Rugby Coach Weekly
Dan Cottrell and guests discuss all the hot topics in grass roots rugby coaching from managing concussion to dealing with parents.
How to design your coaching for more powerful learning outcomes
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
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 practice, coaching women differently, and fundamental mo...
Why women love playing rugby
Dan chats to Telegraph sports journalist Fi Tomas about where women’s rugby needs to go next.Â
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 broader audienceThe issues that rugby faces...Wait a minute, I’ve just realised I’m a role model for black rugby players
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 better player, and what led hi...
Don't let perfect be the enemy of be good: How to set up a SEND rugby programme
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 All Blacks, Wallingford and Whitney rugby...
When balloons and ribbons can help improve catching skills
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
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 as an example of good coaching...
The thorny reality of losing a World Cup final
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
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 the podcast, we cover
Esta...The science behind why dance can improve rugby
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 danceHow it can be made po...
