Scottish Rugby Coach Development Programme Mini Rugby Coaching 2015/16 Welcome and introduction Colin Ireland

Coaching Workshop This workshop is based on the players developing essential rugby skills through the use of games. It will show you the difference between Game coaching and using games to develop skills. It also will cover the approaches and methods a coach can use to get the most out of the limited time they have with their players. It will show you how to manage games and provide appropriate feedback.

Areas of specific Development Micro rugby to Primary 5 – What do the players want to do when they have the ball? Rucking in mini rugby – Maximising Continuity - Is there another way where you can develop the players essential skills? Game sense – How do you develop it and can it be measured for individuals and squads?

Success! We lead the world What will success look like and how can we measure it? More youngsters involved in Mini rugby. More players continuing to play rugby into adult life. Players and coaches really enjoying mini rugby. Players becoming very competent at the essential skills. The quality of playing and coaching in Scotland improves dramatically. Other countries copy our methods.

A change in approach to coaching Mini rugby has been coached the same way since it started and if we want to lead the way we have to be brave and adopt a Scottish method of coaching. If we agree on this, what is it?

Practical Coaching The more you coach the better you become. The majority of coaches at mini level give up after 4 or 5 years, just as they are getting really good at it. You have a very limited time with the players each week so what you do has to be good.

Activities that improve your players 4 Essential skills 1.Passing 2.Running 3.Support 4.Tackling Games that focus on each skill

What will make a big difference? 1.Your attitude to coaching and developing the players for the long term. 2.Using games as opposed to drills. 3.Increasing the number of sessions you have with the players. 4.Using your limited time with the players more effectively. 5.The players taking part in a wide range of sports and activities. 6.Working as a coaching team and setting out season plans. 7.Working on quality at every session. 8.Having a playing surface that is firm and safe. 9.Your enthusiasm and commitment to improving your players. 10.Promotion of rugby to other parents, friends and work colleagues.

A Mini Season template Would the following season template work for your club and help develop the players? 1.September to end November – 12 weeks Mini Rugby sessions & games. 2.January to mid March – 8 weeks Multi sports – Judo, basketball, football sessions organised centrally with qualified coaches. 3.Mid March to Mid May 8 weeks Mini Rugby sessions & games.