Skills Clinic Update 25th July 22

Another year comes to an end and it’s been fantastic to see the continued growth in members across the skills clinic.

We say farewell and good luck to those year 11 members who now take perhaps the hardest of steps in rugby as they transition through colts to adult rugby, we wish them well in whatever decisions they make thank you to all those who contributed the amazing picture presented to

Sue and myself. It will take “Pride of place” in our dining room.

To our younger members it’s been really positive to see the confidence that has grown particularly in the 4v2v2 activity. Perhaps most encouragingly, hearing that

both players and parents are recognising and discussing such scenarios when watching the summer tour internationals.

I believe that the hardest skill to learn in rugby is decision making. Seeing what is in front of you and making yourself available to either carry or support the ball carrier and understanding that supporting the ball carrier could be by holding width, it could be by offering yourself for an offload option, it could be by joining them to carry through contact or become the first clearer at the breakdown. Starting to identify some of the activity we undertake in game settings will certainly add to player awareness and understanding which in turn informs decision making.

Our embarkation on the counter attack game has enabled us as coaches to gather a little more insight into areas where some players feel more or less confident so please as we progress don’t be hesitant, assimilate the information and back yourself, it’s our job as coaches to applaud or use the opportunity you provide us to highlight other options that may have been available as well as identify themes within players. Only by falling do we learn to walk.

We have really enjoyed coaching this year and we hope that as you as players continue to grow and develop that we as coaches follow suit also continuing to grow and develop.

The dates for next term are: 6 th 13 th 20 th 27 th September 4 th 11 th 18 th October. The session will start at 17:30 ending at 18:30. The cost for the half term is £70.00 and we will send out invoices in the next couple of weeks.

All have a good safe summer and we look forward to seeing many of you again next term.

With thanks Mike and Sue