Coaching Teenagers – Best Practice

There is plenty to be understood about teenagers if a coach is going to get the best out of his team and the individuals that make up his squad.

Communicating effectively is the basis for a successful relationship and the overall success of the season so give the following ideas some thought.

All interaction should begin with “I understand', to show that you understand their opinion. It doesn't mean you agree; it just means you are listening. They want their opinion heard and discussed as they have inquiring minds and are accustomed to being involved in the decision making process.

Questioning and listening will be the key concept to follow at trainings and games.

Keep your language simple and use coaching phrases that clarify aspects of the game. 'Run as straight as a train' and 'drive forward like a bulldozer' are examples. Get the players to make up some of their own coaching phrases and include a few old and trusted examples such as 'spine in line'.

Show an interest in every individual by getting to know their talents and discussing how to use these abilities in a practical way. Help them set some goals and show each individual that you have a real interest in them.

Be aware of your emotions and stay calm. Their behaviour is not a reflection on you.  They dislike being criticised by the coach or teammates; being put down, told they aren't good enough and sitting on the bench. They need your understanding.

Demonstrate your belief in them and show that you have faith in their capabilities. Help solve problems with them rather than creating a larger problem. Remember, they want to feel an integral part of the team and herein lies the secret as to why many of them play.

Rugby teens feel a unique strong bond with each other and this must be fostered by the coach through the players receiving positive experiences, encouragement and praising effort rather than the result.

During all this the coach should not try to be the teenagers friend. They have plenty of mates already and they still need an important figure whom they respect and who they expect can improve them as players whilst creating a good team culture.

At this age the team becomes more important than the game but there is still a need for individual improvement. Playing rugby is a chance to be part of something – a brotherhood – so pride in achievement and teamwork becomes a necessity and rewards and responsibilities are shared equally.

Remember too that away from the game most teenagers will have mobile phones so texting is your best form of keeping them informed.

Trainings must enable them to improve, forge friendships and develop a sense of pride and achievement. They are looking for more than just routine drills and they want input in to how trainings are run and what goals to aim for. They also want to be part of any debrief, believing coaches and players should all have a chance of saying what they think, without judgement.

Coaches are a crucial aspect of the teenager’s rugby world. They rely on coaches to help them improve skills, provide support and act as the go-to person with issues connected with rugby so coaches are the key in making teens' rugby experiences enjoyable and gratifying.

Not only do they help teens have fun and become better rugby players but they help guide them through some of the formative years of their lives.  They help develop resilience, cope with disappointment, learn from mistakes and adjust strategies, which are important in developing initiative and core skills to be used in all aspects of life.

At this age there is often one defining moment when teens decide to leave the game and it can be as simple as feeling embarrassed after missing a couple of tackles, or pressure from the sideline, so a good coach will spot these situations and talk them through it and make a plan.

In summary if 'enjoyment' is the catch phrase, consider the following:

•    Parents and coaches are their role models. Leading players are their idols.
•    Teenagers love hanging out with their mates. Rugby helps build trust in one another.
•    Achievement can be measured in many ways – winning; playing well; striving to be the best they can be; being competitive.
•    Turnoffs include – losing lots of games; losing by a big margin; not feeling included if they are injured; not getting their share of game time; coaches not understanding about jobs, other sports and schoolwork conflicting with practices and games; coaching from the sideline (especially parents)
•    All teams want at least part of what the 1st XV get – new balls, plenty of practice balls, team bags, training tops, time on the scrum machine and a good place to practice.
•    The most important thing for a teenager is hanging with mates. This should be considered in the make-up of teams.
•    Parents are there to act as taxi drivers and ATM's and to keep their distance. They are not there to dish out any advice in any form.
•    Teens like discipline and a structured environment that will create a cohesive team but when winning at all costs becomes more important than rewarding effort and a battle well fought, they will be turned off. The pivotal requirement is praising effort and not result.
•    Coaches should be encouraged to incorporate technology in their sessions and games. Something as simple as filming and uploading to YouTube, or using an iPad for immediate feedback at training can be demonstrated to the coach by the team members.
•    Judge your players and team on improvements and whether they are enjoying their experiences.

Teenagers just want a fair deal. It sounds a pretty reasonable request. Good luck. You can do it.