The interactions we have during a session
Andy Stevens is back and this time he's thinking about those coach-player moments in a session. One of the most important aspects of coaching.
I’m currently Lead Coach for U18 Men’s and U18 Women’s teams at Barton Peveril College, Lead Coach U16 development group at Bath Academy, Colts assistant coach at Ellingham & Ringwood RFC and an England Rugby Coach Developer and Mentor.
In sessions, I take on the typical lead coach role which includes directing the training. My coach-player interactions include:
Incorperating a player-centric approach, so acting upon their feedback.
Listening and organising lots of group interactions, so the players tell me information
I also really enjoy 1-2-1 interactions both in session and out of session. Really helps me to connect with the player and reinforce/boost their feelings.
I don’t plan the start of the 1-2-1 sessions. If there’s a coaching point that’s been made previously I might make that point again in passing with the player. I might also make a new coaching point based on what I’ve just seen.
The 1-2-1 interactions are with players active in the session, so I aim to interact with the players in a subtle way so that I can gently influence without making players feel like they standout.
The need to have a 1-2-1 chat with a player probably triggers more in my gut than in my head.
Some of my off-field 1-2-1s can go on for a while. They can be skill or self-belief based, or personal life based. Sometimes we don’t know where that conversation will go.
I might notice a scrum-half who finishes their passes off beautifully in practice but pulls the hands short under game pressure. I might give them a quick reminder: “lovely action, just remember to finish those hands off”.
It could also be someone who seems off in a session, so a quick “you ok?” can often unlock a futher discussion with them.
My other coaches know I’m very player-centric and expect me to have those interactions. I’ve only ever really discussed them with one other coach - who is very like minded.
If you’re a coach looking to have more 1-2-1 interactions then go for it! Just know your players and understand who will react well to what type of interaction.
Having 1-2-1 interactions feels organic and spontaneous for me. If you’re looking to have more of these exchanges in a session try to pick a number of players to have 1-2-1s with in each session. Each session change which players you’ve picked
After each session, reflect on how effective any previous 1-2-1s have been and use that as motivation.
Working with players on goals or having individual development plans (IDPs) with them can give you a framework for 1-2-1s. It also means you’ve been given permission to have potentially awkward/difficult conversations.
Above all, be open, honest and love your players.
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