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Coaching Roles

Coaching Roles

Recently the Crusaders franchise have advertised for a Team Attack Coach under a new structure which includes the Head Coach, Assistant Coach (responsible for defence), and an Assistant Forwards Coach. This has come about as one of the areas identified as needing a more specialized focus, so just exactly what role does an Attack Coach have and would it make sense for your team to have an Attack and a Defence coach.attack_role

Historically teams will have a Forwards Coach and a Backs Coach who will cover off on the set pieces for each unit both on attack and defence with the Head Coach of the two responsible for coming up with the game plan concepts and generally coaching the necessary techniques and patterns so that the continuity of the game is formulated. It’s all pretty simple and has worked well for many years.

With professional rugby now throwing up a large number of personnel in a coaching team the roles are often very definitive with the Head Coach obviously being responsible for tying all the pieces together.

If this has got you thinking then sit down with your co-coach and list the aspects of the game that each of you believes you have strengths. Is it possible then to divide the coaching up into two separate areas, and do you need a specialist to come in occasionally to provide the necessary input where neither of you have a strength. It could be fun and it may well revitalize your coaching.

When I read that the Crusaders wanted an Attack Coach I wondered exactly what this person’s role would be. I’m assuming that he would be involved in every aspect of the game when his team is in possession of the ball, working alongside the forwards coach at scrum and lineout time in the philosophical aspect of what was wanting to be achieved from certain positions on the field and the patterns that would be evolving from that particular starting point.

The kick off receipts and chases would no doubt be determined by the philosophical approach of the Head Coach, but all other aspects would be down to the Attack Coach. As in all areas this is going to include the patterns, the techniques to be used at the contacts, the continuity philosophy, and the skills required to carry these out.

Back play as a separate entity, counter attack and the joining of the backs and forwards to create attack will be under the control of this attack person. It’s a big job, but an exciting one and in the case of the Crusaders would not require in-depth technical knowledge of scrum and lineout play.

The important aspects for this coach would be:
•    Understanding the philosophy and concepts so that in his planning he will create patterns that suit the team.
•    Having an ability to devise patterns from all aspects of the game including phase play and counter attack.
•    Having an ability to coach the technical and tactical aspects of contact and continuity that relate to the patterns.
•    Having the ability to create attack opportunities from back play both as a unit, mini units and as individuals.
•    Having an ability to improve individuals in each aspect of attack such as running and passing, evasion, contact, kick attack, and conceptually on seeing and using opportunities and making good decisions.

In the case of the Crusaders there will be plenty of help at hand. But, what about you and your team? What would work for you?  Could you for example use a couple of senior players in certain coaching roles? Could you have a specialist coach come along once every three weeks?  Would it suit your coaching team to have a set piece coach and a phase play coach?  How would you work it?

The important fact about club coaching is that there is limited time each week and whatever you decide to do has to be precise and pertinent. Remember the 80/20 rule where you spend 80% of the time on the 20% of the things that are going to make the biggest difference.  Once you have this firmly implanted in your minds then sit down together and make a plan. You could even give yourself a fancy name such as ‘Assault Designer’.

Write out your strengths and aspects you enjoy most when coaching. Start now.