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In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell welcomes Jamie Taylor—Assistant Professor of Elite Performance at Dublin City University, Academy Coach with Leicester Tigers, and Senior Coach Developer at Grey Matters UK.

Together, they dive into the practical aspects of coaching, discussing session planning, skill acquisition, and what it truly means to develop coaching expertise.

Jamie challenges conventional ideas on coaching theory, explaining the importance of understanding "why" we coach the way we do and how we can design better learning experiences for players.

Whether you're a grassroots coach or working at the elite level, this conversation will make you think more deeply about your coaching intentions and the impact you have on your players.

• Understanding coaching expertise: Why coaching is more than just following a template.
• The importance of coaching intentions: Moving beyond "what" we coach to "why" we coach it.
• Session planning insights: How to design training sessions that truly develop players.
• Exploration vs. exploitation in skill acquisition: When to encourage players to try new things vs. refining existing skills.
• How coaches can improve: The role of reflection, questioning, and learning from mistakes.
• Theoretical perspectives on coaching: A look at cognitive, ecological dynamics, and predictive processing approaches.
• Measuring progress in coaching: How to assess whether training methods are effective.
• Understanding how session design affects player development.
• Common coaching misconceptions: Why making training look good doesn’t always mean it’s effective.
• Jamie’s personal coaching evolution: Lessons learned from years in coaching and academia.

To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly

Also, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!

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Tackling is at the heart of rugby, but what truly makes a tackle dominant or a miss?

In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, host Dan Cottrell welcomes Oli Bishop, defence coach for Ealing Trailfinders Women and U23s, to break down the science behind effective tackling. Oli shares insights from his Level 4 RFU research, exploring the key characteristics of dominant tackles, the role of balance and momentum, and the phases of a successful tackle.

From analysing foot placement to understanding pre-contact cues, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for coaches and players alike. Key insights include:

• The importance of pre-contact positioning: How anticipation and approach impact tackle success.
• Why dominant tackles are most likely within two metres of the ball carrier receiving the ball.
• Hand placement strategies: When to aim for behind the knees versus the lower back.
• Leg drive and post-contact work: The key to finishing tackles effectively.
• How to coach players out of poor tackle habits and build their confidence.

To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly

Also, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!

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In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Sam Halliday, a PE teacher and rugby coach working with the Oxfordshire U16 PDG squad and Brackley U14 girls.

Sam shares his insights on building a thriving coaching environment, fostering player ownership, and creating opportunities for girls in rugby.

He discusses the importance of peer-led learning, developing confidence in new players, and how structured yet flexible coaching can lead to lasting engagement. Whether you're coaching grassroots rugby or looking to refine your approach to player development, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

📢 Listen now and discover:

• How to create an inclusive coaching culture that supports learning and growth
• The role of leadership and peer mentoring in player development
• Practical ways to recruit and retain players in girls' rugby
• The power of ownership in skill progression and confidence building

To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly

Also, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!