Rugby Coach Weekly

Send us a textJoin Dan Cottrell as he dives deep with coaching legend Dave Collins in this thought-provoking episode of Rugby Coach Weekly. Together, they explore how context dictates coaching strategies and how to develop adaptable, critical-thinking players. Dave tackles big questions:What does a Dave Collins rugby session look like?How do you balance questioning with active practice?Why is “It depends” a cornerstone of professional judgment in coaching?How do you foster curiosity and skill acquisition in players and coaches?What’s the role of experimentation and reflection in developing as a coach?This episode is packed with actionable insights for coaches, educators, and leaders in any field.Suggested Further ReadingExpand your understanding with these academics and resources referenced in the discussion:Mosston and Ashworth's Spectrum of Teaching Styles – foundational work on teaching methods across diverse contexts.Shane Pill and Brendan SueSee – experts in physical education and sport pedagogy.Jamie Taylor and Dave Collins’ Upcoming Book on Skill Acquisition – releasing soon, blending ecological, cognitive, and predictive models of learning.Who is Dave Collins?Dave Collins is a renowned performance consultant and psychologist. He is the director of Grey Matters, a leading consultancy specialising in performance psychology and coaching, with additional expertise in clinical psychology, counselling, conditioning, nutrition and sports medicine: in short, a one-stop shop! One big feature of the company is their 'pracademic' status; they generate original research to meet client needs as well as deploying current innovations. Dave has worked with elite athletes, coaches, and teams across multiple disciplines, helping them reach their highest potential through evidence-based approaches. He is a former Performance Director for UK Athletics and has held senior roles in both academia and applied sports settings. Currently, Dave is a Professorial Fellow in Human Performance Science at Edinburgh University and a Professor of Elite Performance at Dublin City University. 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!

Send us a textJoin host Dan Cottrell as he sits down with Danny Powell, a skill acquisition developer and performance psychologist from Manchester Metropolitan University. Danny shares his expertise working with coaches, including GB Aquatics and Sale Sharks, to explore the art and science behind skill acquisition.In this episode, they dive deep into:What "skill acquisition" really means and why it matters for coaches.Practical approaches to helping athletes learn and refine motor skills.The balance between conscious and automatic learning processes.How coaches can evolve their own techniques through reflection and open-mindedness.Whether you're coaching at the grassroots level or working with elite athletes, this episode offers valuable insights into how coaches and athletes can grow together through experimentation, understanding, and a focus on the journey, not just the destination. 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!

Send us a textDan Cottrell chats with Graham Bourton, head coach of the Milton Keynes Under 15s. Since taking over in 2016, Graham has transformed the team from a mere 5 players to a thriving squad of 25, thanks to his innovative coaching methods and strong community engagement.In this engaging conversation, Graham shares:His journey from rugby parent to influential coach.The methods and training courses that shaped his approach.Strategies for player development and creating a fun, competitive environment.How he overcame challenges like COVID-19 to keep players engaged and motivated.Tips on working with parents and building a strong, supportive rugby community.Insights on team selection, managing player dynamics, and balancing development and competition. 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!

Send us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, host Dan Cottrell sits down with Alex Hadley, Director of Rugby at Battersea Ironsides, to explore what it takes to build and sustain one of the world's largest community rugby clubs. Alex shares insights on balancing player availability and club culture, creating a positive and welcoming environment, and using flexible strategies to engage and retain players. The conversation delves into the challenges of running a successful rugby club in London, including managing training schedules, fostering player development, and finding effective systems to keep players motivated. Alex also offers practical advice on maintaining a consistent yet adaptable coaching language, nurturing passionate internal coaches, and the importance of reflection and continuous self-improvement. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a stronger, more connected rugby club. 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!