Martin's Rugby Coaching Forum

When I was being coached into rugby nearly 30 years ago there was a strong hard work ethic. Coaches would break down the players, be verbally very present.... My coach would put in extra 200 meter runs at the end of the practise, we did 10k or higher runs. I remember long training sessions in the mud.

The reason behing this was to harden the players and instill discipline in the team. We had great success as a team.

Are these methods of training self-reliance and discipline still valid? I feel that they turn youngster away from the game.

Speaking (sorry writing) as someone who was around at the same time, I think the answer is that 30 years ago, none of us knew any better way of doing things. The reason that these methods turn off (especially youngsters) is that science and the internet has given all of us so much more info on how to train much more effectively according to positional requirements. The 10 k run is no longer applicable, and (if you REALLY have to do them) the 200 metre runs can be more effectively coached with the use of a ball ( I have a few killer stamina drills thatreflect the demands of the game - they kill far more effectively than plodding around a cross country course). Players today do not need to be scared of the coach, and honestly speaking the harshness of the coaching methods of the days of yore were often the only way out for the coach who knew no better. If the players don't want to do it hard work themselves - if they have to be forced to do anything - then they are not going to be trustworthy players. The desire has to come from within, and to be encouraged and nurtured from without.

This is just another case of SSDD and i am sure that you will all agree with me.

Would you say coached or thatreflect is better?

Along these lines: we had to do 10 push ups everytime we dropped the ball. Is there a scientific reason for that?

As opposed to intrinsic motivation, that sort of stuff!

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Coach Wilson

I do not believe in this anymore. players should be challenged to perform the skill rather than be afraid to make a mistake. Wrong side of the "Flow" model. If players go for the safe option and do not take risks than they learn nothing new.

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Martin, Rugbyhead