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Bench Warmers, Buy-In, and Being Different, with Ben Herring
Send us a textIn this episode, Dan Cottrell catches up with the globetrotting coach and former pro player Ben Herring. From being told he was too small for the 1st XV to wrestling with his dad for jackal strength, Ben shares a raw and inspiring journey through rugby, coaching, and personal growth.Now Director of Rugby at Newington College and host of The Coaching Culture podcast, Ben reflects on how being underestimated shaped his coaching philosophy, why finding your niche is key to player success, and what it really means to develop team culture without losing individuality. The conversation travels from Japan to New Zealand to professional club rugby, touching on topics like over-coaching, player psychology, bench dynamics, and how stoic philosophy inspired a team-wide cultural shift.A must-listen for any coach, educator, or rugby lover looking to lead with empathy and impact.🔗 Highlights include:Being cut from school teams and how that built resilienceCoaching culture lessons from JapanThe role of repetition and language in learningWhy sometimes it's OK to say, "Stuff the structure"Creating a unique team identity around stoicismHow to balance team-first mentality with individual strengthsHere's a link to his show:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coaching-culture-with-ben-herring/id1788635110 To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach WeeklyAlso, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!
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Unlocking Creativity in Coaching with Dr. Michael Francis Pollin
Send us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, host Dan Cottrell sits down with Dr. Michael Francis Pollin, a leading expert in coach development and coaching behaviours for player learning, development and performance. They dive into the fascinating world of creativity in rugby coaching, challenging traditional perceptions and exploring how creativity is not just a product but a process.Michael shares insights from his research and experience working with elite football and rugby academies, discussing how coaches can create environments that foster cognitive awareness, adaptability, and decision-making. From exploring the balance between structure and freedom to understanding the importance of silence and observation, this episode will leave you reflecting on your own coaching practices.Key takeaways:Creativity as a process: Understand why creativity in coaching is more of a cognitive process than just a final product or "wow moment."Balancing structure and freedom: Discover how to blend structure with autonomy to create an environment that encourages creative thinking.The power of silence: Learn why saying nothing can sometimes be the most powerful coaching tool.Observational skills: Improve your ability to notice subtle cues and patterns in player behavior and game situations.Questioning techniques: Explore how the right questions can guide players to think independently and creatively.Decision-making under pressure: Equip your players to make effective decisions in high-pressure situations by fostering problem-solving skills.Creative defense and attack: See how creativity applies not just to attacking play but also to defensive strategies.Coaching behaviors that inspire: Reflect on how your own coaching behaviors can either foster or stifle creativity.Future-proofing your coaching: Prepare players not just for the current game but for the evolving nature of rugby in the future. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach WeeklyAlso, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!
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59:38
From First XV to U14s: Coaching Rugby Across the Age Groups
Send us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Charlie Harrison, former professional player for Bath, Bedford, Rotherham and player/coach at Doncaster, ex-Head of Rugby at Marlborough College, and now coach of the U14s at Marlborough. They discuss the transition from coaching First XV to working with younger players, the importance of game-based learning, and how to develop players beyond just their physical attributes. Charlie shares insights into structuring training sessions, managing player progression, and fostering a long-term love for the game. Key Takeaways:Transitioning from First XV to U14s: Coaching younger players requires a shift from strategy-heavy sessions to focusing on skill development and game understanding.Game-Based Learning: Small-sided games and scenario-driven training help players develop decision-making skills in realistic situations.Balancing Structure and Creativity: Encouraging players to recognise space and opportunities rather than following rigid patterns leads to more effective, instinctive play.Managing Player Progression: Developing a long-term mindset ensures players grow beyond their physical attributes, helping both early and late bloomers succeed.The Role of Set-Piece Training: While vital at higher levels, younger age groups benefit more from prioritising open play, with set-piece elements introduced gradually.Keeping Rugby Sustainable in Schools: Making rugby fun, safe, and inclusive—alongside strong communication with parents—helps maintain engagement and participation. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach WeeklyAlso, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!
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53:52
Mastering Rugby Skills with The Rugby Trainer – Ben John’s Coaching Journey
Send us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Ben John, better known as The Rugby Trainer, to explore his unique coaching philosophy and the rise of his hugely popular online brand. Ben shares how he transitioned from professional rugby to skill-specific coaching, the impact of his viral content, and the importance of developing core rugby skills through creative and engaging methods.From insights on improving individual technique to the role of social media in coaching, Ben discusses how he engages young players and what makes skill acquisition sustainable over time. He also shares lessons from working with top professionals like Marcus Smith and delves into the importance of decision-making, body awareness, and confidence in player development.Key Takeaways:Skill development takes consistency: Just 10 minutes of focused training per week can make a big difference over time.Decision-making is key: The best players recognize cues and adapt their skills in real-time.Creativity in training matters: Fun, engaging drills help players improve without realizing they're working.Master the fundamentals: Catching, passing, footwork, and tackle technique should be practiced regularly.Social media as a coaching tool: Ben explains how platforms like TikTok and YouTube help young players refine their skills.Learn from the best: Insights from top pros like Marcus Smith and specialist coaches offer valuable lessons for all players.To find out more about Ben John's work go to the following links:https://www.therugbytraineracademy.com/https://youtube.com/@therugbytrainertv To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach WeeklyAlso, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!
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41:47
The Why Behind Coaching: Developing Expertise and Decision-Making
Send us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell welcomes Jamie Taylor—Assistant Professor of Elite Performance at Dublin City University, Academy Coach with Leicester Tigers, and Senior Coach Developer at Grey Matters UK. Together, they dive into the practical aspects of coaching, discussing session planning, skill acquisition, and what it truly means to develop coaching expertise. Jamie challenges conventional ideas on coaching theory, explaining the importance of understanding "why" we coach the way we do and how we can design better learning experiences for players. Whether you're a grassroots coach or working at the elite level, this conversation will make you think more deeply about your coaching intentions and the impact you have on your players.Understanding coaching expertise: Why coaching is more than just following a template.The importance of coaching intentions: Moving beyond "what" we coach to "why" we coach it.Session planning insights: How to design training sessions that truly develop players.Exploration vs. exploitation in skill acquisition: When to encourage players to try new things vs. refining existing skills.How coaches can improve: The role of reflection, questioning, and learning from mistakes.Theoretical perspectives on coaching: A look at cognitive, ecological dynamics, and predictive processing approaches.Measuring progress in coaching: How to assess whether training methods are effective.Understanding how session design affects player development.Common coaching misconceptions: Why making training look good doesn’t always mean it’s effective.Jamie’s personal coaching evolution: Lessons learned from years in coaching and academia. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach WeeklyAlso, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!
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56:09