Podcasts about rugby coach weekly

Send us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, host Dan Cottrell sits down with Dr. Michael Francis Pollin, a leading expert in coach development and coaching behaviours for player learning, development and performance. They dive into the fascinating world of creativity in rugby coaching, challenging traditional perceptions and exploring how creativity is not just a product but a process.Michael shares insights from his research and experience working with elite football and rugby academies, discussing how coaches can create environments that foster cognitive awareness, adaptability, and decision-making. From exploring the balance between structure and freedom to understanding the importance of silence and observation, this episode will leave you reflecting on your own coaching practices.Key takeaways:Creativity as a process: Understand why creativity in coaching is more of a cognitive process than just a final product or "wow moment."Balancing structure and freedom: Discover how to blend structure with autonomy to create an environment that encourages creative thinking.The power of silence: Learn why saying nothing can sometimes be the most powerful coaching tool.Observational skills: Improve your ability to notice subtle cues and patterns in player behavior and game situations.Questioning techniques: Explore how the right questions can guide players to think independently and creatively.Decision-making under pressure: Equip your players to make effective decisions in high-pressure situations by fostering problem-solving skills.Creative defense and attack: See how creativity applies not just to attacking play but also to defensive strategies.Coaching behaviors that inspire: Reflect on how your own coaching behaviors can either foster or stifle creativity.Future-proofing your coaching: Prepare players not just for the current game but for the evolving nature of rugby in the future. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach WeeklyAlso, 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!

Send us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell welcomes Jamie Taylor—Assistant Professor of Elite Performance at Dublin City University, Academy Coach with Leicester Tigers, and Senior Coach Developer at Grey Matters UK. Together, they dive into the practical aspects of coaching, discussing session planning, skill acquisition, and what it truly means to develop coaching expertise. Jamie challenges conventional ideas on coaching theory, explaining the importance of understanding "why" we coach the way we do and how we can design better learning experiences for players. Whether you're a grassroots coach or working at the elite level, this conversation will make you think more deeply about your coaching intentions and the impact you have on your players.Understanding coaching expertise: Why coaching is more than just following a template.The importance of coaching intentions: Moving beyond "what" we coach to "why" we coach it.Session planning insights: How to design training sessions that truly develop players.Exploration vs. exploitation in skill acquisition: When to encourage players to try new things vs. refining existing skills.How coaches can improve: The role of reflection, questioning, and learning from mistakes.Theoretical perspectives on coaching: A look at cognitive, ecological dynamics, and predictive processing approaches.Measuring progress in coaching: How to assess whether training methods are effective.Understanding how session design affects player development.Common coaching misconceptions: Why making training look good doesn't always mean it's effective.Jamie's personal coaching evolution: Lessons learned from years in coaching and academia. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach WeeklyAlso, 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!

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 WeeklyAlso, 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!

Send us a textJoin Dan Cottrell on the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast as he dives into a compelling conversation with Stuart Armstrong, renowned coach developer and host of The Talent Equation podcast. Together, they tackle the nuanced topic of ethical coaching—what it means, why it matters, and how it can transform both grassroots and elite coaching environments. With insights drawn from Stuart's extensive experience in sports development and hands-on coaching experience, this episode explores the practical and philosophical dilemmas coaches face daily, from balancing inclusivity to navigating moral decision-making in competitive settings.Some of the key points:Ethical coaching ensures positive experiences for all by addressing dilemmas like inclusion vs. performance. Coaches need ongoing support, not just training, through mentorship and peer learning. Inclusivity, transparent communication, and harm prevention are vital. Governing bodies must shift focus to practical, in-situ development, valuing coaching as part of the care industry.To listen more from Stuart on his podcast, go to: https://pod.link/1209549739 To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach WeeklyAlso, 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!

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.

Send us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell discusses tackling in women's rugby with Kathryn Dane, an international rugby player, sports scientist, and coach. Kathryn, who has 23 caps for Ireland and is the coach for Ulster Women's Rugby and Old Belvedere, shares insights from her groundbreaking research into safety, skill acquisition, and performance in tackling. She discusses:The differences in how women develop tackling skills compared to men.Challenges unique to women's rugby, such as late entry into the sport, limited resources, and coaching disparities.Findings from her research, including the effectiveness of techniques like the "wrap and clamp" for successful tackles.The psychological and tactical preparation required to overcome fear and build confidence in contact.Strategies for introducing and developing tackle skills progressively, ensuring safety and skill retention.The critical role of intentional coaching, creating supportive environments, and leveraging leadership within teams.The findings are essential for anyone who is involved in the women's game or keen on improving tackle coaching across all levels of rugby. Kathryn also shares practical tips for balancing safety, performance, and progression in training.Find out more about Kathryn's work on LinkedIn, ResearchGate, or Instagram. Dive deeper into the science of tackling with Sharief Hendrik's rugby research roundup. Links are available on Rugby Coach Weekly. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach WeeklyAlso, 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!

Send us a textJoin Dan Cottrell as he dives deep with coaching legend Dave Collins in this thought-provoking episode of Rugby Coach Weekly. Together, they explore how context dictates coaching strategies and how to develop adaptable, critical-thinking players. Dave tackles big questions:What does a Dave Collins rugby session look like?How do you balance questioning with active practice?Why is “It depends” a cornerstone of professional judgment in coaching?How do you foster curiosity and skill acquisition in players and coaches?What's the role of experimentation and reflection in developing as a coach?This episode is packed with actionable insights for coaches, educators, and leaders in any field.Suggested Further ReadingExpand your understanding with these academics and resources referenced in the discussion:Mosston and Ashworth's Spectrum of Teaching Styles – foundational work on teaching methods across diverse contexts.Shane Pill and Brendan SueSee – experts in physical education and sport pedagogy.Jamie Taylor and Dave Collins' Upcoming Book on Skill Acquisition – releasing soon, blending ecological, cognitive, and predictive models of learning.Who is Dave Collins?Dave Collins is a renowned performance consultant and psychologist. He is the director of Grey Matters, a leading consultancy specialising in performance psychology and coaching, with additional expertise in clinical psychology, counselling, conditioning, nutrition and sports medicine: in short, a one-stop shop! One big feature of the company is their 'pracademic' status; they generate original research to meet client needs as well as deploying current innovations. Dave has worked with elite athletes, coaches, and teams across multiple disciplines, helping them reach their highest potential through evidence-based approaches. He is a former Performance Director for UK Athletics and has held senior roles in both academia and applied sports settings. Currently, Dave is a Professorial Fellow in Human Performance Science at Edinburgh University and a Professor of Elite Performance at Dublin City University. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach WeeklyAlso, 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!

Today Dan Cottrell from Rugby Coach Weekly is back on the Rugby Muscle Podcast, in this episode expect to understand ways to get better at rugby, including improving your skills, technical and tactical abilities and of course your strength and conditioning.This podcast also goes into the coaching science in why popular coaches are different from effective coaches, and how you might be able to tell the difference.There's also a discussion on the recent guidelines released from World Rugby about the male and female coaching styles and why World Rugby maybe made a mistake.Rugby Muscle Elite 1on1 Coachinghttps://rugby-muscle.com/elite/For The Rugby Athlete Blueprinthttps://rugby-muscle.com/14DRABTeam Rugby Musclehttps://rugbymuscle.programs.app/If you're a rugby coach, check out Dan's site which is a fantastic resource for drills, games, plays and knowledgehttps://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/Support the Show.

This week's guest is Dan Cottrell. Dan is the editor of Rugby Coach Weekly. Dan is a practising RFU Level 3 coach and coach educator. He coaches with the Bristol Bears DPP programme, is the assistant coach with University of Bristol Women's team and is a coach mentor for Broad Plain RFC mini and juniors section. He was Head Coach of Swansea Schools U15 and has previously held coaching roles with the Young Ospreys Academy and as Assistant Coach with the Wales Women's Team for the 2010 World Cup. He was director of rugby for Cranleigh School, Surrey. Previously he played rugby for Bath and Bristol. During this chat we spoke about making sure us as coaches allow learning to happen during training sessions. We chatted about making sure your persona you display matches the message you are portraying as well as Player Empowerment and being the best version of yourself Dan can be contacted on the below website or via his socials https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-cottrell-9b699523/ https://twitter.com/RugbyCoachWeek https://www.facebook.com/RugbyCoachWeekly/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bullys-rugby-coaching/message

In this Podcast I'm joined by Dan Cottrell of Rugby Coach Weekly, a fantastic thinker about all things rugby.We go off on the deep end in this one and get stuck into why rugby players play the game, what happening to the game and what you as a rugby player or a coach can do about it.More  on Rugby Muscle:InstagramYouTubeFacebook GroupWebsite with ArticlesTHE Rugby Conditioning GuideRugby Muscle Elite 1on1 CoachingAll things Rugby MuscleSupport the show (http://rugby-muscle.com)

The rugby coach weekly is an online platform that supports coaches to develop their practices and methodology to better support their player development. Host, Phil Llewellyn is a coach at Oxford University whilst David Kilcoyne is Head of Rugby at Desborough College Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan speaks to coaches Mike Pope and Rhys Williams about how they've used what they've learned from reading Doug Lemov's book: A Coach's Guide to Teaching.Here are some of Doug's thoughts after listening to the podcast (more notes on the Rugby Coach Weekly website):Until it comes unprompted when we aren't reminded to think about it, we probably haven't learned it.“Interleaving is always with something you've already talked about.” Hugely important clarification for coaches that I hadn't thought to make… though I will now.Here are the key areas Dan, Rhys and Mike discussed:Rhys's six week plans: how they work in the context of what he took from the bookUsing feedback more effectively: examples, scenarios and maintaining flow in the session. Plus shortening the feedback loopHow interleaving makes learning stickHow the Forgetting Curve works for rugby playersTough feedback which creates pressureDesirable difficulty in trainingRhys is a youth rugby coach, plus works with Saracens DPP.Mike is a school's head of rugby , senior mens coach, plus a lead coach with Bath DPP.

For this episode I’m joined by two coaches I hold in high regard for the information they share and the positive outlook they portray as coaches.Adam Gillings is U12’s Coach at Bracknell RFC, Kids First Mentor but primarily, dad to his two kids.Rhys Davies is now a Coach Developer with the RFU after stints at London Irish and the Honourable Artillery Company.The conversation revolved around a following a player-centred approach especially after such a lay off during lockdown and how to incorporate some session design elements that don’t always spring to mind.The excellent London Irish Session Design Toolbox gives some great ideas and my guests talk about the Tactical Warfare and Meta-Cognition elements, and how block practice still has its place.You can find information on the London Irish Session Design Toolbox here.We also talked about adaptive games following Rhys’ excellent recent article for Rugby Coach Weekly. You can find his article on Fiji Touch here.

Dan chats to Lisa Lane Brown about how we can practically improve mental toughness with our athletes and players.Drawing on her experience, first as a world-class ice hockey player and then as a mental skills coaches, she gives us recognisable steps for flipping the switch from nerves into confidence.She explains her three Cs, why her mother inspired her to shoot more, why do you lose your confidence and how to get it back.To find out more about Lisa Lane Brown's guides to mental toughness, visit her at Courage to Win.Rugby Coach Weekly subscribers can download her free guide: Never Choke Again, Stop Losing and Start Winning Today, here.Lisa Lane Brown is the world’s leading personal success coach using the power of the Courage to Win.® She is famous for helping  people create success and unconditional happiness fast, without superficial self-help or never-ending therapy. Entrepreneur Magazine called the Courage to Win®, "A straightforward guide to success, highly recommended."A 3-time World Champion in her sport, Lisa has worked with over 7,652 executives, Olympic athletes, and high achievers in over 34 countries to help them reach their goals. 

Welcome to episode 44 of the FYB Rugby Round Table...This week, I chat to coaching guru Rugby Coach Weekly's Dan Cottrell on the challenges of coaching teams during the pandemic as well as putting the Rugby world to rites!Tune in each week LIVE on https://www.facebook.com/fybrugby on Thursday evenings at 1900GMT.SUPPORT OUR SHOW - GET 10% OFF ANYTHING AT RUGBYSTORE.CO.UK BY USING OUR PROMO CODE FYBPOD AT CHECKOUT!SUPPORT OUR SHOW - Thank you to The Swan Rooms at The Reeves, the home of Staines Rugby for sponsoring this episode. 2 unique event spaces with fully licensed bars and large outdoor area for any occasion or corporate function. Email bookings@stainesrugby.com or follow on Instagram @roomsswan for more information.SUPPORT OUR SHOW - https://supporter.acast.com/fyb-rugby-round-tableFollow our social channels -Facebook.com/fybrugbyTwitter - @fyb_rugbyInstagram - @fyb_rugbySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/fyb-rugby-round-table. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In our first ever EightyPercentMental Sidecast, Dr Pete and Hugh take over the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast. You don’t have to be into rugby to enjoy this one though! Hugh is asking the questions, while Pete, and guests, Ross Shand and Dr Andrew Wood discuss how they would solve real-life problems. The catch? They don’t know what the questions are going…Read more →

In our first ever EightyPercentMental Sidecast, Dr Pete and Hugh take over the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast. You don’t have to be into rugby to enjoy this one though! Hugh is asking the questions, while Pete, and guests, Ross Shand and Dr Andrew Wood discuss how they would solve real-life problems. The catch? They don’t know what the questions are going to be, and they each have to give a different answer, based on their knowledge, experience, and ability to make things up quickly.How did we come up with this great idea? We didn't. Dan Cottrell from Rugby Coach Weekly runs this same “Haunted House” process with coaches - a great way to challenge and develop practice – so we teamed up, and this EPM Sidecast is the result. Enjoy - and then go check out the RCW podcast!Rugby Coach Weekly podcast on Twitter: @RugbyCoachWeekRoss Shand on Twitter: @RossShandDr Andrew Wood on Twitter: @Woodington89Dan Cottrell on Twitter: @Dan_Cottrell

Welcome to the Rugby Coach Weekly...Haunted House, featuring:Andy Stevens, Academy Chair and Club Coaching Coordinator at Ellingham and Ringwood, Level 2 coach, working with the clubs U11s, plus U13s and U15s girls, and coaching U18 boys at the local college.Jess Bunyard, Director of Women and Girls Rugby and Rugby Development Officer at Huddersfield YM RUFC. Head coach of University of Huddersfield Women's Team. Level 2 coach, assisting Yorkshire U18s Girls team Nathan Gosling, a teacher, coaching his son's club team, coach at Exeter DPP, county U20s coach and just appointed head coach at Crediton RFC.These three unsuspecting coaches were invited to enter the Haunted House. I led each one into a room where they faced a terrifying rugby scenario. Each one was challenged to find a coaching solution. On the spot, no preparation and no get out clauses. Sink or swim.The other two coaches listened on, and at the end of the solution offered alternative views. One acts as the Devil's Advocate, offering a completely different angle to the first two.At the end, we also reveal the Skeleton in the Cupboard.Please drop your own solutions in Twitter @rugbycoachweek

Welcome to the Rugby Coach Weekly...Haunted House, featuring:Richard Cheetham, Senior Fellow in Sports Coaching at the University of Winchester, was awarded the MBE in recognition for his work in Community Education and Sport, working with the RFU as well as many other top sports governing bodies Rachel Taylor, first female Welsh Rugby Union regional academy coach, a former international with 67 caps as well as captaining the side, coaching the Barbarians team plus head coach of Colwyn Bay RFC mens team, Russell Bolton, a level 3 coach, course RFU course director, coached in Italy, and now the rugby professional Magdalen College, OxfordThese three unsuspecting coaches were invited to enter the Haunted House. I lead each one into a room where they faced a terrifying rugby scenario. Each one was challenged to find a coaching solution. On the spot, no preparation and no get out clauses. Sink or swim.The other two coaches listened on, and at the end of the solution offered alternative views. One acts as the Devil's Advocate, offering a completely different angle to the first two.At the end, we also reveal the Skeleton in the Cupboard.Please drop your own solutions in Twitter @rugbycoachweek

Welcome to the Rugby Coach Weekly...Haunted House, featuring:Bruce Aitchison, housemaster at Merchiston Castle School, Level 3 coach, former coach at cup winning Boroughmuir, played and coached across the globe. Creator of Happiness is Egg Shaped.Geraint Davies, Head of PE and Games at Leicester Grammar School, Head Coach at Nuneaton RFC, a coach with Gloucester Academy and a Senior Coach Developer and Level 3 mentor, video analysis guru on Twitter and YouTube.Phil Llewelyn, just back from coaching in Canada, former Player Development Officer with England Rugby and Talent Developer with Ireland Rugby and a former national league head coach with Hinckley RFC.These three unsuspecting coaches were invited to enter the Haunted House. I lead each one into a room where they faced a terrifying rugby scenario. Each one was challenged to find a coaching solution. On the spot, no preparation and no get out clauses. Sink or swim.The other two coaches listened on, and at the end of the solution offered alternative views. We then commented on those solutions, before we went off to the next room.Please drop your own solutions in Twitter @rugbycoachweekFor more details on the brilliant answers we hear about in the episode, go to:

Peter Russell is very experienced coach, having worked with premier teams across the rugby globe. He was head coach of Hawkes Bay, assistant coach with the Highlanders Super Rugby team, head coach at the Newcastle Falcons and the NEC Green Rockets in Japan. He is now head coach at the Manawatu Mitre 10 Cup team. In the pod, he was keen to chat about the game plan concept, trends and the exposure of defence systems. In this detailed podcast, here are some of the many areas we covered:What is meant by an attacking part of a game planWhat are the key elements to this game planHow does an attack breakdown the modern, aggressive defensive systemsWhy "shape" comes secondHow does "shape" work, for example, with a 1,3,3,1 systemWhat happens in training to enable the game plan to workWhat's the role of kicking in a game planWhy we need to think about the width of passes from the base of a ruckWhat the All Blacks disastrously forgot against the Lions in 2017To find out more around the topics covered this podcast, go to the Rugby Coach Weekly page on this podcast.

As head coach and editor of Rugby Coach Weekly, Dan has provided thousands of coaches worldwide with drills, insight and advice covering all aspects of coaching. A former player for Bath and Bristol, Dan is a level 3 coach, level 2 referee and course tutor.In this podcast Dan and Dave talk about how to deal with the problems coaches face when they are coaching children:Playing in an academyChanging age groupsCoping with losing playersGrassroots to academyEqual playing timeCoaching the ruckThe Beatles drummer and parental control

Creating a magical culture is the key to all aspects of life. Today's guest Dan Cottrell is a master of this, through his teaching, coaching and business. This week's podcast will provide everyone with a truckload of knowledge and ideas to improve whatever purpose or passion they have in their life. Dan has over ten seasons as head coach and editor of Rugby Coach Weekly where he has provided thousands of subscribers worldwide with drills, insight and advice covering all aspects of coaching. A former player for Bath and Bristol, Dan is a level 3 coach, level 2 referee and course tutor. He has coached international rugby with Wales Women, representative rugby with Ospreys U25, U18s and U16s and is currently a coach with Swansea Schoolboys U15. He also coached his son’s team from U6s through U16s. Dan's a regular contributor with ConnectedCoaches and a former director of rugby at Cranleigh School. Dan’s goal is to help all coaches be the best they can be. Great coaches make great players. https://www.rugbycoachweekly.net/

In our series of session walkthroughs, Chris Sweetapple discusses with a game he renamed "hot rucks", which was a development of the Rugby Coach Weekly game, Snap-back ruck game.We start by chatting about the season review process, including his club's "speed-dating" session to improve each team's understanding of the coming season.In the walkthrough, we discuss:How to set up the game.Key factors for quick games.How to coach effectively during the game.Why he renamed the game "hot rucks"/How you would change the game for different levels of player.What were the main outcomes and how this made a difference to the season.What ages this game would work for.Click here to see the original session.

Talking with experienced grassroots Chris Sweetapple, we look at a recent session he's run using a Rugby Coach Weekly activity. This episode is about "defence zone" which was the game activity as part of the practice plan, Standing in the tackle.We also discuss, and not necessarily agree (!) on the following questions: "Who are we doing this for?" and "How do development and results coaches get along?"

Dan Cottrell is the Editor of Rugby Coach Weekly and comes with 25 years of coaching experience.Originally a teacher, he took on the Rugby Coach Weekly role full time in 2005 and now mixes it with coach education, tutoring, and coaching. He has had roles with age-grade rugby in Surrey and the Ospreys region, along with an assistant coach role with the Welsh Women.Twitter: @Dan_CottrellWebsite: www.rugbycoachweekly.net

Dan Cottrell is an extremely experienced coach with over 25 years at the coal face. He has been writing and discussing coaching for over a decade as the editor of Rugby Coach Weekly, an online magazine for rugby coaches which has allowed him to learn from some of the game's best practitioners. Dan came to the podcast with a specific question about the best way to coach kids when there is an element of safety that needs to be attended to. Needless to say...we didn't stay entirely on topic but the conversation was richer for it. In the podcast we cover...- Why Dan believes that children shouldn't play organised sport younger than age 10- How he uses 'free time' to enable children to truly 'play' without adult intervention- How he uses games to let children learn key movements - Intervention strategies to guide learning and ensure safety- Insights from some of the worlds best coaches and coach developersThis is a conversation rich with information for those trying to improve what they do on a weekend with youngsters as well as having significant implications for those working in talent environments. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Dan Cottrell is an extremely experienced coach with over 25 years at the coal face. He has been writing and discussing coaching for over a decade as the editor of Rugby Coach Weekly, an online magazine for rugby coaches which has allowed him to learn from some of the game's best practitioners. Dan came to the podcast with a specific question about the best way to coach kids when there is an element of safety that needs to be attended to. Needless to say...we didn't stay entirely on topic but the conversation was richer for it. In the podcast we cover...- Why Dan believes that children shouldn't play organised sport younger than age 10- How he uses 'free time' to enable children to truly 'play' without adult intervention- How he uses games to let children learn key movements - Intervention strategies to guide learning and ensure safety- Insights from some of the worlds best coaches and coach developersThis is a conversation rich with information for those trying to improve what they do on a weekend with youngsters as well as having significant implications for those working in talent environments. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Matt Rowley and Scott Allen are joined from the UK by Editor of Rugby Coach Weekly, Dan Cottrell. They look over the teams for the second test this weekend and talk tactics ahead of the most important test outside of world cup 2011.