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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