Coach Development Six Nations - Saint-Cyprien Golf Resort Perpignan, France 16-20 May 2012
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Six Nations Coach Development Conference 2012 Saint-Cyprien Golf Resort Perpignan, France 16-20 May 2012
“A lot of discussion with other
coaches from different cultures
was hugely beneficial.”
1
Contents
Introduction 4
Aims of Sub-committee and Conference 5
Conference Alumni 6
Conference Content 7
Review and Reflections 17
Outline Programme 18
Delegates 19
Tutors, Staff and Interpreters 21
2
“Very relevant and practical. Able to be applied at different levels.” 3
Introduction
The 2012 Coach Development Conference was
held at St Cyprien near Perpignan in South West France.
The conference looked at the preparation and experiences of some of
senior coaches at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, with the highlight
being 2 sessions from Sir Graham Henry. The groups then used some of
their learning to analyse the Heineken Cup Final between Leinster and
Ulster.
The sessions were lively and well organised and managed by the 5 tutors,
Steve Aboud, Francesco Ascione, Philippe Boher, Kevin Bowring and Allan
Lewis. The sessions were very good and groups worked extremely well
together.
This year the senior women’s coaches from each of the 6 Nations were
invited to attend. This sharing of experience will hopefully start to raise
standard in the women’s matches. For the second year we had guests from
FIRA with coaches attending from Georgia, Belgium and Romania and also
a short visit from Jean Claude Baque, FIRA-AER President.
The Six Nations Council strongly support the Coaching Development
Conference in order to continue to develop the game across the Six Nations
at the top level. It is one of the few opportunities that top coaches have to
work together across team and country boundaries away from the tensions
of the post-match situation where it is rarely conducive to have meaningful
discussions on rugby strategy and tactics.
It has been a privilege to chair the Coach Development Conference over the
last 4 years. I know it has stimulated the thinking of our top coaches so that
they continue to develop our game.
Jock Millican
Six Nations Council
4Aims
Aims of the Sub-Committee
The aims of the Six Nations Coach Development Sub-Committee are:
• To provide a cross cultural sharing of coaching ideas and raise the coaching bar.
• To challenge the high performance coaches in the Six Nations to think across borders
and cultures
• To provide a vehicle for the interchange of technical expertise between Six Nations
member Unions and encouragement of this outside of the competitive parameters
• To provide a forum for research and the future development of the game within the Six
Nations membership group
• To encourage greater understanding and cooperation between High Performance
Coaches/Potential High Performance Coaches within the member countries and the
responsibility they have for the delivery of the game on the field.
• To improve communication and integration of appropriate personnel who are very
much “hands on” in working with the players.
Aims of the Conference
The aims of the 2012 Coaching Conference were:
• To provide coaches with learning from a shared experience and discussions that
encourage coaches to be more creative
• To set a topical theme (‘Coaching Lessons – Past (2011 RWC), Present (2012 Six
Nations), and Future’ )
• To provide a venue which allows a stimulating and friendly working environment
• To obtain feedback as to whether to format is worthwhile
5Conference Alumni
This was the Seventh annual conference and, arguably, the most successful in terms of the quality
of the presenters and content and the feedback received from the delegates.
The original format, devised back in 2006, with 6 delegates from each of the six Unions split into
groups of 6 comprising one from each country (plus, more recently, invitees from FIRA countries),
has been key, breaking down any barriers quickly to enable a full exchange of ideas and
experiences. Here as well, the skill and knowledge of the team of interpreters has been a vital part
of the communication process.
Soon after the 2012 Conference finished, Richard Hill, Worcester’ s Head Coach, who attended the
conference in 2005 & 2008, in announcing the appointment of Mathieu Rourre from Biarritz as
their new attack coach, said “I first met Mathieu when I went to a conference in Marcoussis with
Didier Retiere and I got to know him very well. After that I went back to see him during my Bristol
days and we would catch up and share ideas.’
As well as providing a perfect example for us of how the conference can foster good rugby contacts
and relationships, it prompted a look-back at some of todays’ successful coaches who have
attended the conference over the years:
England - Stuart Lancaster (2006), England Head Coach
- Mark Mapletoft (2006/7/8) and John Kingston (2010) both coached Harlequins
to Aviva Premiership title in 2012
- John Fletcher (2008/9), Peter Walton (2009) & Ian Peel (2011) all coached
England u18s to win the FIRA/AER European Championship 2012
France - Fabrice Landreau (2005), Grenoble Head Coach
- Serge Milhas (2005/7), Biarritz Olympique Head Coach
- Franck Azema (2010), Clermont Ferrand Assistant Coach
Ireland - Antony Foley (2011/12), Munster & Ireland Assistant Coach
- Michael Bradley (2010), former Ireland A and now Edinburgh Head Coach
(H-Cup semi-final 2012)
- Terry McMaster (2010/11), Ireland u18 Coach (FIRA/AER Champions 2011)
- Eric Elwood (2006/7), Connacht and Ireland A Coach
Italy - Alessandro Troncon (2008/10/11/12), Zebre Coach
- Gianluca Guidi (2005/6/8/9/10/12), Italy u20 Head Coach
- Roland de Marigny (2010), Italy National Academy Coach
Scotland - Graham Shiel (2009), Scotland 7s Coach
- Gregor Townsend (2010), Glasgow Warriors Coach, former Assistant Coach,
Scotland
- Sean Lineen (2011), Scotland u20 Coach, former Coach Glasgow Warriors
Wales - Robert Howley (2006), Wales acting Head Coach
- Robin McBryde (2010), Wales Forwards Coach
- Paul John (2008), Wales 7s Coach, 2009 Rugby World Cup 7s Winners
- Lyn Jones (2005/6), London Welsh Head Coach
Jon Davis
Tournament & Operations Director, Six Nations Rugby Limited 6Conference Content
Session 1: Introductory Session
Each table was required to introduce themselves, discuss and give feedback on their
one coaching lesson that they had taken from Rugby World Cup and Six Nations
Championships:
• Coaching Staff need to involve and engage • Uniformity and similarity
players across the game
• Unified squad • Ireland – attacking 22m – manipulate
• Culture is key defence – shorten towards ruck/play ball
• All Blacks – Simple things done well to 10 – played to wings – 3 tries
• What happens off the pitch affects what • Process driven – skills/plan
happens on it • Teams attack, build structure, keep ball
• How important is the coaches’ role? – alive
France = common goal – players lead the • Play to strong points
group • Physical/mental
• 6N – Wales – direct/go forward, used the • Technical/tactical
outside channels (eg North, Roberts, • Team with best players wins
Cuthbert) • Culture & environment
• Referee, players must adapt their game • Analysis – empowerment (working together)
plan • Controlling the uncontrollable
• Importance/Impact of speed – ferocity at • Momentum in both competitions
the breakdown • Preparation/resources
• Culture/values – Player/owned/driven/buy in • Defences dominate – improvement in
• Extra preparation time = Unions/Clubs tier 2/3, set piece importance
keyed into same goal – agreement • Wales win with possession
7Setting the Task
The task for the week was to observe and discuss the key learning themes from the Six
Nations and Rugby World Cup
Using what the groups had learned and shared, they were asked to generate key
performance indicators for the Heineken Cup Final Teams and apply these to the
Heineken Cup Final.
Session 2
Didier Retier
Assistant Technical Director (High Performance), FFR
Didier gave us a review of France’s performance in the 2011 RWC
including:
• The Preparation
• The Management
• Monitoring and Evaluation during the RWC
Session 3
Corris Thomas
Past, Present and Future: A comparative analysis
of the Rugby World Cup 2011 and the Six Nations
2012
Corris Thomas is the IRB’s Game analysis
consultant and a former international referee.
Corris analysed the Rugby World Cup 2011 and the Six Nations 2012 concentrating
on:
• Shape of the game in 2012
• Current game issues
• Challenges to coaches
8Session 4 & Session 5
Sir Graham Henry
Former National Coach New Zealand.
During his career with the All Blacks they won five Tri
Nations, three Grand Slams and one Rugby World Cup
title. In 2012, he is to join Argentinian Rugby Team, as a
coaching advisor.
Sir Graham shared his insights from the Rugby World Cup including the All Black’s
planning and building for the RWC as well as their mental preparation for a home
tournament. He also shared their approach to attack and defence coaching.
Graham presented on the following over two sessions:
• RWC 2011 Planning & Alignment
• Physical Conditioning
• Individual preparation & improvement
• His role & responsibilities as Head Coach
• Handling the Pressure
• Developing a Leadership Team (Players)
• The Importance of facilitating a positive Social environment
• His attack philosophies from Scrum & lineout – the concept of ‘Seams’
• His philosophy with regard to team defence
In summary - Sir Graham highlighted how the All Blacks focus on strategic decision
making scenarios - establishing collective understanding, agreement and familiarity
among the players. He also spoke about his focus as a coach on what is important and
how this allows him to prioritise effectively.
9Session 6
Coaching Lessons from the RWC 2011 – Kevin Bowring
Kevin shared with the delegates the RFU review of their RWC performance which he
had facilitated.
The review included the Team Debrief process as well as lessons learned from the
RWC.
Kevin believed that the one over-riding lesson learned was that Culture precedes
Performance, and looked deeper into things that inhibit the growth of Team Culture
including:
• The Management Team
• The Players
• The Environmental Challenges
10Session 7
IRB Council Approved Law Amendment Trials – Francesco Ascione
Franco advised that the following Laws have been amended and approved for global
trial by the IRB Council:
a) Law 3.4 – Players nominated as a Substitute
b) Law 4 – Players Clothing - Provision Permitting the use of GPS
c) Law 4.2 – Special additional items of clothing for women
d) Law 6.A.6 (b) – Referee consulting with others
e) Law 9.B.1 – Taking a conversion Kick
f) Law12.1 – Outcome of a Knock-on or throw forward
g) Law 16.7 – Unsuccessful end to a Ruck
h) Law 19.2 – Quick Throw in
i) Law 20.1 (g) – Forming a scrum
j) Law 21.4 – Penalty and Free Kick Options and Requirements
Session 8
Mental Skills Development – Gazing Performance
How we react under pressure: ‘Red head’ vs ‘Blue head’
Lesson 1: Mental clarity
Clear thinking = free from emotional diversions
Decision-making = clear about the strategy, overview
Execution = trust in process and staying present
Lesson 2: How maintain intensity under pressure
People are ultimately only moved by pressure
Tolerance of discomfort zones linked to significance
Perseverance linked to self-definition
Lesson 3: Accuracy of execution is an outcome of the way you train
Clarity
Intensity
Session 9
The delegates used this session to work on the task and prepare Key Performance
Indicators for Heineken Cup Final teams, Leinster v Ulster.
11Session 10
What is your greatest coaching challenge?
The coaches were asked to conduct a ‘round’ and to share what they believed to be
their greatest or most difficult coaching challenge. They were then asked to agree on
one challenge and question this as a group. They were then asked to present this
challenge to all but not with the solution!
Table 1 (Challenge 1)
Being innovative, educating yourself to challenge the players
Table 2 (Challenge 2)
Transfer from player to coach, coaching ex-team mates, how do you develop the new
coach-player relationship and deal with the problems it brings
Table 3 (Challenge 3)
Keeping belief in the shared vision and staying true to it
Table 4 (Challenge 4)
Management around selection (feedback, honesty, consistency, emotional)
Table 5 (Challenge 5)
Keeping the players involved/engaged over the season/seasons
Table 6 (Challenge 6)
How to keep non-match squad/players motivated
12The challenges were then exchanged and the groups were invited to discuss and agree
a solution to the challenge/problem that their group had been given
Challenge 1
Recognition we want to be better all the time, hence we can then challenge ourselves
The environment should reflect this
Time management, maximising time
Reflecting, willingness to improve
Look outside the box – other sports?
Changed processes usually meet resistance – challenge comes with this
Use a monitor or confident (scrutinize what you do)
Within process there must be enjoyment, be positive
Challenge 2
Depends on individual, skill set, background etc
Detach from environment, different level of club, take outside the social circle
Self-awareness and social-awareness adapt and overcome problems
Have a support network, mentoring network
Being honest & Being yourself is important
Pick a good captain to aid your ability to gain your trust
Player relationship – have clear criteria will help especially with selection
Creating trust? Character is important together with being consistent
13Challenge 3
Formation of a vision is the key (agreed direction)
• Keep directional focus
• Pre-season
• Individual aspect & perspectives within the team
• Strong focus builds resilience
• Understanding others and their motivation, sharing this also develops understanding
• Builds strong relationships
How do we maintain this?
• Relationship between doubt and belief
• Problems and doubt will occur being ready and prepared to cope is the key
• Energy and direction are key
- Direction is promoted by – leadership group/standards/culture/kpi’s
- Energy is the fuel which propels direction
- Involve young players to facilitate energy
Challenge 4
• Getting a buy-in, get positive agreement
• Environmental factors, timing/announcements etc
• Face to face announcement? – being upfront & face to face is important, empathy
• Variation – not everyone is the same, appropriate approach
14Challenge 5
• Periodisation, making sure it’s appropriate
• Don’t burn people out
• Get buy-in and take responsibility, mentoring, warm-ups
• Trusting and empowering, pull more than push, leadership group
• Be innovative
• Challenge to improve use KPI’s
• Two way communication
• Varying communication style – tell/sell/ask/tone
• Tree – visual reflection of coaching philosophy (roots=values, trunk=you,
branches=methods of growth, leaves= players)
Challenge 6
• Involvement – on & off the training pitch, in the whole project
• Need to be honest with the players, but cannot make promises on future selection,
teams interest comes first
• Managing game time and player turn over, giving them opportunities
• Ensure all players are provided with tools to develop, given same opportunities to
develop and treated the same way
• Honest and clear communication – also vary it depending on type of player
15Session 11
The groups presented their KPI’s which they would be applying to the Heineken Cup
Final.
Session 12
The groups observed the Heineken Cup Final whilst applying their KPI’s.
Session 13
The delegates gave a review and feedback of the Heineken Cup Final including the
Key Performance Indicators they concentrated.
Session 14
Group review and feedback session.
Some Comments:
- Listening skills enhanced - Simplicity in dialogue
- Sharing of ideas - Player at centre of everything we do
- Influencing my vision & stimulating new ideas - Mental skills are important
- Communication has improved – expressing views - Player buy-in important
and opinions - Similarities in principles but different cultures – this
- Opened up and shared ideas will add value to our own development
- Accepting the challenge - Give autonomy to players and staff
- Simplicity of philosophy – coaches try to do too - Give players opportunities to perfect their skills
much - Clarity of purpose – had to consider communication
- Relationship with clubs & people skills
- Corris – opened minded and seeing trends - Subtopic
- Red v blue interesting - KISS
- Creating a high performance culture - Control the controllable
- Assurance – philosophies are similar - Look at process and outcomes
- Two different RWC coaches fantastic - Learned from others
- Simplicity in communication with players and in - Communication skills
recommendations we put to them - Reinforcement & confirmation of ideas
- Sharing – the staff and players are all involved - Developing player relationships
to promote responsibility
16Review & Reflections
Overall Conference
• 100% rated the content of the programme very beneficial /useful
• 97% found that the timing of the sessions was sufficient
• 100% rated the opportunities excellent/very good to informally exchange ideas and
thought with other coaches
• 96% rated the quality of learning from the conference as significantly
• 100% felt they had learnt something significant from the other coaches on the
conference
• 86% wished to attend another conference next year and 14% in 2 years
• 100% felt the overall conference administration was excellent or very good
• 97% thought the effectiveness of the translation and the technology utilised was
excellent or very good
• 97% of delegated thought the conference venue was excellent or very good
• 85% thought the accommodation was excellent or very good
• 95% rated the food as excellent or very good
• 70% of delegates thought the guest presenters were excellent or very good
• 84% rated the in-house led sessions as excellent or very good
17Outline Programme
DAY 1 - Wednesday 16 May DAY 3 - Friday 18 May
• Session 1 - Welcome, • Session 6 – Lessons from the RWC –
Introductions and set the Kevin Bowring
task/project • Session 7 – IRB Council Approved Law
• Session 2 – France RWC 2011 - Amendment Trials – Francesco Ascione
Didier Retiere • Session 8 – Gazing Performance -
Mental skills development
• Amlin CUP Final on TV
DAY 2 - Thursday 17 May
• Session 3 - Analysis – RWC 2011
DAY 4 - Saturday 19 May
& RBS 6 Nations 2012– Corris
Thomas • Session 9 - Final table work/task -
• Session 4 – Graham Henry- prepare for Heineken Cup Final task
insights from RWC • Session 10 – What is your greatest
(Planning and building for RWC, coaching challenge?
inc mental prep for home • Free time
tournament) • Session 11 – Group presentations on
• Session 5 – Graham Henry- table work/task
insights from RWC (post RWC • Session 12 – Observe the Heineken
analysis etc) Cup Final
• Session 13 – Review of the H Cup
Final and feedback
“After a short period
of time all coaches
DAY 5 - Sunday 20 May
opened up and
once the trust issue • Session 14 – Group review and
came good, we all lessons Past, Present, Future
felt easy”
18Delegate Groups
Group 1
Name Country Coaching Position
Philip Doyle Ireland Irish Womens Coach
Paul Burke England Assistant Coach, Leicester Tigers
Eddie Pollock Scotland Scotland U18 head Coach
Gerry Roberts Wales WRU Coach Development Manager
Sébastien Piqueronies France Head coach U17 French Team
Carlo Orlandi Italy Italia assistant Coach
Group 2
Name Country Coaching Position
Anthony Foley Ireland Munster & Ireland assistant coach
Gary Street England RFUW England Head Coach
Iain Monaghan Scotland Scotland U20A Assistant Coach
and Elite Player Development
Coach (Glasgow Warriors)
Paul Young Wales Dragons Academy Coach
Bernard Goutta France Head coach U.S.A PERPIGNAN
pro Team
Alessandro Troncon Italy Italia assistant Coach
Group 3
Name Country Coaching Position
Peter Malone Ireland Elite Player Manager - Munster
James Farndon England England Students Head Coach
Karen Findlay Scotland Scotland Women Head Coach
Andrew Millward Wales Ospreys Academy Manager
Nicolas Zenoni France Head coach U18 French Team
Roland de Mariny Italy Tirrenia Academy Coach
19Group 4
Name Country Coaching Position
Conor Twomey Ireland Irish Club XV & University College
Cork
Toby Booth England Head Coach, London Irish
Craig Chalmers Scotland Melrose Head Coach and
Scotland A Assistant Coach
Romain Parbaile France Forwards coach U18 French Team
Gianluca Guidi Italy Italia A Head Coach
Ilia Zedginidze FIRA Georgia
Group 5
Name Country Coaching Position
Mike Prendergast Ireland Young Munsters Coach
Andrew Stanley England Academy Manager, Worcester
Warriors
Fergus Pringle Scotland Boroghmuir Head Coach and
Scotland Club International
Assistant Coach
Craig Warlow Wales Assistant Coach, Bridgend RFC
Mathieu Codron France Head coach U20 Women French
Team
Fabio Roselli Italy Italia Under 17 Head Coach
Martin Kafka FIRA Czech Republic
Group 6
Name Country Coaching Position
Tony Smeeth Ireland Leinster U19s & Trinity College
Coach
Martin Haag England 1st team coach, Bath Rugby
Graeme Young Scotland Stirling County RFC Head Coach
Chris Horsman Wales North Wales Head Coach
Eric Planes France Backs coach U18 French Team
Umberto Casellato Italy Rugby Mogliano Head Coach
Tomas Morais FIRA Portugal
“Good range of information presented
and balanced well with group tasks” 20Tutors & Staff
Tutors/Staff
Kevin Bowring England
Philippe Boher France
Steven Aboud Ireland
Francesco Ascione Italy
Allan Lewis Wales
Jon Davis/Faye Busby Conference Administration, Six Nations Rugby Limited
Marc Frances Photography
Interpreters
Delfina Genchi
Giuliana Zeuli
Lila Guha
Maïté Ganzin
Tony Costante
Nicole Jamieson
21“This has been the
biggest benefit to me.
Enjoyed sharing
thoughts with
different
coaches.”
22Six Nations Rugby Limited 1st Floor, Simmonscourt House Simmonscourt Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (0) 1 669 0950 www.rbs6nations.com
You can also read
