Written and endorsed by the RFU coach development team based at Twickenham, this book takes every position in the 15-a-side rugby union team and gives a series of specific drills, practice sessions and tips for coaching players to perform their unique duties. From high-ball drills for full-backs to mauling sessions for the front row, this is the first book that isolates and teaches the skills required of each position on the field. The RFU coach development team, comprised of eight positional coaches, is at the forefront of the worldwide development of coaching best practice. Each drill and session is fully supported by line drawings, photographs and guidance on coaching.

Contemporary sports coaching studies have moved beyond simple biophysical approaches to more complex understandings of coaching as a set of social relationships and processes. This is the first book to examine what that means in the context of one major international sport, rugby union. Drawing on cutting-edge empirical research in the five most powerful rugby-playing nations, as well as developments in pedagogical and social theory, the book argues for an holistic approach to coaching, coach development and player and team performance, helping to close the gap between coaching theory and applied practice. With player-centered approaches to coaching, such as Game Sense and Teaching Games for Understanding, at the heart of the book, it covers key contemporary topics in coach education such as: Long term coach development Experience and culture in coaching practice Positive coaching for youth rugby Improving decision-making ability Collaborative action research in rugby coaching Informed by work with elite-level rugby coaches, and examining coaching practice in both the full and sevens versions of the game, this book encourages the reader to think critically about their own coaching practice and to consider innovative new approaches to player and coach development. It is essential reading for all students of sports coaching with an interest in rugby, and for any coach, manager or administrator looking to develop better programmes in coach education.

Improve technique, game sense and fitness levels with the aid of Rugby Games & Drills. Developed by one of the game’s top coaches and endorsed by the Rugby Football Union, Rugby Games & Drills contains over 115 games and drills designed to bring out the very best in players, regardless of age or ability or rugby code. This book is packed with the most effective games and drills for improving core skills such as handling, kicking and decision making while providing tough physical challenges. In addition, the detailed descriptions with accompanying illustrations will help you make the most of training sessions and ensure you are ready for game day. Rugby Games & Drills is the ideal companion for coaches and players of both rugby league and rugby union looking to maximize talent and harness their potential.

Written by an experienced rugby coach, Coaching Youth Rugby is an essential guide for all coaches, parents and teachers. This one-stop practical resource will give a new coach everything they need to deliver fun, dynamic, player-centred practice sessions and guidance on how to run a team. Coaches at all levels of the game will find material and ideas aimed at helping them to formulate simple strategies to suit their level of player ability. Contents include: practical small-team games and drills, enabling coaches to run active and fun sessions for young players; ideas for teaching fundamental rugby skills, from passing and handling to tackling, kicking, scrum and lineout; coaching theories explained in an uncomplicated and easy-to-understand manner.With field-tested, age-specific information to help you learn how to communicate with players, parents, other coaches and officials, Coaching Youth Rugby will help you manage your team on match days and provide measures for ensuring player safety. Includes full details on the new RFU Continuum. A one-stop practical resource that is fully illustrated with 60 colour photographs and 100 diagrams.

Essential guide to the non-contact sport of Tag Rugby - a safe and fun way of introducing rugby to under 10s.

To be a complete rugby player, you must master both the physical and mental skills of the game. You must be prepared, committed and determined to succeed. You must be focused—Focused for Rugby. Authors Dr. Adam Nicholls and Jon Callard, former England International player and professional coach, pool their years of experience and offer a mental training programme designed to maximise performance on the rugby field. You’ll learn instantly applicable strategies for coping with stress, building confidence, managing emotions, and leading a team. You’ll even go inside the zone so you can be at your best in even the most pressure-filled situations. Focused for Rugby is more than a psychology text; it is a training programme that will sharpen mental skills and unleash your full potential. Expert advice and step-by-step techniques will transfer directly to your game. Focused for Rugby is your complete guide to becoming a complete player.

Foreword by Sir Clive Woodward. Anxious about coaching rugby to children? Maybe you're already coaching, but sometimes struggle to get your points across to your players? Perhaps you find yourself frequently running out of preparation time or think your sessions are becoming dull? Coaching Rugby is Dan Cottrell's best-selling manual created for new and aspiring coaches of junior players. It is designed to help you build your players' techniques, skills and understanding of the whole game from ages 8 to 16, to give them the best start possible to their rugby playing career. Divided into two parts, part one focuses on the basics of working with young players in a safe and rewarding environment. Part two contains more than 100 training sessions, games and developments to coach and enhance all the basic skills of rugby union.