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QUESTION ARCHIVE |
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In the past I used to answer questions you might have. Now I have set-up a forum where you can post questions or start a discussion. These questions might still interest you.....
General stuff
"Am
I too old for playing rugby?"
"I
am seeking a friend, Peter Roe"
"How
do you set up a coaching team, what are your experiences?"
"I'm
a former SA player now coaching abroad, any tips?"
"Did
playing rugby changed your character?"
I
am lost! I am a young and ambitious rugby player but too small!"
"I
am new to coaching but have to train 30 kids, what should I do?"
"What
to do? I am a young player in Austria!".
"I
do not understand the teams gameplan".
"I
started a beginners team, how do I start".
Motivation
"One
of my best players wants to leave, what can I do to keep him?"
"A
player in my team seems to pay little attention to my advise
as his coach...."
"How
can I tackle with confidence?"
"We
need direction .... get the enthusiasm back"
"Could
you please provide 5 aspects of a balanced motivational plan
...."
"We
only play 2nd division,..., different approach to coaching needed?"
Youth Rugby
"Do
you have some tips for coaching young players?".
"Is
there any information on age groups and weight?".
"I
will be coaching the 15/16 team, any advise on how to set this
up?".
Unit work
"....our
biggest weakness was our rucking/ pick up and driving"
Fitness
"I
would be extremely appreciative if you would be able to send
me any information on your yearly training program".
"Do
you have any information on the Wingate test?".
Individual
work
"How
can you be a good lock?"
"I
used to play, want to start again, but how?
"How
can I take a good place kick?"
Strength
training
"Do
you have some more information on plyometrics?"
"I
am a 16 year old rugby player, does weight training stunt my
growth?"
"I
am a 19 year old, 80 kg prop moving to senior level. How can
I get heavier - better".
"As
a 15 year old, how can I get bigger?".
"How
could I devise my own program?".
Creatine
"Are
rugby players allowed to consume creatine?"
Question
How
can I improve my confidence when taking the ball in and tackling?
I am rather short and only 12 stone (playing hooker).
Answer
Getting
protective gear will give you confidence as will doing weight
training. But most of all confidence comes from practise. Describe
all the little steps that make up a tackle actions and work on
these individual elements. Also I suggest you look at making
some new goals when training or playing. One might be trying
to tackling lower and lower. See how really low you can tackle.
Aim for the highest tackle count in a game etc. Reaching your
goals will give you confidence and make you enjoy the game even
if you win or lose.
Question:
"Does anyone have some info for me on Junior Rugby, specifically
Age Groups vs Weight & Age?". (Dave)
Answer:
"This
is always a heated debate, look if your union has something set-up
on dispensation rules. Our union has a procedure for players
to stay longer in an age-group and players who are too heavy
for a group but discussions about these are always going on...".
Makes the tackling even more difficult to train.
I once read that some of the Southern Hemisphere nations players are put into team based on their weight not based on their age.
Question: My first rugby game since I was 8 is tomorrow. I was playing football for my school but the rugby coach changed me to rugby. I am outside centre, but we have all these plays that usually end up with me getting the ball and running with it my team is under 14's and I run 100 metres in 11.32 secs. Does anyone have any pointers of getting past the opposition?
Answer:
Think
about how the defence is running towards you. Try to first move
to the direction opposite (most of the time inside) and then
move outside.
With as much speed you have it is pointless trying to run through
players when you can go around them. Run through players should
really be a last resort, maybe try side stepping players or chip
over the top and chase it.
Question:
"I've just started
a 'beginner's rugby club' locally and many people who are interested
have no prior experience in the sport. I'm not exactly a guru
but I'm mainly just focusing on teaching the basics and training
at our first meet (which is next weekend). I've got people from
ages 15-23 involved and I'd like to know if anyone has advice
or references they'd like to volunteer to help this idea become
a success". OJ
Answer
I
always feel that the most important thing is to explain that
every pass thrown puts you further away from your goal line.
Work from there, tackle line, gain line. Next is the team aspect:
the one who has the ball decides everything. Accepting his decision
is crucial.
Good luck, seems you have the enthusiasm to make this a success!
Question: "I teach A Level Sport Studies and one of my students has decided to look at plyometrics and how it is used in Rugby and its effectiveness in training. I would be glad of any information that you could give or some useful websites or articles that he could search for to help him with this."
Answer:
I
have found a lot of useful info in a book "Jumping into
Plyometrics". Check out that part of
my site.
Most important is technique:
1. Landing front foot, then heel
2. Immediately launch for the next jump
3. Pay attention not to use hard surfaces
The number of bounds/jumps can be slowly increased in each training
session up to 50 jumps per session. I use the tackle backs and
shields to jump over.
I do my play sessions direct after the warming up, the players
do not have tired legs. But most of all try to get the video...
Question:
"I've not played
the game since I was 17, and laziness/beer has taken it's toll
on me in the last 5 years. I now want to begin playing again,
and I wondered whether there any specific routines and/or exercises
you can recommend". A
Answer
My
advise would be: get going. Start jogging two times a week. Use
fixed nights to get into a routine - find a buddy - etc. When
you can jog for 40 - 45 min continuous you are ready to do some
sprinting and go to a club again.
Question: "Could you please provide 5 aspects of a balanced motivational plan that a coach could use for his team? I am aware of the individual aspects of player motivation but what motivating the entire team?" Fred
Answer: Sorry I only have four....
- Team Identity (being part of a team, history, logo, name, kit)
- Team Goals (clear targets helps to focus)
- Team Structure (Code of conduct, role clarity - acceptance - performance)
- Team Motivation (meeting individual needs of players)
Have a look at the teambuilding section of the site....."
Question: "At training [there is a] lack of imagination in everything we do. [...] I feel, to be a good team, but we need direction. Could you suggest any interesting and fun warm up/ fitness drills we could try to get the enthusiasm back in the squad. And any skills drills for line-outs, backs moves and rucks and mauls work." PA.
Answer: I do think this is not about drills but about the way your two coaches approach their role. Looking for challenges, building on your last year results should be the drive, finding new drills should be the outcome of this !.
Your role could be the team manager, discussing these issues with the coaches. I used to have a players council of three players. Think about setting this up as well.
Question: "I am a 26 (nearly 27) year
old man who has been enjoying watching rugby for 4-5 years. I
played a little at school, but had little interest (being very
skinny and bespectacled didn't help much). ". "I recently
read an article on the Kings Cross Steelers in which they said
guys in their 20's and 30's could go along and play even if they
had no experience".
"I already do some regular fitness work, do you think I
am up to playing rugby?". MC
Answer:
I
don't think you can be to old to play as long as you are aware
of limitations and risks. Of course it will be difficult to match
up to players who started as kids! My advise would be:
- join a club, start training
- as you get an idea if the game suits you start playing games
- focus on contact skills: limit the risk
- get a position in the backs
and yes, try to read as much as possible on the game.
Question: "I am 16 years old and play for my school and local rugby club. In our last school match our biggest weakness was our rucking/ pick up and driving. Is there any drills that you can tell me that would help us to improve this area? thanks". TH
Answer: Break down rucking in terms of key factors and focus on them:
- body position
- binding
- step over
- where to bind
- how many players over the ball?
You can think of lots of exercises to practise these skills. Do not try to achieve everything in one exercise. On decision making, players have to ask themselves:
- do I go over?
- do I pick up and drive?
- do I pick up and pop to a player who drives?
- do I pick up and pass wide?
Question:
"How can you be
a good lock? What nutritional and training advice can you give
me?"
VM
Answer:
"Again
a very general question, an answer is to read and talk about
the game as much as you possibly can. Train very hard and listen
to your coaches and senior players".
"Another idea is to take a top international player as a
role model. For instance, Ian Jones wrote a nice book about his
career."
Question:
I
seeking a friend, Peter Roe. He was coach
in Halifax Blue Socs 90 - 91. I lost his address. Where can I
find him now?"
Gubben i Lådan (gubben.i.ladan@uddevalla.mail.telia.com)
Answer:
"I don't know..................(Certainly I type of question
I did not anticipated, but I'm busy watching RWC video tapes,
so an easy question this time".
Question:
".....Just before the
start of the match, my opponents performed a chant that in my
opinion focused them and probably unsettled my players. It wasn't
the haka but it was effective from my viewpoint of building their
emotional readiness to the next level.......I am looking for
any chants, cadences or such that a team can use to build themselves
up just before the kickoff.......If your team does this, I'd
be interested in reading these and seeing if I can modify one
to help, my team prepare themselves for the match...." BB
Answer:
First, it is not so much what you want, it is up to your players.
I suggest you set up a players meeting, explain the optimum anxiety
- concentration curve and discuss the optimum preparations for
your team. Set up a regular routine and stick to it. You can
read about this at the mental training part of the site.
If the team thinks a "haka" will help them, do it.
My own team does not go back to the dressing room, and counts
to ten but stays on the pitch. We play a 5 minute game just before
the actual game that is very controlled but very physical. The
players come out of it very focused and with a strong feeling
of togetherness .
Question:
"I am a 16 year old rugby player, does weight training stunt
my growth?" AMO
Answer:
No, the theory that weight training should not be picked up by
youngster is not very well documented. Latest research has shown
the opposite. You should however, take care of all the precautions
all athletes have to take when they pick up weight training:
start with simple exercises, familiarise yourself with proper
techniques, build a slow progressing program.
Question
"I
am 18 and next season I will be playing Senior rugby. For my
teams this season I have been playing Prop for one team and Hooker
for the other. I weigh around 80 kg and feel that this is not
enough to play Prop at senior level. Do you think the same? If
yes please could you give me some info on what things I should
change in my game and in my fitness sessions. If no could you
give me some info of how to get heavier and use my size as an
advantage". Tony
Answer:
I
have to agree with you, 80 kg is not much for playing a front-row
position at senior level. Focus on weight and technique.
Weight: think about diet and weight training, use the summer
to do a body building programme to bulk up, you can go to a good
gym to get good advise. They might even give you advise
on what to eat. Read my diet section of the site. You will gain
3-4 kg each season the years to come!.
Technique: you can compensate a lot with the proper technique.
Get a mentor / buddy to help you out, talk with opponents after
games and scrum a lot during training sessions.
Question
"Perhaps
could I ask you some questions so that then I could devise my
own program?". JS
- What exercises do you recommend to increase strength and size?
- What sets and reps should be be used for each exercise, to increase strength and size?
- Would it be okay if I trained 3 times, but working different parts of body, e.g. Mondays - Chest, Hamstrings
- Wednesdays - Arms, Back, Quads Sundays - Calfs, Shoulders?
- How long should it take to see benefits?
- Would most strength and size gains occur in the off season?
Answer:
It
is difficult to do this through the internet, my best advise
is to find a good gym. Look at this part of the site for some basic
tips. Some answers:
- Mix core and extensions (back, abs, shoulders, chest and legs, arms) in different sessions.
- Do not worry about size, you will get bulkier much later in the program
- On sets and reps: This varies on the time in the season, try 3 - 5 series of 10 - 20 reps.
- Mixing muscle groups is an excellent idea, combine exercises and give muscle groups a rest this way. You can increase the intensity of the training.
- It will take years to see benefits (sorry, this really is a long term investment in your self and your rugby career!)
- Your off-season program can be tougher on the legs, working on more static power.
Question:
"One of my best players wants to leave, what can I do to
keep him?" CJ
Answer:
You have to decide if you want this player to stay, so sit down
and listen to him. Solve this situation as fast as possible,
it's your highest priority. Try to find out if other teammates
already know of his decision to leave, if not keep it a secret
to save the player involved the embarrassment if he decides to
stay. Talk with the player and find out the real reasons, discuss
his rugby career and argue it's in his best interest to stay.
If it requires other people to convince him, bring them in.
If a players does not really wants to leave but tries to blackmail you, be hard: tell him how he needs to communicate with you and that next time he will go!.
Question:
"What are your best and what are your worst thoughts about
rugby?" PM
Answer:
The best thoughts are about all the things it brought me: friends,
unforgettable experiences, a strong belief in my own will power.
My worst thoughts are about the future of rugby, how the money
is changing lots of things for the good but also for the bad,
take the front row battle: gone forever !.
Question:
"I am a former
rugby player
(lower
levels) from South Africa living in Belgium and have been asked
to assist with some coaching.How can I start off: courses etc
? Any suggestions ?".
DK
Answer
My
advise would be to take a course but the most important is that
things you might have done when you were still a player may not
be so clear and evident in Belgium. I think it is a challenge
for you to find out why you learned what you did.
Question:
"How do you set up a coaching team, what are your experiences?"
TM
Answer:
What you need to do is look at your own qualities and the things
your are not so good at yourself, these last gaps should be filled
by others. The other coach of the Dutch National Under 21 XV
had other qualities and we were an interesting mix.
Another example: One of my problems is that when players tell
me when they are not available I always forget. I need a good
team manager to take care of this.
Question:
"A player in my team seems to pay little attention to my
advise as his coach, how can I involve him better?" JE
Answer:
You obviously seem to be on a different wavelength than your
player, try to discuss the parts of his play he feels he needs
to work on to open up a discussion. Then bring the discussion
to the tasks you feel are important and decide together on the
route to take.
Question:
"Did playing rugby changed your character?" PM
Answer:
It
changed my life completely. I started playing when I was 18,
hard work was rewarded by a position in the first XV of R.C.
Hilversum. With this team we won three championship titles in
a row. It told me that working hard will pay of. Looking at rugby
from another perspective: within a team of 15 players each position
holds certain tasks and responsibilities, you learn to deal with
them if you play rugby more than any other sport.
When I had my job interview with Siemens we discussed my experiences
as a rugby player before we got to the normal things, Siemens
answered lots of questions themselves (can you work in a team,
can you handle stress, etc.). I got the job.
Look for more material on how a positive experience (not necessarily winning a championship) can influence someone his character in the article from Joan Duda, available form my Free Download Page.
Question:
"I was wondering if Rugby players are allowed to consume
supplements like protein or creatine and if yes do they consume
them in excess?"
Answer:
Yes,
rugby players are allowed to take creatine! Follow this
link
for more info on creatine diets.
Question:
"Do
you have any information on the Wingate test as we are doing
a comparative study between 6 secs,30 secs and 6 mins".
L.
Answer:
"Please
look at the fitness
test page
on my site. The Wingate test has been added there".
Question:
"I
would be extremely appreciative if you would be able to send
me any information on your yearly training program."
Answer:
"It
is good to see you think of fitness as a year round thing. Too
many players do nothing in the summer giving them all kinds of
problems early season. Think in cycles: off-season, pre-season,
season. For more info look at the fitness pages or download
this
fitness paper".
Question:
"I
have been a rugby fan all my life and I used to play full back
for my rugby club. I was and I am still a good player, .....
but have a big disadvantage, my size. I am about 5'8 and I tip
the scales at just over 10 stones. Can you help?".
Answer:
I
want you to be positive on this and to think like:
- I am small but very mobile
- I am still small but I will become bigger and stronger
- etc.
It sounds like you already have given up. Two things: - your size but certainly your weight will definitely go up if you do the things you are doing, weight training is a long term investment! Even if you are 21 you will still gain weight! - focus on size: become very mobile, explosive strength and speed and also become an impact. Do a little investigation: international players are not all Lomu's! Stay confident!
Question:
"I
am 17 year old, and love playing rugby. My problem? I really
want to become a good player, but rugby isn't played very often
in my country (I'm Austrian). What can I do to improve myself?"
Mike
Answer:
Try
to find the best club (or coach) in Austria. Train hard and try
to read as many books and watch as many videos as you can. Set
yourself sensible goals to measure your improvement.
Question:
"I
hope you can help me out - I am 18 yrs old and I have been playing
......At the first coaching session I had around 25 -30 kids
aged 10 - 14 yrs and I had a bit of trouble!. I was wondering
if you could point me in the direction of some coaching exercises
- ball handling, fitness, keep their attention! etc on the internet.
Answer:
First
I think it might be a very good experience as a player to teach
young kids play. You are already thinking about why you do what
you do!
Your age group is very difficult to train. I can't do it! Think
about why these kids play rugby:
- Physically challenging
- Playing in a team
- Getting dirty
- Having fun
Every training session should reflect this. Your only danger is your sessions becoming too technical. So use lots of balls, tackle bags always end with a little game.
Question:
"I
got a late start in Rugby on the college level. I have played
A-side for 3 years in college as a tight head prop, but I am
having trouble transitioning to club rugby. It seems like we
kicked more in college, and support was more predictable, because
we stressed dynamic recycling and not so much individual play
in the backs. We have some talented players in the back from
strong rugby nations, so should I just work on fitness and suck
it up? Or am I just not understanding the game? Please Help!
I can't stand not being productive". DB
Answer:
What
surprises me is that you do not have a clear understanding of
how the team should play, and that your teammates also seem to
be in this situation. What is the role of your coach in this?
Perhaps you or your captain can approach him or may be to discuss
this?
Never suck up, your input is obviously needed to improve the overall standard of the team!
Question:
"I
am 15 and play hooker for my school 2nd xv. I am very young for
the school year I am in. Being in the 2nd xv and verging on the
1sts puts me against players who are 17 or 18 years old. Thus
I m concerned about my size. I do not lack aggression or pride
but these attributes are useless without power and fitness. I
currently weigh 12st8lb and I am 5ft9. I have put on a lot of
weight over the last year but I think it is going on the wrong
parts of my body i.e. my butt. I would prefer to build my mass
around my neck and shoulders. I am also concerned with getting
to slow therefore I would like if you could write me out a program
or send me a sample of weight training/fitness to do. I have
been training with weights for around 6 months but as I have
said they have not made much effect because I have not enough
knowledge to know what to do". DIG
Answer:
I
am thinking you are doing the right things but perhaps a better
focus can help you: Stop worrying about your size. Find a good
gym that will help you with your weight program, you need support
here. Six months is not enough to notice a difference. How much
do you train? Have a close look at your diet, eat drink enough,
varied, eta. Creatine is not necessary if do all the right things
and I certainly not advise it.
Question:
"I
am currently doing my analytical for gcse pe at high school .
I was wondering if you could give me any help coaching tips for
younger players ? if this is possible i would greatly appreciate
it". CB
Answer:
All
I can say is to install a motivational climate were kids can
express them self and develop their skills, knowledge and attitude
towards the game. I have dedicated a special part to my site,
please follow this link. And there is this wonderful
website, Coaching
Youth Sports
with loads of advise!
For kids: work very, very hard, listen to your coach try to read and watch rugby as much as you can....
Question: "I am writing to you to
ask you how to take good place kick". SM
Answer:
Sorry
S. I am not a good coach on place kicking. However, I have an
news
article
on my website you might want to read.
Question:
"One of my more
experienced players recently said to me that because we only
play in the second division I should adjust my coaching to suit.
I don't agree. Maybe I should slow down a little but if we want
to keep going forward then such areas must become a basic part
of our game, or not?" Mark
Answer
"Sorry I've taken
some time to think about your player's comment. It reminded me
of a comment in ex-Wallaby coach, Bob Dwyer's book, The Winning
Way. While he was Wallaby coach, he also coached the Randwick
Rugby Club's sixth grade team. He used the same ideas re: flat,
shallow backline and passing at the gain line as he did with
the national team. A player said similar to your man's comment;
basically "Mate, these theories are great if you're a Wallaby
but we're just sixth graders!". Dwyer, however, looked at
it differently and replied, "Yes, but we're only playing
against sixth graders."
I thought
that was a great answer." Dave
Question:
I
am a mini's coach at a local club but have been asked to set
up a girls team for ages 15/16. At the moment I am a bit out
of my depth with regard to the coaching of the girls. Any help
or advice that you could give me would be very much appreciated
both by myself, the club and the girls! CE
Answer:
Since
I have never coached younger than 16 I am too asking myself what
the difference will be. I always try to see my role as a coach
on these levels:
- Strategic: what are the players capable of (skills, etc.) how do I want them to play, what does it mean for the things I do more as a coach.
- Tactical: in situations on the field, what kind of decisions to I want my team to make
- Individual: what are the motor skills needed
Does this help? For each 'level' you can ask yourself a lot of questions. For you having experience with mini rugby the tactical and strategical might scare you: my advise would be:
- develop a style of play where everybody is involved
- focus on open play although working on set-play might be easier / more recognisable
- have fun, play lots of little games
- make the girls aware that there is now another dimension to playing rugby: relate training to playing, try to make the team "coachable".
Other ways to get your (rugby) coaching questions answered:
- The Rugby Coaches Forum page where you can participate in discussions or start one!
- The internet discussion group for rugby coaches. Follow the hyperlink on my links page to join.
   
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last updated 9-4-06 |