Using training equipment to encourage creativity in players
Sam Colmer,coach within Oxfordshire, explains why creativity cannot exist without care and how he used different equipment to help support players creative rugby skills.
I started my coaching journey at U9’s . For over a decade I have supported local age grades teams from u9 to colts , including county u17-U18. I’m currently supporting Oxford RFC seniors as their 2nd Team manager and the Gloucester DPP in West Oxon, which I have been involved with since 2018.
Creativity within coaching is all about building an environment where players can be expressive. It’s important to allow them to be themselves, giving them the confidence and freedom to try new ideas and not be afraid of failure. Our role as coaches to help unlock their potential.
I look to a lot of other sports for inspiration and especially other coaches. I’m always experimenting and exploring ways to keep the players engaged not just physically, but cognitively. That’s the most important aspect for me.You will find lots of games within games in my training sessions.
Enabling connections within the team is vital when using games. Games and player connections have a symbiotic relationship. Peer to peer relationships are very important in any team environment. In sessions we allow time for players to discuss ideas, chat about tactics on how to beat the game.
In a training session I use headbands, which you can see in the picture. I use them to help identify teams I think having them instead of bibs makes players look up more. I also use them to give individual players a challenge, constraint or position.
Most recently at DPP, I used them for high and low numbers (forwards and backs) to even up teams. Points were awarded for a high and low number combining and leading to or scoring in a certain area of the pitch. They can also it create quite a buzz as they’re not traditionally used a clubs.
The laminated cards contain numbered rules. The players can roll the dice to set the game rules and conditions. (See end of the page for some rule examples from Sam)
As a coach, I feel it’s imperative that you step back and let them lead the discussions with each other, creating their own connections. If they do fail they learn together.
If you don’t show players that you genuinely care then they will not feel comfortable, which in turn could create anxiety which clusters up their thoughts and prevents the clear headspace they need to be creative.
If you’re working alongside someone or need a creative ally/co-coach I think finding someone who has a similar philosophy is very important. It’s also important to be able to bounce ideas around and to question those ideas too is also healthy.
You also need the ability to give honest feedback and advice to each other is also good. This requires alot of trust. Find someone who is willing to help you get better, push you forward by sharing their knowledge and experience.
I’ve always felt that I’m approachable and willing to help support others to achieve their goals by sharing my own journey positive and negative.
You can encourage creativity in players by allowing them the freedom and time to solve the problems without to much external interference.
Sometimes you do need to step in and support them, however not telling them the answer more questioning their reasons why. By questioning them on their actions players can quickly solve the problem themselves using their own thoughts , their creativity.
Coaching philosophy: To create a fun, engaging, positive and challenging learning experience in which all players have the support to be the best that they can be. Focusing on player participation over winning for creating lifelong bonds and friendships. To be competitive but not at all costs. To enjoy winning and be respectful in defeat. To abide by the core valves in everyday life and use rugby as a vehicle to develop he whole child.
