How to use this Manual
From beginning to end, the Coaching Manual is 'the perfect working rugby curriculum'.
As is normal with a curriculum, it should be followed in sequence - as it is presented.
Later Sessions will require the knowledge and expert application of earlier sessions. Indeed, consistent revision of the 'essential basics' should form a part of every Practice.
The Manual is divided into three (3) Sections:
- Section 1. Essential Level
- Section 2. Intermediate Level
- Section 3. Advanced Level
Each Section is divided into the following sub-sections:
- Attack - General
- Attack - From Set Pieces
- Attack - Counter Attack
- Defence
- Kicking
"When I analyse a game, whether it be junior, senior or international, I feel that I can attribute all so-called errors, or poor choices of option, to flaws in technique. I can see poor passing technique, poor catching technique, poor lines of support, poor re-alignment, poor tackle technique, poor kicking technique, poor communication, poor visual awareness, poor kick return, poor kick chase - these can also lead to poor discipline."
Each Section contains a number of Sessions, each of which is designed to last about 90 minutes - the length of the average coaching session.
Each Session contains a number of Practices.
Each Practice is designed to develop individual technique leading to skill application and culminating in a game-related scenario which requires the application of all the practices in this session.
For example, Session 1 begins with Practice 1: Catch and Pass, and continues through Practices 2: Straight Running and Practice 3: Clearing Pass. This Session culminates in Practice 4: Taking the Overlap which requires the game application of Practices 1, 2 and 3 combined.
It is very important that the session ends with the game application of the acquired techniques. This gives meaning to each of the skills and their place in the 'real game'. It will give satisfaction to the players - and do wonders for the coach's standing!
The application of our philosophy - "practice does not make perfect, only perfect practice makes perfect" - will ensure that you place great emphasis on technical competence - that is, performing the techniques and skills of the game perfectly at all your coaching sessions.
Uncorrected poor technique will undoubtedly limit the development of your team and the level of your team's performance.
This will eventually frustrate both you the coach, the players and your supporters!
COMMON STRUCTURE TO EACH PRACTICE
The Practice that make up each Session in this Manual are presented in a common format, which includes:
- Key Principles, which outlines the fundamental objectives and important considerations of the Practice.
- A Practice Diagram which shows the set-up positioning of players, equipment and, where applicable, the coach and also indicates the movement required by the players in the execution of the practice. The Diagram Legend on page 7 shows a key to the graphics used throughout this Manual.
- A script of Instructions which, when read in conjunction with the diagram, describes the set-up, positioning, play and outcomes of the practice.
- Links to our website, where further information and videos can be found.
LEGEND TO DIAGRAMS
"After our very first practice session, with the ‘new’ bobdwyerrugby philosophy and detail, players came up to me and said, ‘I have been playing rugby for years and only now do I know where to go and my role in the game.’ The players loved it, the coaches loved it and the crowd loved it. It brought instant and sustained success. It was an amazing transition that the players bought into. I’m hoping to do the same at the Queensland Reds."
