Coaching

[chickenfeet]

Last night was my first night coaching. There were five of us for thirty kids which was only just enough! This was our U14 squad so there was a pretty wide range of sizes and experience levels. Boys in the 12-13 age group vary enormously in size and degree of physical maturity.

I enjoyed myself. There were a couple of kids with very little experience who were eager and quick to learn and it was enormously satisfying to see how quickly they picked things up. One of the younger ones who was trying out at open side just ran fantastic lines even though we'd only had a couple of minutes to explain what we wanted him to do. His pace and workrate were really impressive too.

Of course, there were the ones who already know it all and had the attention span of gnats but I expected some of that. What was more puzzling were the couple of kids who seemed to want to be anywhere but on a rugby field. I knew kids like that at school but then they had to be there, these guys didn't!

I talked with Bill about my future role and he wants me to focus on the U16s when their season starts which is a bit more of a commitment since they train two evenings per week. I'm comfortable with that. The scary thing is he needs a backs coach! Bill and I are former team mates so he knows just how much I know about back play! I see a coaching manual in my future.

Comments

[knirirr.livejournal.com]

they had to be there, these guys didn't

Parental or peer pressure, perhaps?
I was one of those who would rather be anywhere but on any kind of sports field.

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

Parental or peer pressure, perhaps?

I guess so

[kalypso-v.livejournal.com]

That was my guess, too. I'm glad it was enjoyable, and hope the keen kids continue to make it all worthwhile.

[tanuja.livejournal.com]

I have a friend who coaches at Regis Uni in Colorado if you want any ideas. He also refs for some games as well. I realise that things are very different for rugby in the US, but thought I'd put the offer out there. He's been very encouraged by both the kids and their parents who are excited about their kids not playing American Football once they hit college.

Good luck with the coaching!

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the offer but we have plenty of coaching resources locally.