We will cover a range of topics and hopefully feature some special guests over time.

So stay tuned from next Monday for the first edition of ‘Rapid Rugby’.

1. Care about your players

Coaching isn’t about me or my win/loss record. Coaching is about giving back to the game and promoting character through rugby. Use it as a vehicle to better player’s lives and the community. Show your players that you care about them and create an environment where they can care for one another and hold each other accountable. Create better people and better ruggers.

2. Build Relationships

With players, parents, school administrators and teachers, after school programs, adult clubs, collegiate teams, your national union, etc. Almost everyone is more willing to help someone they know than a person they have no relationship with. Encourage your players to get out into the community and teach flag rugby to younger kids. Many high school students must volunteer a certain number of hours for school credit, so have them promoting the game to your future players.

3. Ask for help

You can’t run a successful program on your own.  Find people interested in your club and ask for help. Many parents are eager to help, but want to be asked, rather than seem too abrasive. Delegate tasks and focus on coaching. This is a must.

4. Plan-Plan-Plan & Reflect

Make practice plans for every practice. Thanks to the internet any amateur coach now has access to drills and skills taught by the All-Blacks. Now any coach can prepare a top flight practice. After practice, take a few minutes (on the way home/ in the shower) to note what went well and what needs improvement (or scrapped all together).  Some ideas won’t work. Don’t force it. Repeat successes, modify failures and move on.

5.  Learn

Each game we played I saw a tactic or behavior unique to our opponent. During the following week, we would incorporate those elements into our practices, making us a more well-rounded team. Like cooking, more ingredients lead to more bombastic flavors. Attend coaching clinics, exchange emails with coaches, research tactics, motivational tools, teamwork strategies and share this information with your coaching staff.

6. Utilize the “whole” player

Allows players time to share ideas regarding practice and use their input to develop better practices. Question the players about their observations to facilitate learning. Create coaches out of your players and everyone benefits. Encourage players to point out what teammates are doing well and “coach up” a player who is struggling.

7. Create a field of success

Mistakes are a part or rugby. We can drill our players to death, but mistakes will still be made. Rather than punish players for mess-ups, teach them how to respond and overcome them. Encourage players to stay “in the moment,” rather than getting down on a mistake that’s already in the past. Encourage players to support and motivate teammates who’ve made mistakes. This improves morale and will promote the development of players’ decision making abilities and creativity.

8. Allow players to try multiple positions

Chubby kid wants to see what the centers are all about – give it a go. Skinny winger wants a run at #7? Attack that #10.  Giving your players opportunities to try multiple positions empowers them and builds their understanding of the game. Many times a new wing may not know why the flanker keeps running straight lines at the #10, nor does the prop understand why the center is being used as a decoy – until they get the opportunity to play the position.

9.  Have a vision

Your thoughts become your realities. Your club will become what you want it to become as long as you put in the effort.  Educate your players, parents and coaches on what your program is about and its direction for the future. Draft five and 10 year plans. Be bold and big and hold yourself and all members of your organization to your goals.

10. Some days will suck

It happens. Whether it’s the weather, burnout or frustration from a tough game, some days will just suck. Effort and focus are low. You have a couple decisions – try to fight it (and deal with massive frustration) or change it up all together. Scrap your plans and have a touch tournament. Switch the backs and forwards for the day (see how the wings like being in the scrum). Hold a fastest player races by position. It’s called the grind for a reason.

11. Use social networks

Tweet with coaches and players overseas. Create your club page on Facebook and invite players, friends, parents, etc to join.  Invite people to special events related to your club. Don’t ignore new technologies. Instead, embrace them and make them work for you.

12. Step away

Create “you” time. I have no doubt, if you are a dedicated coach, that this will be your most difficult task. Do what you need to do to clear your head. Spend time with your spouse / partner, go to the mountains or a movie, and escape from rugby. Overworking leads to burnout, but your enthusiasm is what fuels your program. Take time to refuel and you will be better for it.

13. Have fun

This is why we play and coach rugby. Games will be won and lost, but having fun, the love the game and our relationships keeps players coming back. Remember this, always.

So there you have it.  13 lessons I learnt in my first year of coaching rugby.  I look forward to whatever I learn in year 2.

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