I will start this blog with a question. Why are there so very few "gurus" in coaching? We often read stories about "gurus” or “experts" in other fields; fields that vary to the extremes from rocket science to flower arranging. Yet to be called an “expert” coach is very rare! I have been very fortunate to have seen some of the best coaches around - each with their own different take on things and ways of delivery. But even with the level of success many of these “expert” coaches have, there is still a high level of criticism fired at them from others. I don't think this is the classic Kiwi "tall poppy" syndrome as I see it outside New Zealand as well. So what is it? Can no one be considered an expert in rugby coaching? Is it only acceptable if they are from another sport and not rugby? Many coaches out there have books by Wooden, Lombardi etc and quote excerpts from them as if reading from the bible! Could the problem lie within our own insecurities? Often if we are uncertain or feel we do not have all the facts we tend to dispel or attack the methods used by others. Human nature? Probably, but why is it so rampant in rugby? Egos maybe? Or the pressure to succeed? More than likely a combination of the two. With the limited opportunities out there the key indicator to the worth of a coach appears to be results and often with this guise of success comes an inflated image of self worth. Of all the coaches I have met at whatever level I have found very few who are just plain bad! Some have great content but deliver poorly while others put on a great show but fall flat on technical issues. Each one is different and should be seen as such. Coaches should be allowed to claim the “expert” tag if they can form a combination of the two and then learn from them. Be open to learn from technical and the tactical expertise, formulate your own style but still be true to who you are. Then you too may even consider yourself an expert!
It is no coincidence that the best coaches I have met happily share their methods. It is what we do with those methods that can shape us as coaches. So to be a coaching “guru”, continue to share and learn. Be willing to push the envelope and accept the odd defeat. The criticism will still been thrown your way but be safe in the knowledge that those throwing it will probably quickly move on to the next target as all they likely see are obstacles to their own success and not opportunities to learn from the "guru".
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Monday, 24 October 2011
Who else ......really!
There is so much to be said about the world cup final. Already the internet is full of those blasting the Ref or gloating about the victory. Praise should be heaped on both sides as it was a "real" final full of all the tension and thrills a final should have.
But to me there was one thing that really stuck in my mind. What other team in the world could go through four players in the 10 position? This is a key position and a team that is strong in this position will so often have success. But honestly four in a single tournament, three in the sudden death phase! unreal!
For this we must look at the insight shown by the coaching staff. Perhaps a lesson may be learnt in regards to consistency in coaching. John Mitchell was often remembered for his use of the word "journey". To me we have just witnessed a true rugby journey one travelled by the coaches, the players and most certainly the diehard fans.
Coaching is a tough game. Some are good, some are great, some just need a chance but with all of these the whole team needs to believe and then their journeys can begin.
But to me there was one thing that really stuck in my mind. What other team in the world could go through four players in the 10 position? This is a key position and a team that is strong in this position will so often have success. But honestly four in a single tournament, three in the sudden death phase! unreal!
For this we must look at the insight shown by the coaching staff. Perhaps a lesson may be learnt in regards to consistency in coaching. John Mitchell was often remembered for his use of the word "journey". To me we have just witnessed a true rugby journey one travelled by the coaches, the players and most certainly the diehard fans.
Coaching is a tough game. Some are good, some are great, some just need a chance but with all of these the whole team needs to believe and then their journeys can begin.
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Coaching as a career - yeah right!
From the first moment I touched a rugby ball as a 3 year old playing mini rugby in rural New Zealand I was hooked. From then on my Mum and Dad would follow me to most matches and when I entered rep rugby that often meant very long road trips and cheap motels. Sadly my father never saw me play senior rugby and my mother was only informed of my exploits overseas by the odd newspaper clipping I would send her. Still, great times! Perhaps this is where I should have stopped. But oh no, I decided to coach!
Coaching allowed me to still feel the highs and lows of the team in battle. There was a familiarity in the smell of liniment and fresh washed jerseys. It wasn't the same as playing but the next best thing. The highs came from seeing the players develop and knowing I had a hand in their success. Their feedback fueled my desire as they worked hard to achieve. Then success came along and a little of the fun started to go. It wasn't success that took away the fun, it was the critics! All of a sudden people want to have a shot at someone doing well at something they love - and at that time something they did for free! Still the players and the great people I met along the way made it all worthwhile. So perhaps I should have stopped there! But oh no, I decided to specialise!
Firstly I was the "drills guy" and then I became the "skills coach". Both these roles brought me into contact with some fantastic people and my rugby knowledge grew with it. But wait! Suddenly no team, no liniment what's going on? It feels like my life is not mine to make mistakes and learn from anymore, I must be herded and guided to fit in with the plans of others.
So I reckon it's time to coach a team again. After all I have been exposed to some of the best coaches in the world and coached some great players and coaches from all around the world, so now I have a skill set even greater than before. But wait! I am not in the system! What system?? Who knew there was a system??? And that old adage from the past comes back to me "it's not what you know it's who you know" and more recently a new one I hear a lot "everyone is replaceable". These two phrases bloody irritate me so much. It is clear now that my success will not come from my knowledge, skill set, ability or even potential, but rather from working the system as it is supposed to work. I don't think I want to do that. If everyone feels replaceable they will work hard to do what pleases those in power but they will never have the freedom to express themselves and this is the area that great gains come from. I prefer the honest approach - who you know should not matter, judge people on their actions, words are cheap. Simple old fashioned things today I guess.
So if like me you read this as I once was, a wide eyed player trying to hang on to past glories who wants to coach. Then be prepared to lose your soul. In this world ruled by those who conform there is no room for a free thinker. I know there are many great coaches who now tend to their garden or hide in society rather than compromise their values. Perhaps a result of their free thinking and rugby throughout the world is a lot worse off because of this.
So if you want to advance say "yes" and do what is required. But if you want to be truly great be brave and challenge. If the success does not come from this then at least you can look into the eyes of those you love and feel true to yourself.
Coaching allowed me to still feel the highs and lows of the team in battle. There was a familiarity in the smell of liniment and fresh washed jerseys. It wasn't the same as playing but the next best thing. The highs came from seeing the players develop and knowing I had a hand in their success. Their feedback fueled my desire as they worked hard to achieve. Then success came along and a little of the fun started to go. It wasn't success that took away the fun, it was the critics! All of a sudden people want to have a shot at someone doing well at something they love - and at that time something they did for free! Still the players and the great people I met along the way made it all worthwhile. So perhaps I should have stopped there! But oh no, I decided to specialise!
Firstly I was the "drills guy" and then I became the "skills coach". Both these roles brought me into contact with some fantastic people and my rugby knowledge grew with it. But wait! Suddenly no team, no liniment what's going on? It feels like my life is not mine to make mistakes and learn from anymore, I must be herded and guided to fit in with the plans of others.
So I reckon it's time to coach a team again. After all I have been exposed to some of the best coaches in the world and coached some great players and coaches from all around the world, so now I have a skill set even greater than before. But wait! I am not in the system! What system?? Who knew there was a system??? And that old adage from the past comes back to me "it's not what you know it's who you know" and more recently a new one I hear a lot "everyone is replaceable". These two phrases bloody irritate me so much. It is clear now that my success will not come from my knowledge, skill set, ability or even potential, but rather from working the system as it is supposed to work. I don't think I want to do that. If everyone feels replaceable they will work hard to do what pleases those in power but they will never have the freedom to express themselves and this is the area that great gains come from. I prefer the honest approach - who you know should not matter, judge people on their actions, words are cheap. Simple old fashioned things today I guess.
So if like me you read this as I once was, a wide eyed player trying to hang on to past glories who wants to coach. Then be prepared to lose your soul. In this world ruled by those who conform there is no room for a free thinker. I know there are many great coaches who now tend to their garden or hide in society rather than compromise their values. Perhaps a result of their free thinking and rugby throughout the world is a lot worse off because of this.
So if you want to advance say "yes" and do what is required. But if you want to be truly great be brave and challenge. If the success does not come from this then at least you can look into the eyes of those you love and feel true to yourself.
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Opinions are like………….
"Opinions are like arseholes, everyone has one!" This is a phrase I heard many years ago and it has stuck with me ever since. I guess it becomes even more relevant around a world cup when we hear the thoughts of every armchair critic from every corner of the globe. Hey, we have all done it "maybe we should have played X or maybe kicked wide to Y". For the most part this is all pretty harmless stuff - until it becomes public. When negative people with an axe to grind jump on talk back radio or online (oops I guess that's me!) and target an individual, that for me is not entertainment it's just plain mean. Whatever happened to blind patriotism? Just support your team and trust their coaches to do the job. Before opening your mouth ask yourself "could I do better?" the correct answer is NO because if you could you would have stood up long ago and put yourself in the running for that job. Or if you are a player you would have run the extra lap, lifted that extra weight and put the extra skill work in to give you a chance of being there.
When the teams run out for the semi finals this weekend let's not criticise or throw out crazy "what if" statements. Let's just get behind them and understand that each one of them are doing their utmost to perform. John Eales had the nickname "nobody" because to his teammates "nobody's perfect" but I am sure even he would have had moments that he thought he could have done something a little better.
Hey it's fine to have an opinion, just don't be an opinionated arsehole!
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Battle of inches
There has been a wonderful intensity in the matches seen so far in the world cup. Last night I watched the Georgians smash into the Romanians and vice versa for 80 minutes. The same with USA v Italy, Canada v Japan and as for the Pacific Island nations I would expect no less!
What appears to me missing are things like evasion in contact, variation in attack around the ruck area (mind you Georgia showed some nice touches last night) and some form of width to vary the point of attack and hopefully begin to break down the defence systems.
As has been said many times "defence wins championships" and I guess I have to reluctantly agree but PLEASE do not forget attack! I have been to, and run many defence sessions and apart from a few subtle philosophies they are all pretty similar. But the real joy in coaching for me comes from creative attack systems. By this I do not mean robotic pre programmed lines but finely orchestrated smooth maneuvers that cause chaos in the defence and create options for the ball carrier and those around them.
I understand the need for solid set piece and good "go forward" to bring attack into the game but I think more than a few teams have missed an opportunity to move up the ranks by having little in attack.
Lets see what the rest of the tournament has to offer.
What appears to me missing are things like evasion in contact, variation in attack around the ruck area (mind you Georgia showed some nice touches last night) and some form of width to vary the point of attack and hopefully begin to break down the defence systems.
As has been said many times "defence wins championships" and I guess I have to reluctantly agree but PLEASE do not forget attack! I have been to, and run many defence sessions and apart from a few subtle philosophies they are all pretty similar. But the real joy in coaching for me comes from creative attack systems. By this I do not mean robotic pre programmed lines but finely orchestrated smooth maneuvers that cause chaos in the defence and create options for the ball carrier and those around them.
I understand the need for solid set piece and good "go forward" to bring attack into the game but I think more than a few teams have missed an opportunity to move up the ranks by having little in attack.
Lets see what the rest of the tournament has to offer.
Monday, 26 September 2011
Can't we all get along
Just a quick one today for all my loyal followers - oh ok then follower!!!
There has been a real hype up in this world cup over the whole hate the Aussie thing. This gets up my nose a bit! I have many great Aussie mates and like a lot of Kiwis I spent a large chunk of my life living there. I think this has really been driven hard by the media and then fueled by a few out there who are more jealous over the lifestyles their family are living in Oz than any real hatred for the country or the people!
The media and those people mentioned above drive us into liking some pretty crap reality shows, thinking it's OK to loose as long as you have a good time and think that a perfect life is all about the latest Ab machine, white teeth and a home that smells like spring flowers !!!
Lets just enjoy the Rugby a cold beer and stories about how good we all once were!
There has been a real hype up in this world cup over the whole hate the Aussie thing. This gets up my nose a bit! I have many great Aussie mates and like a lot of Kiwis I spent a large chunk of my life living there. I think this has really been driven hard by the media and then fueled by a few out there who are more jealous over the lifestyles their family are living in Oz than any real hatred for the country or the people!
The media and those people mentioned above drive us into liking some pretty crap reality shows, thinking it's OK to loose as long as you have a good time and think that a perfect life is all about the latest Ab machine, white teeth and a home that smells like spring flowers !!!
Lets just enjoy the Rugby a cold beer and stories about how good we all once were!
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Upset - No, Passion - Yes
The World Cup just keeps getting better as the games roll by. Really annoyed I missed the Argentina game as they are a team I like to watch to see how they will fit into what was called the "TriNations".
South Africa were pretty clinical against Fiji and I think many who predicted an upset were far from the mark. The big hard running Fijians we must remember were running up against just as big and as hard running Africans!
As for the Aussie v Ireland game. What a cracker! But once again those who called this an upset must remember that Ireland is a tier one nation. If the excitement is to live on in our game then these sort of results must continue. Passion is a wonderful thing and when the AB's went down to the Aussies recently you could say they "out passioned" us. Last night it was the turn of the Irish. Must admit I felt for James Slipper who came on the face a great Irish pack with Cian Healy particularly impressive.
Lets not forget this is the premier Rugby tournament in the world and every teams wants to put their best on the paddock. Every game should be a battle and I am sure that is how every rugby supporter in the world would want it.
Pretty eager to see the Samoa v Wales game today. I was very impressed with Wales in their first match and much like Ireland their passion was wonderful.
South Africa were pretty clinical against Fiji and I think many who predicted an upset were far from the mark. The big hard running Fijians we must remember were running up against just as big and as hard running Africans!
As for the Aussie v Ireland game. What a cracker! But once again those who called this an upset must remember that Ireland is a tier one nation. If the excitement is to live on in our game then these sort of results must continue. Passion is a wonderful thing and when the AB's went down to the Aussies recently you could say they "out passioned" us. Last night it was the turn of the Irish. Must admit I felt for James Slipper who came on the face a great Irish pack with Cian Healy particularly impressive.
Lets not forget this is the premier Rugby tournament in the world and every teams wants to put their best on the paddock. Every game should be a battle and I am sure that is how every rugby supporter in the world would want it.
Pretty eager to see the Samoa v Wales game today. I was very impressed with Wales in their first match and much like Ireland their passion was wonderful.
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Go the boys
Well yesterday was a pretty good day for the Canadians. Great to see Phil Mackenzie score the match winning try. Felt a bit for Fetu'u Vainikolo and Thomas Palu who were the other IRANZ boys on show in that match. Better news for Anthony Perenise and Eliota Fuimaono in Samoa's win over Namibia.
Watching these boys in action is a real buzz. For many it does not seem that long ago that they were these wide eyed kids with the rugby world awaiting them. From Frans Steyn to Israel Dagg or Mike Petri to James Slipper. However their teams are rated in the pecking order of the day their achievements are nontheless something for them to be terribly proud of.
USA play Russia today and once again a host of familiar faces will run out to "live the dream".
Go Boys!
Watching these boys in action is a real buzz. For many it does not seem that long ago that they were these wide eyed kids with the rugby world awaiting them. From Frans Steyn to Israel Dagg or Mike Petri to James Slipper. However their teams are rated in the pecking order of the day their achievements are nontheless something for them to be terribly proud of.
USA play Russia today and once again a host of familiar faces will run out to "live the dream".
Go Boys!
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Eyes on the next level
An interesting day ahead with some good match ups. Pretty keen to take a first look at Samoa who look strong on paper. Great to see Anthony Perenise in the line up who went through IRANZ. This is a very tough pool and with Wales playing so well against South Africa the other sides will have to fire to knock one of them over.
I was particularly impressed with Wales. They played an attractive brand of rugby much like I remember from them as a boy. With some hard straight running backs, a well balanced 10, a ball hunting 7 and a strong pack they would be disappointed to bow out so early.
Canada vs Tonga should be a good battle. This holds a fair bit of interest to me as I spent time playing and later coaching in Canada. A wonderful country and some great people! This is a place I would love to return to and coach again, I was pretty green as coach on my first visit and I have the desire to return and redeem myself a little. 20 years more experience must count for something! Will look out for Phil Mackenzie in the centres, who I have also worked with on two IRANZ courses. Plus I understand there may be some players from the Cowichan area on Vancouver Island who will no doubt be strongly supported by the wonderful people of that area. Watch out for sideline photographer Caity McCulloch who has a pretty good rugby pedigree herself!
I know very little about Georgia and Scotland did not set the world on fire in their opener against Romania. So will be looking for some improvement there. This could have been a great pool if it included one of the Pacific Island teams.
Keen to watch USA vs Russia tomorrow I would have loved to have been there. Would be great to catch up to the boys in the Eagles who I have been fortunate to work with over the years.
Remember - The edge is in the detail!
I was particularly impressed with Wales. They played an attractive brand of rugby much like I remember from them as a boy. With some hard straight running backs, a well balanced 10, a ball hunting 7 and a strong pack they would be disappointed to bow out so early.
Canada vs Tonga should be a good battle. This holds a fair bit of interest to me as I spent time playing and later coaching in Canada. A wonderful country and some great people! This is a place I would love to return to and coach again, I was pretty green as coach on my first visit and I have the desire to return and redeem myself a little. 20 years more experience must count for something! Will look out for Phil Mackenzie in the centres, who I have also worked with on two IRANZ courses. Plus I understand there may be some players from the Cowichan area on Vancouver Island who will no doubt be strongly supported by the wonderful people of that area. Watch out for sideline photographer Caity McCulloch who has a pretty good rugby pedigree herself!
I know very little about Georgia and Scotland did not set the world on fire in their opener against Romania. So will be looking for some improvement there. This could have been a great pool if it included one of the Pacific Island teams.
Keen to watch USA vs Russia tomorrow I would have loved to have been there. Would be great to catch up to the boys in the Eagles who I have been fortunate to work with over the years.
Remember - The edge is in the detail!
Monday, 12 September 2011
World Cup
Not even sure anyone will see my first post so I will make it a very short one.
Rugby world cup has hit New Zealand and in this first weekend we have seen some wonderful games. The skill levels have been pretty good but probably over-shadowed by raw determination, particularly by the less fancied teams. On that note I must say I object to the word "minnows" when referring to these teams outside the "big time". This is their world cup as well and each team should always have the attitude to push for success no matter the odds.
As I said this would be short. Let me know your thoughts on the skills displayed at the cup.
Rugby world cup has hit New Zealand and in this first weekend we have seen some wonderful games. The skill levels have been pretty good but probably over-shadowed by raw determination, particularly by the less fancied teams. On that note I must say I object to the word "minnows" when referring to these teams outside the "big time". This is their world cup as well and each team should always have the attitude to push for success no matter the odds.
As I said this would be short. Let me know your thoughts on the skills displayed at the cup.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)