Rugby Coach Weekly
By: Dan Cottrell
Language: en-gb
Categories: Sports, Rugby, Education, Leisure, Games
Dan Cottrell and guests discuss all the hot topics in grass roots rugby coaching from managing concussion to dealing with parents.
Episodes
Why better sessions don’t start with better drills
Jan 07, 2026Send us a text
In this episode, Dan Cottrell is joined by Phil Kearney, Associate Professor at the University of Limerick and co-founder of an organisation focused on developing a positive community of practice in skill acquisition
Together, they challenge one of coaching’s most ingrained habits: starting session design with drills, outcomes, and end goals rather than with how players actually learn. Drawing on skill acquisition research, coach education, and applied examples from grassroots to performance sport, the conversation reframes what effective practice really looks like.
Key po...
Duration: 01:01:17KatieFest and the Power of Inclusive Rugby
Dec 31, 2025Send us a text
In this Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Darren Rea, John Peel, and Gareth Lewis to explore how inclusive SEND rugby has grown from a few Sunday sessions into a powerful community movement known as KatieFest.
Together, they share how simple, values-led coaching has created safe, joyful, and challenging rugby environments for players with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, while also bringing parents, carers, coaches, and clubs closer together. The conversation goes beyond drills and sessions to unpack...
Duration: 01:01:04Building Stronger, Faster and Ultimately Better Rugby Players in the Girls’ Game
Dec 03, 2025Send us a text
In this Rugby Coach Weekly episode, Dan sits down with Emily Pratt, Strength and Conditioning Coach for the England Women’s U20s, to unpack the brand new U16 Foundational Athletic Development and U18 Athletic Development programmes reshaping the female pathway.
Emily explains how England Rugby is shifting the landscape for young female athletes. She and Dan explore:
How potential is identified beyond “ready-made” athletesWhy movement competency, aerobic fitness and training age matter more than lifting heavyThe balance between school sport, club rugby... Duration: 00:50:55Confidence, Contact, and Change: The Girls Tackle Rugby Approach
Nov 26, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Dan sits down with India Perris-Redding, one of the driving forces behind women and girls’ rugby in the North of England. Over nearly seven years with Sale Sharks Foundation, India has shaped a transformational pathway for girls’ rugby, from primary school beginners to academy-level athletes.
India shares the story behind Girls Tackle Rugby, the groundbreaking programme she built from scratch to bridge the gap between grassroots participation and the elite pathway. She talks candidly about overcoming school barriers, inspiring confidence in young players, designing game...
Duration: 00:50:17Designing the Future: Inside England Rugby’s Girls’ Pathway
Nov 19, 2025Send us a text
In this Rugby Coach Weekly episode, Dan Cottrell sits down with Benny Williams, one of the leading voices shaping the girls’ and women’s game in England. As the Girls’ PDG Coach Lead for England Rugby, Benny oversees the national U18s curriculum, supports coach development, and helps identify the next generation of Red Roses.
Benny takes us inside the newly designed U16 and U18 curriculums, explaining how the RFU built a consistent, adaptable, and player-centred framework across the nine development centres. She unpacks key principles like play...
Duration: 00:44:34Managing mismatches, parents, and game-day transfer
Nov 12, 2025Send us a text
Head coach Dan Cottrell is joined by Russell McClusky and Phil Greenaway for a lively, practical chat drawn from years across schools, clubs, and university rugby.
As hosts of the Little and Large Podcast, they bring a wealth of experience from their times as directors of sport and heads of games.
They tackle how to handle one-sided school fixtures without punishing your best players, why the referee’s feel for the game matters, and smart ways to bring parents with you.
The trio dig into development versus perf...
Duration: 00:54:5650:22 Say Less, Coach More
Nov 05, 2025Send us a text
How much talking is too much? In this episode, Dan Cottrell and Stuart James explore how coaches can make every word count. From the power of the short, purposeful chat to the art of explaining the how, what, and why in under a minute, they share practical ways to sharpen communication and boost player engagement.
Discover why the best sessions often start with fewer words, clearer intent, and more playing time — and how taking the “temperature” of your group can help you adapt what you say (and when you say it).
...
Duration: 00:09:4450:22 Stop Chasing Skill: Build Game Sense That Sticks
Oct 29, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of The 50:22 Podcast, Dan Cottrell and Stu James explore why focusing on perfect technique can hold players back.
Instead of trying to tick off isolated skills, they discuss how layering, context, and repetition help players understand what to do and when to do it.
The aim is to move from drills to decisions, from repetition to recognition.
Learn how to guide players toward real game sense and long-term progress in every session.
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go...
Duration: 00:09:3450:22 The Right Kind of Pressure
Oct 22, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the 50:22 Podcast, Dan Cottrell and Stuart James explore how to use stress as a coaching tool, not through shouting but through smart, purposeful challenge. Discover how the right kind of pressure helps players build resilience, sharpen decision-making, and raise their own standards. Learn simple ways to add competition, intensity, and mindset training into your sessions without losing calm, connection, or control.
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly
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Duration: 00:09:02High Care, Not High Performance – Ben Herring Returns
Sep 08, 2025Send us a text
Ben Herring returns to the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast to dive deeper into what he’s learned from speaking to some of the world’s top coaches. Drawing on his global coaching journey and his Coaching Culture podcast, Ben shares why grassroots rugby should focus on high care rather than high performance, why the 80% basics matter more than the 1% details, and how resilience and leadership can be actively coached.
This episode blends big lessons from names like Joe Schmidt, Steve Hansen and Mike Cron with practical takeaways you...
Duration: 00:57:12Receptive, Resilient, Ready: A New Way to Spot Talent
Sep 01, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell speaks with Neil Davies – Yorkshire Chair of Coach Development, Director of Rugby at Doncaster Demons, and Lead for the South Yorkshire Girls PDG.
Neil shares their unique approach to talent identification, explaining how Yorkshire’s "Roses" model builds on the STAR framework to assess skills, resilience, and receptiveness in young players. He discusses self-nomination, taster days, individual development plans, and the balance between rugby basics and movement skills.
Some key takeaways:
Talent ID works best when it’s holist... Duration: 00:47:16Coaching with Purpose – Lessons from Wales to Australia
Aug 25, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Owain Roberts, Coach Education and Development Manager at the NSW Waratahs and a Level 4 coach. Originally from Swansea, Owain’s journey has taken him from Welsh-speaking schools and UK teaching to the heart of Australian rugby.
Together, they explore:
How formative school and community experiences shaped his approach to coachingWhy humility, values, and belonging are central to developing coaches and playersThe evolution of coach education and the shift from drills to purposeful activity designInsights fr... Duration: 00:55:56Scholarships, Streaming, and the School Game, with Will James
Aug 18, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Dan sits down with Will James, Director of Sport at Ampleforth College, former Wales international, and ex-Gloucester star, to explore the realities of schools rugby.
They tackle big topics, from the health of the game in the North East and the impact of concussion awareness, to balancing school–club relationships, the role of streaming in player development, and the thorny issue of scholarships.
Will shares honest insights from his dual perspective as a former professional and an educator, offering a thoughtful look at how schools can deli...
Duration: 00:55:0050:22 Prepare Yourself, Not Just the Plan
Aug 10, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the 50:22 Podcast, Dan Cottrell and Stu James explore why great coaching starts with preparing yourself, not just your session plan.
Stu leads the discussion, drawing on his expertise in different workplace environments to inform his thinking on training day scenarios.
From setting the right mindset to creating simple reset tools when things go off track, learn how to arrive confident, stay adaptable, and lead with intention.
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly
T...
Duration: 00:08:4550:22 The Assistant Coach You're Ignoring
Aug 04, 2025Send us a text
What if your most impactful assistant coach is already on the sideline, holding a coffee and watching their child?
In this episode, Dan Cottrell and Stu James reframe how coaches can engage parents with purpose. From team emails to ‘parent wranglers’, discover how to create connection, reduce friction and build a shared culture that goes beyond the touchline.
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly
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A...
50:22 Make Games Work Harder
Jul 28, 2025Send us a text
Small-sided games aren’t just chaos—they’re your sharpest coaching tool. In this episode, Dan Cottrell and Stu James explore how to make games more purposeful by designing clear objectives, coaching one behaviour at a time, and helping players make better decisions under pressure. Clear rules. Smart design. Intentional outcomes.
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly
To find out more about our Partner Club offer
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Also, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activi...
50:22 Starting sessions
Jul 21, 2025Send us a text
How You Start Changes Everything
In this 8-minute episode, Dan Cottrell and Stu James dive into the power of the first five minutes of a session. From early wins to playful warm-ups without a ball, discover how to boost energy, build connection and benchmark your plan. Quick, practical and purposeful: start better, coach smarter.
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly
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...
Duration: 00:09:15Mana, Movement, and Meaning with Regan Sue
Jun 10, 2025Send us a text
In this powerful episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Regan Sue, co-founder of Haka Rugby Global, to explore how Maori culture, adaptability, and people-first coaching have helped shape one of the world’s most culturally rich rugby initiatives.
Regan shares stories from over a decade of running 100+ camps across 50 countries, unpacking the deeper meaning behind the haka, the power of coaching with cultural intent, and the nuances of leadership, energy, and skill development.
From managing chaotic changing rooms to instilling “mana” in every tackle...
Duration: 00:48:06Coaching with Connection: Soft Skills That Win Hearts and Games
May 16, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, Dan Cottrell speaks with Leicester Tigers player and Peak Team Performance founder, Tiana Gordon, about the power of soft skills in coaching.
Drawing on her academic background in neuroscience, psychology, and mental health, Tiana shares practical tools to help coaches improve communication, build genuine connections, and regulate their emotions under pressure.
From managing difficult player conversations to creating inclusive environments that support the whole squad, not just the starting XV, this episode challenges coaches to go beyond the technical and rethink how they show up for th...
Duration: 00:43:53Bench Warmers, Buy-In, and Being Different, with Ben Herring
Apr 07, 2025Send us a text
In 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...
Duration: 01:03:52Unlocking Creativity in Coaching with Dr. Michael Francis Pollin
Mar 28, 2025Send us a text
In 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...
Duration: 01:00:12From First XV to U14s: Coaching Rugby Across the Age Groups
Mar 21, 2025Send us a text
In 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.
<... Duration: 00:54:26Mastering Rugby Skills with The Rugby Trainer – Ben John’s Coaching Journey
Mar 14, 2025Send us a text
In 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...
Duration: 00:42:21The Why Behind Coaching: Developing Expertise and Decision-Making
Mar 07, 2025Send us a text
In 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.
Whe...
Duration: 00:56:43The research secrets of dominant tackling revealed
Feb 28, 2025Send us a text
Tackling is at the heart of rugby, but what truly makes a tackle dominant or a miss?
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, host Dan Cottrell welcomes Oli Bishop, defence coach for Ealing Trailfinders Women and U23s, to break down the science behind effective tackling. Oli shares insights from his Level 4 RFU research, exploring the key characteristics of dominant tackles, the role of balance and momentum, and the phases of a successful tackle.
F...
Duration: 01:00:49From Recruitment to Retention: Lessons in Coaching Girls' Rugby, with Sam Halliday
Feb 21, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Sam Halliday, a PE teacher and rugby coach working with the Oxfordshire U16 PDG squad and Brackley U14 girls.
Sam shares his insights on building a thriving coaching environment, fostering player ownership, and creating opportunities for girls in rugby.
He discusses the importance of peer-led learning, developing confidence in new players, and how structured yet flexible coaching can lead to lasting engagement. Whether you're coaching grassroots rugby or looking to refine your approach to player de...
Duration: 00:48:46Beyond Perfection: Coaching for Excellence with Lewis Hatchett
Feb 14, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell speaks with Lewis Hatchett—former professional cricketer, mindset coach, and creator of the MindStrong Sport app. They discuss perfectionism in sport, its benefits and drawbacks, and how it affects athletes and coaches.
Lewis shares his personal experiences with perfectionism, explaining how it can drive high performance but also lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and fear of failure. The conversation explores the impact of coaching environments, the role of perceived perfectionism, and how athletes can shift towards "excellencism"—stri...
Duration: 01:04:58Fundraising for Grassroots Rugby: Secrets to Success with Ed Flynn
Feb 07, 2025Send us a text
Raising funds for grassroots rugby can feel like an uphill battle, but Ed Flynn has cracked the code.
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, host Dan Cottrell sits down with Ed, a coach and fundraising powerhouse, to uncover the strategies that have helped his clubs thrive.
From securing local business sponsorships to running hugely successful raffles and race nights, Ed shares his tried-and-tested methods for generating support, engaging the community, and ensuring clubs have the resources they need to grow.
To find out more ab...
Duration: 00:46:05Building Better Coaches: Ethics, Education, and Inclusion with Stuart Armstrong
Jan 31, 2025Send us a text
Join Dan Cottrell on the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast as he dives into a compelling conversation with Stuart Armstrong, renowned coach developer and host of The Talent Equation podcast.
Together, they tackle the nuanced topic of ethical coaching—what it means, why it matters, and how it can transform both grassroots and elite coaching environments. With insights drawn from Stuart’s extensive experience in sports development and hands-on coaching experience, this episode explores the practical and philosophical dilemmas coaches face daily, from balancing inclusivity to navigating moral decision-making in competitive settings.
<...
Emotion on the Field: Coaching with Heart and Strength
Jan 24, 2025Send us a text
Join Rugby Coach Weekly's Dan Cottrell as he sits down with Marlo Boyd, Bath Rugby’s Development Officer, Bath University women's forward's coach and former Bristol Bears player.
Marlo opens up about her unconventional journey into rugby, the lessons she's learned about managing emotions—both hers and her players’—and how emotional intelligence can foster trust and growth in a team. Together, they explore actionable strategies for coaches to incorporate empathy, manage emotional highs and lows, and build a safe yet driven environment for players to thrive.
To find...
Duration: 00:55:31Coaching Through the Lens: Simple and Effective Video Analysis
Jan 17, 2025Send us a text
Dan Cottrell welcomes Craig Wilson, director of rugby at Yale University and founder of The Contact Coach. Together, they explore practical, accessible approaches to video analysis for grassroots coaches.
Craig shares personal experiences of using simple tools—smartphones, clipboards, and a bit of creativity—to make analysis both effective and manageable, even without high-end tech.
The conversation covers:
Using footage to boost players’ confidence, Balancing critical and positive feedback, And how to avoid overwhelming players (or yourself!) with too much information.Find lots of takeaway ideas you can use im...
Duration: 00:49:57Myths of motivating athletes with Dr Mark Carroll
Jan 10, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell welcomes Dr. Mark Carroll, a sports coach and lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland, and a host of Labours of Sports Coaching. Together, they delve into the myths and realities of motivation in sports coaching.
This conversation challenges traditional approaches and offers fresh insights. From breaking down misconceptions about the coach's role as the ultimate motivator to exploring how self-determination theory and other frameworks can shape coaching practice, Dr. Carroll discusses the delicate balance between external motivators...
Duration: 00:54:31Do Women Tackle Differently? Coaching, Challenges, and Solutions
Jan 03, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell discusses tackling in women’s rugby with Kathryn Dane, an international rugby player, sports scientist, and coach.
Kathryn, who has 23 caps for Ireland and is the coach for Ulster Women's Rugby and Old Belvedere, shares insights from her groundbreaking research into safety, skill acquisition, and performance in tackling. She discusses:
Building Rugby from the Ground Up: How Adam Izzard is Transforming Rugby at Stonar School
Dec 20, 2024Send us a text
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell is joined by Adam Izzard, Head of Rugby and Head of Boarding at Stonar School. Adam shares his inspiring journey of building a rugby program from scratch at a small, co-educational school better known for its equestrian facilities than its rugby teams.
From turning a horse paddock into a full-size rugby pitch to coaching a first XV squad made up of players with little to no rugby experience, Adam’s approach to developing the sport is packed with lessons for co...
Duration: 00:51:29Tackling Myths in Coaching with Mark Williams
Dec 13, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Dan Cottrell sits down with renowned sports scientist and learning expert Mark Williams to explore some of the most controversial and misunderstood myths in sports coaching.
Mark is a visiting professor at the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University. A world-leading expert in skill acquisition, Mark has authored 20 books and nearly 300 research papers and advised top sports organisations like FIFA, UEFA, and the EPL.
His latest book is: The Best: How Elite Athletes Are Made with Tim Wigmore. Click the link to...
Practical rugby ways to use ‘It depends’ from the man himself!
Dec 06, 2024Send us a text
Join 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 exp... Duration: 00:44:17Unlocking Skill Acquisition with Danny Powell
Nov 29, 2024Send us a text
Join 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... Duration: 00:53:10How we built a team from five players to 25 and why they loving coming back to play
Nov 15, 2024Send us a text
Dan 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... Duration: 00:45:23Why training on a Monday and Tuesday night means we field six men's teams a week, with Alex Hadley
Nov 08, 2024Send us a text
In 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 k...
Building Rugby Culture: Engaging Schools, New Players, and Overcoming Coaching Challenges
Nov 01, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Dan and Lindsay Abery, Thatcham U14 coach and former mini and junior chair, dive into the ins and outs of building a thriving rugby culture in schools.
They tackle essential topics like engaging new players, ensuring safety with innovative techniques, and adapting coaching styles for different age groups.
Lindsay shares practical strategies for growing rugby's reach, including tips on creating a standout coaching CV and breaking into school coaching environments.
With a mix of personal stories, practical insights, and a few laughs, Dan and Lin...
Inside a training session with Fi Hayes, one of Ireland's top women's rugby coaches
Oct 25, 2024Send us a text
Fi Hayes is a former Ireland international, winning two Six Nations and representing her country in the 2014 World Cup.
More recently, she has coached UL Bohemians to cup and league titles, been head coach of Munster U18 girls, and is now Munster Women's head coach. She has also been the Energia Women's AIL coach of the year twice.
In the podcast, I ask:
The reality of pro-rugby life, the good & the challenges, with Matt Garvey
Oct 18, 2024Send us a text
Dan welcomes Matt Garvey to the podcast. Matt had 13 years in English top flight rugby, playing for London Irish, Bath where he was also captain, Gloucester and Worcester.
He is now the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) Development Manager for Bath Rugby and Gloucester.
In the podcast, they discuss:
When an 18-year-old signs up for a club, what happens next?Even talented players don't make it. What should aspiring players do to make themselves better prepared when it comes to stepping up?There's a perception that ex-players become coaches. What... Duration: 00:50:10New laws, trial laws and old laws: Keeping up-to-date and pragmatic
Oct 11, 2024Send us a text
We are delighted to welcome back Keith Lewis to the podcast. Keith is a practising referee and runs the RugbyReferee.net website and Facebook community.
Dan asks Keith about:
If you are a referee, then you can join the rugbyreferee.net...
Duration: 00:53:50Coaching Blasts: What should we expect of a U14 rugby player, with Gary Townsend
Oct 04, 2024Send us a text
In this short podcast, Dan speaks to Gary Townsend, head of rugby at Switch Rugby about whether we have the wrong expectations of young rugby players.
He is former RFU National Player Development Manager and Bristol Bears Junior Academy manager.
In this episode, they discuss what a capable 13-year-old rugby player should achieve on the pitch and what coaches need to do differently to ensure we focus on the right skills and game understanding.
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby...
Duration: 00:23:51Grassroots coaching: Asking why, fixing, changing philosophy
Sep 27, 2024Send us a text
We are going to turn the tables and Stu James, is going to ask me the questions.
Stu is a club coaching ordinator and colts coach at Guildford RFC, as well as a coach within the Quins Foundation programme and for Surrey Colts. In addition to these volunteer roles, he has a day job as a business consultant and executive coach.
In the podcast, Stu challenges me on:
Coaching Blasts: What age to specialise as a 9 or 10, with Gary Townsend
Sep 20, 2024Send us a text
In this short podcast, Dan speaks to Gary Townsend, head of rugby at Switch Rugby with a focus on deciding when to help players specialise as a 9 or 10.
He is former RFU National Player Development Manager and Bristol Bears Junior Academy manager.
In this episode, they discuss the best age, why it makes sense for this position and how it impacts their future development.
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly
To find out more about this...
Duration: 00:22:48The Coaching Knife: Do you need a coaching philosophy, with Martin Haag
Sep 13, 2024Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Martin Haag, high performance team and executive coach.
Focusing on managing people rugby we are going to cut to the root on the importance of having a coaching philosophy.
Martin played for 14 years at Bath, then coached Bath, Nottingham, Bristol, Bath Academy England U20 World Cup Winning, Rouen, and Scotland, and now work in high-performance teams and executive coaching.
His philosophy is Encourage, Excite and Empower.
<...
The Coaching Knife: Why don't men rate women coaches, with Nic Evans
Sep 06, 2024Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Nic Evans, L4 coach and former director of rugby for the Kings Cross Steelers.
Focusing on women's rugby, we are going to examine why there aren’t more women coaches coaching both men's and women's rugby.
Nic is a former head of PE, director of sport, and then lecturer and programme manager in higher education. She played rugby for Wales, is an L4 coach and coached the King Cross St...
Inside the Squidge Rugby brain: Coaching, analysis and rugby geekery with Will Owen
Aug 30, 2024Send us a text
Dan speaks to one-half of the Squidge Rugby Owen brothers, Will.
With a massive following for their YouTube channel, Squidge Rugby analyses matches in a unique, bringing insight and entertainment in equal measure.
Will is an avowed rugby geek but also still plays and coaches his local team's colts.
Dan asks him about:
The Coaching Knife: How to coach a dominated scrum, with Gavin Blackburn
Aug 23, 2024Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Gavin Blackburn, Head Coach Cambuslang RFC.
Focusing on the scrum rugby we are going to cut to the root on how to deal with a pack that’s dominating you.
Gavin was a former age-grade district and international prop. He was a member of Saracens’ academy programme in the late 1990s, then played club rugby for London Scottish, Glasgow Hawks, Glasgow Southern, and Stirling County coached at Dunfermline, Kilmarnock, Bigg...
Duration: 00:19:04She Tackles: The Media versus Women's Sports. Lyndon Julius with Dr Jocelyn Solomons
Aug 16, 2024Send us a text
Dr Jocelyn Solomons tackles significant issues in women's sports.
In this episode, she talks to Lyndon Julius about the role of media in this domain.
Lyndon is a communications specialist and creative storyteller with over a decade of experience in sports reporting. He is dedicated to community sports and immerses himself in grassroots athletic endeavours.
With written and digital media expertise, they delve into his insights on the global impact of sports reporting, particularly concerning women’s sports.
They discuss his experiences in writ...
The Coaching Knife: How do you compete in 7s with limited speed in your team, with Jamie Barnwell
Aug 02, 2024Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Jamie Barnwell, Head Coach Cayman 7s and Performance director.
Focusing on 7s rugby we are going to cut to the root on to coach to compete when you have limited speed.
Can you win a game of sevens if you don’t have any pace in your team?
Jamie spent five years as head coach of the Bermuda national team for both 15 and 7s. Back in...
Duration: 00:23:56Differentiate effectively and the power of variation theory with Stuart Welsh
Jul 26, 2024Send us a text
Dan speaks to Stuart Welsh, founder of ALTA Education.
With nearly two decades of experience in education, specialising in maths teaching and as well as coaching rugby in schools, Stuart is a well-sought-after speaker and presenter.
He has taught and led teams in schools worldwide, authored popular math textbooks, and founded a widely-used educational website used by tens of thousands of students every year. He is passionate about research-based pedagogy and committed to improving teaching and learning globally through ALTA Education.
In the podcast, we discuss:
The Coaching Knife: Why player-centred is not waiting for the right answer, with Ben Lazenby
Jul 19, 2024Send us a text
We speak to Ben Lazenby, Head of Youth at Wakefield Trinity RLFC in this episode.
Focusing on game understanding we are going to cut to the root on how a player-centred approach might lead to a shared collective team cohesion.
The first question: Is a player-centred approach to game understanding just us waiting for the players to give us the right answer?
Previously, Ben was the Academy Pathway manager at Ealing Trailfinders, Academy General Manager at Hull Kingston Rovers, Yorkshire Carnegie academy manager. Plus had roles at...
Duration: 00:25:38How to pursue the right sort of winning, with Cath Bishop, author of The Long Win
Jul 12, 2024Send us a text
Dan speaks to Cath Bishop about what winning really means and how we can create the right sort of winning in our sporting environments.
Cath is a highly sought-after consultant and coach, an Olympian, former diplomat and author of The Long Win, the second edition published in May. She is also a regular contributor to the Guardian and a podcast host.
Visit her website here, where she offers lots of practical ways to improve your decision-making. You can also purchase the book.
To find out more about...
Duration: 00:50:57Coaching blasts: What young players want from your session, with Gary Townsend
Jul 05, 2024Send us a text
In this short podcast, Dan speaks to Gary Townsend, head of rugby at Switch Rugby with a focus on developing young players, coaches and clubs.
He is former RFU National Player Development Manager and Bristol Bears Junior Academy manager.
In this episode, they discuss what players want from your coaching sessions.
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly
To find out more about our Partner Club offer
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Also, tap into the l...
The Coaching Knife: Who is the most important player in ruck defence, with Jason Gilmore
Jun 28, 2024Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Jason Gilmore, Waratahs Senior Assistant Coach (Defence) and Australia A head coach.
Note! He was with the Waratahs when we recorded this. He is now defence coach with Harlequins.
Focusing on defence, we are going to cut to the root of who is the most important player in ruck defence.
Previously, Jason worked for Queensland Rugby as Elite Development Head Coach Assistant Coach and Junior Wallabies coach...
Duration: 00:19:13Progressive rugby: concussions in a community of care
Jun 21, 2024Send us a text
Dan speaks to Tom Morris from Progressive Rugby, an independent player welfare lobby group founded in 2021 to drive change that both better protects player brain health and the game’s long-term future.
In this episode, they discuss:
Separate strategies to make rugby safer and more appealing at both the community and professional levelImproving education and the need for a concussion communication system in youth rugbyHelping young players understand the benefits of learning proper tackle techniqueImplementing a community of care in grassroots rugby and sharing best practiceWhether the age when contact is... Duration: 01:19:05How to find players and play more rugby
Jun 14, 2024Send us a text
Dan chats to Sean Phelan, the brains behind Fill Your Boots, the way that players and clubs can connect to fill the gaps on a Saturday.
In the podcast, they discuss:
If you want to find out more, go to the Fill Your Boots website, it's totally free!
To find out more about this podcast and...
Duration: 00:49:08Don't screw up the nuts and bolts of a coaching session
Jun 07, 2024Send us a text
Dan chats to Kris Stafford, Rugby Development Officer at Leeds Beckett, MSc in Sports Coaching, U.K Coaching award winner, and host of the @bigbreakdownhq podcast.
In the podcast, they discuss:
Coaching blasts: How do you make an U12 player more skilful, with Gary Townsend
May 31, 2024Send us a text
In this short podcast, Dan speaks to Gary Townsend, head of rugby at Switch Rugby with a focus on developing young players, coaches and clubs.
He is former RFU National Player Development Manager and Bristol Bears Junior Academy manager.
They discuss how you make a U12 player more skilful and what that might look like in training.
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly
To find out more about our Partner Club offer
CLICK HERE
The Coaching Knife: Is organising ruck defence more important than improving tackling, with Callum Adam
May 24, 2024Send us a text
Welcome to the coaching knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Callum Adam, Currie RFC Senior Mens Assistant Coach and Edinburgh University Women’s 2nd XV Head Coach.
Focusing on defence we are going to cut to the root on what comes first, tackling or defence
As well as coaching with Currie Mens and the Edinburgh Uni women, Callum has coached with the Scottish Rugby Union with their age grade development teams, plus a stint at Dundee RFC.
Hi...
Duration: 00:20:13How to design your coaching for more powerful learning outcomes
Apr 19, 2024Send us a text
Dan welcomes Dr Kimberly Berens, founder of Fit Learning and CEO of Fit Learning Online and author of Blind Spots: Why Students Fail and the Science That Can Save Them.
Fit Learning is a powerful system of instruction based in behavioural science and the Technology of Teaching, and it aims to transform the learning abilities of children, which it does in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia.
To find out more about Fit Learning, go to:
http://fitlearningonline.com/
In the podcast, they discuss:
Is the learning styles myth the worst myth in sports coaching, with Dr Amy Whitehead and Jenny Coe
Apr 12, 2024Send us a text
Dan quizzes the Myths of Sports Coaching editors around how we deal with some of the muddling thinking coaches believe is true.
Dr Amy Whitehead is an Associate Professor at Liverpool John Moores University, and Jenny Coe is the Performance Well-Being Lead for the Women's Professional Game at the FA.
Their first edition was so good that they’ve been persuaded to do a second edition, which will be out in the autumn.
In the book, they invited experts to delve into myths about learning styles, deliberate pr...
Why women love playing rugby
Mar 08, 2024Send us a text
Dan chats to Telegraph sports journalist Fi Tomas about where women’s rugby needs to go next.
Fi has worked on the paper since 2019, was number 11 on 2023 BBC Women's Hour Power List and recently nominated for the 2023 British Sports Journalism women’s category. She is a keen advocate for a stronger voice in female sports.
In the podcast, they look at:
Why women want to play rugbyThe hurdles facing women in sportHow the media portrays women in sportWhat needs to be addressed in terms of language and attracting a bro... Duration: 00:50:30Wait a minute, I’ve just realised I’m a role model for black rugby players
Mar 01, 2024Send us a text
Ralph Knibbs, Head of Human Resources at UK Athletics and a Bristol rugby legend, chats with Samba Ceesay, Broad Plain RFC’s captain.
In an extraordinary podcast, Ralph first describes his journey as a black player from a non-traditional rugby background, why he turned down playing for England twice and how his children made him more self-aware about being a role model.
He then asks Samba about his journey. Coming to rugby late, Samba talks about how Broad Plain stood up for him, allowed him to become a...
Duration: 01:05:26Don't let perfect be the enemy of be good: How to set up a SEND rugby programme
Feb 23, 2024Send us a text
This podcast is dedicated to the memory of one of the guest's daughter, who passed away suddenly a few weeks after the recording.
The Peel family have set up a donation page for Katie in support of FarmAbility. Here's a link.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/katiepeelfarmability
Please listen to this inspiring journey of three coaches providing something amazing. It needs us all to reflect on setting up a SEND rugby programme.
Dan Cottrell speaks to Darren Rea, John Peel and Gareth Lewis of Gosford...
When balloons and ribbons can help improve catching skills
Feb 16, 2024Send us a text
Dan chats with Dr Rachael Jefferson about fundamental movement skills and how to introduce them effectively into our coaching sessions.
Rachael is a lecturer in human movement studies and creative arts, and author of Fundamental fun: 132 activities to develop fundamental movement skills.
You can get a copy of her book here.
In the podcast, we explore:
How to help less-experienced coaches enjoy taking teams
Feb 09, 2024Send us a text
Dan chats with Chris Dossett, chair of the Professional Association of the Directors in Sport, and very experienced DoS himself.
In the podcast, they talk about:
Chris gives many examples of practical ways to operate, not just as a director of sport but also...
Duration: 00:38:10The thorny reality of losing a World Cup final
Feb 02, 2024Send us a text
Dan chats to Jess Hayden, author of The Red Roses: Behind the Scenes with the England Women's Rugby Team.
Jess, who was previously a sports journalist at The Times and The Sunday Times, is the editor of Contested, a new social app for sports fans.
In writing the book, she was able to get exclusive access to the England Women's team, known at the Red Roses, plus speak to former players and coaches.
In the podcast, she talks about:
Why a coaches' coffee club will make you a better coach
Jan 26, 2024Send us a text
In this episode, Dan chats with Sean Lindersmith. They discuss how he created a coaches’ coffee club, and how he made it a genuine place to learn and support each other.
Sean is the Vice President of Operations at Premier Rugby Sevens and Silicon Valley Rugby - defence and forwards coach.
His past roles include University of MN Head Coach, US Coast Guard Sevens Head Coach, St Augustine High School Head Coach, MN Youth Rugby Youth and HS Director and USA Eagle’s National Team Manager (Men’s)
In t...
Duration: 00:54:33The science behind why dance can improve rugby
Jan 19, 2024Send us a text
Dr Jocelyn Solomons joins Dan on the podcast to discuss her research on how dance can improve rugby players.
Based at the world-renowned Stellenbosch University in South Africa, she is a lecturer in strength and conditioning.
She has a PhD in women's rugby development and an MSc in Sport Science focusing on rhythmic movement and rugby.
In the podcast we explore:
How you persuade rugby players that dance can make a differenceHow it did make a difference in the research projectWhat happens if a player can’t... Duration: 00:52:20Simple ways to create intensity and urgency in your sessions
Jan 12, 2024Send us a text
Mike Penistone is a global rugby coach, starting his coaching career in the 80s with Trent Poly and then Cambridge University rugby league as head coach. He went on to GB Student's head coach before moving to Leicester Tigers Academy via Nottingham. He did a stint at NSW Waratahs and then Eastern Suburbs in Australia. He is now a rugby coach consultant.
In the podcast, we cover:
How to make a great first impression as a coachHow to make your sessions engaging and intenseWhy threes and fives are magic numbersWhat... Duration: 00:52:36Transforming parents from obstacles to allies, with J.P. Nerbun
Jan 02, 2024Send us a text
Dan Cottrell chats to author and coach, J.P. Nerbun about his latest book, The Sports Parent Solution, Proven Strategies for Transforming Parents from Obstacles to Allies.
We explore how coaches can get the most out of their relationships with parents. Sometimes they are super-supportive, and sometimes not!
How do you get them onside to start with, speak to them, involve them and make them part of everyone's journey.
We talk about the ways to have difficult conversations, how to build your value offering and chances to...
The Coaching Knife: What keeps volunteers in the game, with Tom Chaloba
Oct 31, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Tom Chaloba, Manager of Get Into Rugby Zambia.
Focusing on volunteering we are going to cut to the root on how to build a group of volunteers and retain them.
Tom is a coach and match official educator at Zambia Rugby Union, as well as working with the Tag Rugby Trust. He is the founder of Die Hard Rugby academy.
His philosophy is aim high but don't miss...
Duration: 00:20:46The Coaching Knife: How can we make warm-ups improve performance, with Kevin Till
Oct 30, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Professor Kevin Till, Professor of Athletic Development at Leeds Beckett University and Strength and Conditioning Coach at Leeds Rhinos RLFC academy. Focusing on warm-ups, we are going to explore how they are used to prevent injury and give us performance gains.
Kev has worked in strength and conditioning with Yorkshire cricket, Yorkshire Carnegie rugby union, football with Leeds United, as well as his roles in rugby league, at Leeds Rhinos and...
Duration: 00:21:03The Coaching Knife: Why we need to break the brooms of sweeping the sheds, with Craig Gunn
Oct 29, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Craig Gunn, coach, teacher and motivational educator, and founder of Gunn Engagement. Focusing on why high-performance sport is dangerous for grassroots, we are going to cut to the root on why we need to break the brooms of the All Blacks.
Craig is an experienced PE teacher and former head teacher. He has worked across many sports, including Aussie Rules and Rugby League.
His philosophy is that kids learn...
Duration: 00:22:43The Coaching Knife: Is coaching talent a different sort of coaching, with Ian Costello
Oct 28, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Ian Costello, Head of Rugby Operations at Munster Rugby. Focusing on talent, we are going to focus on how that term might impact the way we approach coaching.
Ian has had a busy coaching career, with stints as assistant coach at Munster and Wasps, the Munster Academy manager, as well as head coach at Nottingham and an Elite Development Manager with the Irish RFU.
His philosophy:
The p...
Duration: 00:20:54The Coaching Knife: How easy is it to define your purpose, with Grant Doorey
Oct 27, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Grant Doorey, performance coach @Mobicoach Australia and passion projects Rugby ATL, Queensland Rugby and Australia Rugby.
Focusing on the power of purpose in coaching and life, we are going to cut to the root on how we can turn thoughts into action.
Before becoming a consultant high-performance coach, Grant was an assistant coach with Tonga, Italy and Japan national teams, a technical adviser with the IRANZ, plus roles with...
Duration: 00:23:48Ask RCW: How do I stop my forwards from being lazy at rucks?
Aug 28, 2023Send us a text
Dan chats with Gary Townsend, the Bristol Bears Junior Academy manager about a question from Will Jones, an U15s coach from Cardiff.
He asks: The backs are doing the forwards' work when it comes to the breakdown. Plenty of forwards are way too lazy and not bothering to clear out and secure the ball. Do you have any good drills we could use to get them switched back onto this?
We cover:
The Coaching Knife: How to referee the new tackle height law, with Keith Lewis
Jul 05, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the coaching knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Keith Lewis, founder of rugbyreferees,net, the leading online community for rugby referees across the world
Focusing on the refereeing the new tackle height laws, we are going to cut to the root of what referees will be looking for next season.
Philosophy: Helping people to become better referees, no matter what level that may be
You can contact him on rugbyreferee.net
or keithlewisrugby on T...
The Coaching Knife: Is coaching women just the same as coaching men, with Catherine Spencer
Jul 04, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the coaching knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Catherine Spencer, author, speaker, and former England women’s rugby captain.
Focusing on coaching women’s and girls’ rugby, we are going to cut to the root on what men need to know about coaching women.
Catherine retired from international rugby in 2011, with 63 caps, 18 tries, winning 6 Six Nations titles, 3 for them as captain. She has written the award-winning book ‘Mud, Maul, Mascara’. She is a patron of the Tag Rugby Trust...
Duration: 00:21:55The Coaching Knife: Does rugby training need to look like rugby, with Geraint Davies
Jul 03, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the coaching knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Geraint Davies, Rugby Coach & Content Creator, GDD Coaching.
Focusing on improving performance and learning, we are going to cut to root on what training sessions should look like.
Does training need to look like rugby for them to learn to play rugby?
Geraint is an academy coach and was previously Head of PE & Games at Leicester Grammar School & Head Coach at Nuneaton.
Philosophy: I believe i...
Duration: 00:21:55The Coaching Knife: What is a bad question, with Bradley Busch
Jul 02, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the coaching knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Bradley Busch, director of Inner Drive and psychologist.
Focusing on how we ask questions, we are going to cut to the root on where coaches go wrong when they try to engage their learners.
He works in education, sport and business, helping them improve how they learn, think and perform under pressure.
Within sport, he has worked mainly in football, with clients from Manchester United, Manchester City...
The Coaching Knife: Why we need to use more direct instruction, with Chris Cushion
Jul 01, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the coaching knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Chris Cushion, Head of Coaching, England Netball and Professor of Coaching & Pedagogy at Loughborough University.
Focusing on what good coaching looks like, what do coaches get wrong about using direct instruction?
Director of Sport Integration, he also worked extensively in top level football with teams like Chelsea and Fulham, as well as rugby with Bath. He has worked for many sports governing bodies and is a UEFA qualified coach.<...
Duration: 00:21:50The Coaching Knife: How do you keep players' attention, with Andrew Watson
Jun 30, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the coaching knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Andrew Watson, president and founder, Translate the Brain.
Focusing on getting kids or even adults to concentrate, we are going to cut to the root on how you gain and keep someone’s attention.
Andrew is an experienced English teacher and former dean of faculty. He is an in-demand conference speaker, travelling the world. He also written three books: Learning Begins, Learning Grows, and The Goldilocks Map.
His p...
Duration: 00:25:37The Coaching Knife: Create belonging from the smallest beginnings, with Owen Eastwood
Jun 05, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Owen Eastwood, Performance Coach for team culture and leadership, and author of Belonging, the Ancient Code of Togetherness.
Focusing on building better teams, we are going to cut to the root on how to use belonging with your group.
Owen Eastwood is one of the world’s top performance coaches. He worked alongside Gareth Southgate as England prepared for the Euros, and Team GB ahead of the summer's Olympics. He...
The Coaching Knife: How to use language to make your players better, with Nick Winkleman
Jun 04, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Nick Winkelman, Head of Athletic Performance & ScienceHead of Athletic Performance & Science Irish Rugby Football Union and author of The Language of Coaching., The Art & Science of Teaching Movement.
Focusing on how coaches can affect training outcomes we are going to cut to the root on what is meant by cueing.
His primary role is to oversee the delivery and development of strength & conditioning and sports science across all national...
The Coaching Knife: Don't bother coaching without a curriculum, with Martin Robinson
Jun 03, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Martin Robinson, author of Curriculum Revolutions and education consultant.
Focusing on curriculums, we are going to cut to the root on what the hell that word means and why we should have one.
Formally a drama and English teacher for over twenty years in London, he is an in-demand conference speaker and has published four books, Trivium 21st century, Preparing young people for the future with lessons from the...
The Coaching Knife: Why you can't count what you don't agree, with David Didau
Jun 02, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to David Didau, bestselling education author, speaker and blogger.
Focusing on balancing trust and accountability, we are going to cut to the root on how you can empower your team of coaches/teachers and/or your players.
David has written numerous books, including What Every Teacher Needs to Know About Psychology, What If Everything You Knew About Education Was Wrong? Making Kids Clever and Intelligent Accountability
His philosophy i...
The Coaching Knife: Why don't men take women refs seriously, with Beccie Kettleborough
Jun 01, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Beccie Kettleborough, a Somerset RFU referee.
Focusing on why it is hard to be a female referee we are going to cut to the root on why men don’t seem to take women’s referees seriously.
Beccie plays for Dings Crusaders and is a member of the Somerset Referee’s society
Her philosophy: I currently volunteer within my team as a link between players and management, helpin...
The Coaching Knife: How developing people first allows skills to follow, with Phillip O'Callaghan
May 22, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the coaching knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Philip O'Callaghan, PE Teacher and Tennis Coach and arch blogger. Focusing on his philosophy on developing people first and the skills will follow we are going to cut to the root on how this looks in a practice scenario
His philosophy is to develop people first and the skills will follow
You can contact him on Twitter @mr_tennis_coach and https://mrtenniscoach.substack.com/
To find...
Duration: 00:24:35The Coaching Knife: How to referee difficult situations, with Simon Smith
May 21, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the coaching knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Simon Smith, referee and referee coach for 29 years. Focusing on resilience to be a referee, we are going to cut to the root on how you can control a game when the teams are not invested in fair play.
I’m delighted that Simon agreed to join us. He was attacked while refereeing and the injuries mean that sometimes he may stutter. That doesn’t mean I didn't ask tough questions thoug...
Duration: 00:27:38The Coaching Knife: How can we control our mind under pressure, with Alex Auerbach
May 20, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Alex Auerbach, Senior Director of Wellness and Development, Toronto Raptors. Focusing on developing high performance, we are going to cut to the root on how to control your mind.
Alex is a licensed counseling and sport psychologist, certified mental performance consultant, and board-certified coach working in professional sports. I’ve worked with elite teams and performers from a range of domains, including the NBA and NFL, Olympians, Army Special Forces, Fortune 5 Co...
Duration: 00:23:47The Coaching Knife: What does player-centred coaching look like, with Lynn Evans
May 19, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Lynn Evans, coach, author and a keen advocate of The Pleasure of Movement . Focusing on coaching rugby through game-play and player-centred methods, we are going to cut to the root on how that looks in a session.
Lynn is a former teacher, RFU staff coach and head coach of Oxford University, as well as a successful stint at Chinnor RFC. In 2021, he was the RFU President’s Value the Volunteer, Outstanding Co...
Duration: 00:25:41The Coaching Knife: How to find your mojo, with Mark Zimmerman
May 18, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Mark Zimmerman, aka Coach Zim, MD of On The Mark Australia & Africa/ Mindset Coach. Focusing on a mindset for sporting success, we are going to cut to the root on the missing ingredient, your mojo.
Mark is co-author of the Amazon #1 best seller “Winner’s Mindset” Peak Performance Strategies for Success. He is currently coaching mindset programmes to the elite development pathways groups in Australia with the aim to take that back t...
Duration: 00:23:27The Coaching Knife: How do you build a good defensive system, with Phil Llewellyn
May 01, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Phil Llewellyn, Birmingham City University Scholarship Manager and host of the RCW Roundup Rodeo. Focusing on defence, we are going to cut to the root on how you can build a defensive system.
Phil coached Hinckley RFC, Oxford University Womens and Cypriot Nation team. He is an RFU mentor and coach educator.
His philosophy is very simple: Challenge, Develop, Inspire
You can contact him
Twitter: @philllewellyn.
The Coaching Knife: What it really means to be a curious coach, with Riki Tahere
Apr 30, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the coaching knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Riki Tahere, Director of The Global Draft App and Coach Educator for Canterbury Rugby Football Union.
Focusing on developing as a coach, we are going to cut to the root on what it means to be a curious coach.
Above and beyond working for Canterbury Rugby, he runs the excellent Canterbury Rugby Coaches Corner Podcast.
His philosophy: I'm here to help.
You can contact him...
The Coaching Knife: What the hell is meant by contact fitness, with Phil Greening
Apr 29, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Phil Greening, sevens coach for US men's and women's rugby, and founder of the Athlete Factory. Focusing on building better rugby players, we are going to cut to the root on how to coach collision fitness.
Phil is a former England international who toured with the British Lions in 2001. After retiring, he worked in corporate finance at the same time as coaching England 7s before moving back into high-performance coaching.
The Coaching Knife: How can coaches coach resilience, with Dr Jo Brown
Apr 28, 2023Send us a text
Welcome to the coaching knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Dr Jo Brown, performance coach and performance physiotherapist at Performance State. Focusing on performance, whether you can really coach resilience.
Jo works with high-performance teams and individuals, including Olympic medalist, the US sprinter Noah Lyles and the Jamaican Bobsleigh team.
Her philisophy is to live in relentless pursuit of high performance for anyone with a dream. Driven by excellence, fuelled by an unwavering belief and powered by connection. She b...