 3 each game was really worried before one game, I asked him what was up and he said he wanted others to score tries too.
Anyway during the game it started out business as usual, he scored the first try after busting over from 5-6m out. Then in the second half he made a long run from the end of the field down the right side. Try line is open and he's out sprinted the other opposition kids. However he slows up with about 15m to go and literally runs across to the opposite side of the field where his little brother was hands him the ball and he runs the rest of the distance to score his first ever try as two opposition kids tackle him in the process.
Awesome to see that sort of stuff in kids as young as 10yo
6. Cut the troublemakers
Good story. I remember going to watch my nephews play many years ago when they were primary school aged. The older nephew who was a natural player and quick as and often scored a try or 3 each game was really worried before one game, I asked him what was up and he said he wanted others to score tries too.
Anyway during the game it started out business as usual, he scored the first try after busting over from 5-6m out. Then in the second half he made a long run from the end of the field down the right side. Try line is open and he's out sprinted the other opposition kids. However he slows up with about 15m to go and literally runs across to the opposite side of the field where his little brother was hands him the ball and he runs the rest of the distance to score his first ever try as two opposition kids tackle him in the process.
Awesome to see that sort of stuff in kids as young as 10yo
"Look at that leg drive by Pelea'asina, the only thing bigger is his name in scrabble"
There are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and a biased report
There are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and a biased report
#19
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Posted 23 June 2011 - 08:28 AM
ACT Crusader said:
And Crucial
6. Cut the troublemakers
6. Cut the troublemakers
I did that early on. One of the fourth formers had an issue with drinking too many powerades after training so he went first. There was another kid that cheekily answered me back and I was standing for none of that crap so I complained to the school principal and got him expelled.
(those who don't get the obvious tongue in cheek references please ignore)
Truthfully though, one of the really good things in this is that the team themselves have been really good with getting along with each other and being inclusive. A troublemaker just wouldn't fit in anyway.
In a way we were lucky with having such a motley crew turn up at the start because straight away we had a chat about the team not being able to do anything without using all the players available. We didn't want the few guys with experience to be ball hogs and they had to trust the others no matter how new they were. We then also took the small risk of letting the team appoint their own captain so they felt part of a group decision. They did well and chose the most mature guy rather than the most popular and the decision was unanimous. So far they are holding really tight with is the big plus when it comes to playing the game so hopefully we are setting them up well for a few years to come.
It's all Shits and Giggles until someone Giggles and Shits.
#20
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Posted 23 June 2011 - 08:34 AM
Anyone got any good drills/ideas for the backs for this arvo? I have limited time with them but would like to take a couple of the guys aside for some kicking skills and need something to keep the others going with a useful game they can manage themselves. Something around passing under pressure would be ideal.
(not sure why I am asking a bunch of forwards this)
(not sure why I am asking a bunch of forwards this)
It's all Shits and Giggles until someone Giggles and Shits.
#21
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Posted 23 June 2011 - 08:41 AM
Red Beard said:
Great stuff mate, easily the most absorbing on the Fern at the mo. You're team sounds like it is humming, big ups to you for getting into the ring.
My experiences teaching/coaching kids have taught me:
1 That kids have incredibly short attention spans and get bored at the drop of a hat. At Teachers College we were taught to work out how long you can spend talking to kids..... halve their age and turn into minutes. e.g for a team of eight year olds you cant talk for longer than four minutes. And I think that is being hugely optimistic.
2. The skill in coaching is planning, knowing what you are going to do... having it all laid out prior to training commencing and masking sure the players know you know what you're doing. I liked to take a white board to training and have a detailed plan laid out including times for each activivity that the players could read before we came together. I did the same for games and had a countdown clock and routine written upm on board so everybody new what was expected.
3. Some learn by learning, some by listening, some by doing. I was a player who liked to stand out and watch the others learn a new drill so I could work it out in my head before attempting it.
4. Get the parents onside and you are away. Great that you have a teacher on board. Having a respected staff member at school on your team makes your role about 100000000 times easier. They can chase up kids, put out notices, give messages at assembly etc.
5. Have fun. Building that team culture is what its all about.
Sounds like you are doing a great job. well done.
My experiences teaching/coaching kids have taught me:
1 That kids have incredibly short attention spans and get bored at the drop of a hat. At Teachers College we were taught to work out how long you can spend talking to kids..... halve their age and turn into minutes. e.g for a team of eight year olds you cant talk for longer than four minutes. And I think that is being hugely optimistic.
2. The skill in coaching is planning, knowing what you are going to do... having it all laid out prior to training commencing and masking sure the players know you know what you're doing. I liked to take a white board to training and have a detailed plan laid out including times for each activivity that the players could read before we came together. I did the same for games and had a countdown clock and routine written upm on board so everybody new what was expected.
3. Some learn by learning, some by listening, some by doing. I was a player who liked to stand out and watch the others learn a new drill so I could work it out in my head before attempting it.
4. Get the parents onside and you are away. Great that you have a teacher on board. Having a respected staff member at school on your team makes your role about 100000000 times easier. They can chase up kids, put out notices, give messages at assembly etc.
5. Have fun. Building that team culture is what its all about.
Sounds like you are doing a great job. well done.
Cheers RB. Yes, having a teacher on board is a huge help. It adds a bit of authority to the training and we can do fun things without it getting too loose. The organisational side is a big bonus too. After experiencing this I can strongly recommend to anyone that does this that even if you can't have a teacher at training get the support of one (or the sports coordinator) for the message running etc during school time.
I like the whiteboard idea too. It will make me more organised in my planning as well. I tend to have an aim on the aspects I want to work on and brush up on some drills to use but it's amazing how often the drills sometimes lose effectiveness quicker than you expect and you need something else in your pocket or you look like you don't know what to do next. Kids are real quick at noticing that and if they don't think you are in control they will pounce on it.
It's all Shits and Giggles until someone Giggles and Shits.
#22
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Posted 23 June 2011 - 11:30 AM
Crucial said:
Anyone got any good drills/ideas for the backs for this arvo? I have limited time with them but would like to take a couple of the guys aside for some kicking skills and need something to keep the others going with a useful game they can manage themselves. Something around passing under pressure would be ideal.
(not sure why I am asking a bunch of forwards this)
(not sure why I am asking a bunch of forwards this)
One that's good and fun is playing something similar to ultimate frisbee but with a rugby ball of course - not sure they could do that without a ref though.
I hope that someday we will be able to put away our fears and prejudices and just laugh at people.
#23
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Posted 23 June 2011 - 05:01 PM
Overlap Touch.
5 V 5. Whoever makes a touch has to sprint back and around a cone placed in the centre of his teams in goal area before he is allowed to rejoin the game
Speed Rugby: The attacking team has four or five players more than the defending team and gets four minutes to score as many tries as it can. You can make this tackle or touch.
The other concept that really helped me was to pair activites and between skills/acitivites frequently during training. For example do a grid for 2 mins (instead for 4) and then insantly switch to another activity. Chopping and changing keeps players alert, focussed and interested.
The best coaching resource Ive ever seen is by Barry Honan who has devised Digi Sport. It might cost a few bucks but it is worth it. I coached with a top PE teacher (and outstanding rugby coach) who swears by it. Wayne Bennett helped created their league product. I reckon this is the best coaching tool on the market.
Honan has two really good ones "Run, Pass, Kick, Tackle" and "Rugby Skills Training (Honan Drills)"
http://www.digisport.com.au/rugby.html
5 V 5. Whoever makes a touch has to sprint back and around a cone placed in the centre of his teams in goal area before he is allowed to rejoin the game
Speed Rugby: The attacking team has four or five players more than the defending team and gets four minutes to score as many tries as it can. You can make this tackle or touch.
The other concept that really helped me was to pair activites and between skills/acitivites frequently during training. For example do a grid for 2 mins (instead for 4) and then insantly switch to another activity. Chopping and changing keeps players alert, focussed and interested.
The best coaching resource Ive ever seen is by Barry Honan who has devised Digi Sport. It might cost a few bucks but it is worth it. I coached with a top PE teacher (and outstanding rugby coach) who swears by it. Wayne Bennett helped created their league product. I reckon this is the best coaching tool on the market.
Honan has two really good ones "Run, Pass, Kick, Tackle" and "Rugby Skills Training (Honan Drills)"
http://www.digisport.com.au/rugby.html
The most important player in any team is the tighthead prop. The second most important is the reserve tighthead prop.
#24
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Posted 24 June 2011 - 11:59 AM
Red Beard said:
Overlap Touch.
5 V 5. Whoever makes a touch has to sprint back and around a cone placed in the centre of his teams in goal area before he is allowed to rejoin the game
5 V 5. Whoever makes a touch has to sprint back and around a cone placed in the centre of his teams in goal area before he is allowed to rejoin the game
Cheers. I have tried that before but the little bastards are cunning and whoever is flagging makes sure they don't get caught in possession so they don't have to run back. What I use now is the version where everyone has to run back to the tryline (on a small field). Basically three-touch. Your first touch is 'normal' and the D retreats 10 metres. On the second touch the D all have to retreat back to their line before coming forward and making the third (turnover) touch. It's good for communication on attack and D.
Thanks for the link too. I have been using the NZRU Coaching Toolbox and the old card version they gave out years ago but everyting is welcome.
It's all Shits and Giggles until someone Giggles and Shits.
#25
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Posted 27 June 2011 - 10:23 AM
Another big win on the weekend (41-10) although we were only 17-10 ahead at the break. It's a bit of a concern for if we come up against a well organised team as we aren't keeping our heads defensively and organising around the ruck. We did a lot of drilling on ABCs last week and it all disappeared in the first half. Came better in the second half and made the opposition force their play a bit more leading to errors which we have the firepower to pounce on.
It's getting bloody difficult to keep them focussed on doing things correctly when they are winning by so much but our backs can carve it up from nothing.
A good aspect of the big wins is that we are able to get gametime for everyone and in the backs I even swapped them around positionally so they can learn other skills.
A big round of applause to the ref this week. As many of you know I'm often grumpy about refs that go oput to wreck games, but this guy deserves a medal. He injured himself just on half time and was hobbling around but came to us and said he'd like the boys to be able to play on. Said he wasn't going to be very mobile and would have to ref from a distance but asked each team for one of their coaches to call to him from the side if he was unsighted on any clear and obvious errors on the biggies like knock ons and forward passes. It actually worked well and we got right through the game.
Biggest pleasing moment this week was looking around after the game and realising how many supporters we had. I know everyone loves a winning team and all that but our first games had the coaches, reserves and a couple of parents on the side. This week there were plenty of Mums, Dads and girlfriends all cheering the boys on.
These kids have the ability to go through and win this comp and it would be great if they did, not for our egos but for many of them it could be the only champ winning team they will ever be be in and that memory will stick with them for a long time and give them plenty of confidence in other aspects of their lives.
A way to go though and we don't want to get ahead of ourselves but it has got to the point were we would be remiss to not push them on for the win.
It's getting bloody difficult to keep them focussed on doing things correctly when they are winning by so much but our backs can carve it up from nothing.
A good aspect of the big wins is that we are able to get gametime for everyone and in the backs I even swapped them around positionally so they can learn other skills.
A big round of applause to the ref this week. As many of you know I'm often grumpy about refs that go oput to wreck games, but this guy deserves a medal. He injured himself just on half time and was hobbling around but came to us and said he'd like the boys to be able to play on. Said he wasn't going to be very mobile and would have to ref from a distance but asked each team for one of their coaches to call to him from the side if he was unsighted on any clear and obvious errors on the biggies like knock ons and forward passes. It actually worked well and we got right through the game.
Biggest pleasing moment this week was looking around after the game and realising how many supporters we had. I know everyone loves a winning team and all that but our first games had the coaches, reserves and a couple of parents on the side. This week there were plenty of Mums, Dads and girlfriends all cheering the boys on.
These kids have the ability to go through and win this comp and it would be great if they did, not for our egos but for many of them it could be the only champ winning team they will ever be be in and that memory will stick with them for a long time and give them plenty of confidence in other aspects of their lives.
A way to go though and we don't want to get ahead of ourselves but it has got to the point were we would be remiss to not push them on for the win.
It's all Shits and Giggles until someone Giggles and Shits.
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Posted 01 July 2011 - 04:18 PM
Bugger. Game cancelled again. I'm getting sick of this weather. It's too wet for rugby and too warm for snow.
It's all Shits and Giggles until someone Giggles and Shits.
#27
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Posted 30 July 2011 - 02:22 AM
Ahem...:whistle:
I hope that someday we will be able to put away our fears and prejudices and just laugh at people.
#28
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Posted 02 August 2011 - 04:10 PM
Will write an update soon. Cancelled games and school holidays means 1 game in last 4 weeks!
It's all Shits and Giggles until someone Giggles and Shits.
#29
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Posted 25 August 2011 - 01:17 PM
Man this has been a long and frustrating season. It's hard to keep the enthusiasm up both with the coaches and the players.
We have had one game since the 16th of July!
Basically what is keeping us going is that the boys beleive they fully deserve to win this division at the final on Saturday (postponed from last week). Every other team in the division has tried to either take us down off the field with technicalities (eg they're too good) or avoid us (the team we play in the final insisted on wanting to play us on a date that was orginally not on the calendar and both coaches and mot of the players were away).
Enough grumbling though. The focus is to pull it together for one last game and win the damn thing. we would have to think of it as a choke if we didn't win but who knows what the opposition will bring. Judging by their results against other teams we should do it if we play our normal game.
So Saturday morning 10am is our time. Last training tonight. Team is pretty well worked out for it's run ons and I hope we can get a comfortable enough win that all the reserves can get a run as well. I'll certainly be trying hard to get them all on.
We have had one game since the 16th of July!
Basically what is keeping us going is that the boys beleive they fully deserve to win this division at the final on Saturday (postponed from last week). Every other team in the division has tried to either take us down off the field with technicalities (eg they're too good) or avoid us (the team we play in the final insisted on wanting to play us on a date that was orginally not on the calendar and both coaches and mot of the players were away).
Enough grumbling though. The focus is to pull it together for one last game and win the damn thing. we would have to think of it as a choke if we didn't win but who knows what the opposition will bring. Judging by their results against other teams we should do it if we play our normal game.
So Saturday morning 10am is our time. Last training tonight. Team is pretty well worked out for it's run ons and I hope we can get a comfortable enough win that all the reserves can get a run as well. I'll certainly be trying hard to get them all on.
It's all Shits and Giggles until someone Giggles and Shits.
#30
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Posted 27 August 2011 - 06:22 PM
Well the boys did themselves proud and came home with the winners medal.
Once they got over some initial nerves and a hard start from the opposition they started running hard and romped in.
Final score 60 something to 12.
Really proud of them knowing the work they put in. Hard part will now be to single a player out for the jersey CJ donated.
Once they got over some initial nerves and a hard start from the opposition they started running hard and romped in.
Final score 60 something to 12.
Really proud of them knowing the work they put in. Hard part will now be to single a player out for the jersey CJ donated.
It's all Shits and Giggles until someone Giggles and Shits.
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