Six Nations Coach Development Conference 2010

Transcription

1 Six Nations Coach Development Conference 2010 Technical Working Party Coach Development Sub-Committee CNR, Marcoussis, France May 2010

2 1 These conferences are extremely beneficial.

3 Contents Introduction 4 Aims of Sub-committee and Conference 5 Executive Summary 6 Conference Content 7 Review and Reflections 15 Outline Programme 17 Delegates 19 Tutors, Staff and Interpreters 21 2

4 3 Attending the Heineken Cup Final made the conference! Being able to relate the content to a live game was crucial without it my answers would have been very different.

5 Introduction The 2010 Coach Development Conference was held at Marcoussis, the superb facility of the French Rugby Union. It is dedicated to rugby and is rightly the envy of the other Six Nations countries. We were delighted that Pierre Camou, the President of the French Rugby Union was able to drop in and welcome us on the first afternoon. The theme of this year s conference was Adaptive Rugby. The sessions were lively and well organised and managed by the 6 tutors, Steve Aboud, Francesco Ascione, Philippe Boher, Kevin Bowring, Phil Davies and Henry Edwards. We were privileged to have Pierre Villepreux and Marc Lievremont as guest speakers. They were stimulating and gave lots of input for the coaches to discuss and learn from. The visit to the Heineken Cup Final between Toulouse and Biarritz was used to analyse elements of Adaptive Rugby. The Six Nations Council strongly supports the Coaching Development Conference in order to continue to develop the game across the Six Nations at the top level. It is one of the few opportunities that top coaches have to work together across team and country boundaries away from the tensions of the pre and post match situation where it is rarely conducive to have meaningful discussions on rugby strategy and tactics. Jock Millican, SRU Six Nations Council Chairman, Coach Development Sub-Committee 4

6 Aims Aims of the Sub-Committee The aims of the Six Nations Coach Development Sub-Committee are: To provide a cross cultural sharing of coaching ideas and raise the coaching bar. To challenge the high performance coaches in the Six Nations to think across borders and cultures. To provide a vehicle for the interchange of technical expertise between Six Nations member Unions and encouragement of this outside the competitive parameters. To provide a forum for research and the future development of the game within the Six Nations membership group. To encourage greater understanding and cooperation between High Performance Coaches/Potential High Performance Coaches within the member countries and the responsibility they have for the delivery of the game in the playing sense. To improve communication and integration of appropriate personnel who are very much hands on in working with the players. Aims of the Conference The aims of the 2010 Coaching conference were: to provide coaches with a means of learning from a shared experience and by being encouraged to coach laterally and creatively on a certain chosen theme. to set a topical theme (the Adaptive game ) to provide a venue which allows a stimulating and friendly working environment to obtain feedback as to whether the format is worthwhile 5

7 Executive Summary Six coaches from each of the Six Nations countries were again invited to participate in the sixth annual Nations Coaching Conference which was held this year at the FFR s, Centre for National Rugby in Marcoussis, to the south of Paris. The theme of this year s conference was The Adaptive Game with participants encouraged to share, discuss and develop their ideas from various sessions delivered over the 4 days. The summary of the lessons learned and the reflections of the coaches at page 16 provides a strong indicator of another successful conference. The guest speakers Pierre Villepreux (Former National Coach and Technical Director of FFR) and Marc Lievremont (National Coach, France) Didier Retiere (Assistant Coach, France) was in attendance and kindly demonstrated the FFR s new scrummage machine and recently developed scrum technology. The conference was built around the 2010 Heineken Cup Final at Stade de France and this proved to be the highlight of the week, emphasising again, the importance of the timing of the conference. The advantages and disadvantages of both the adaptive game and the programmed game were debated; analysis templates specifically to monitor adaptive rugby were developed and applied to the teams competing in the Heineken Cup Final. Once again feedback from delegates was extremely positive with coaches appreciating the development opportunity. Jon Davis Operations Director Six Nations Rugby Limited 6

8 Conference Content Introductory Session Each table was required to introduce themselves and discuss and give feedback on their thoughts on the characteristics of the Adaptive Game. The common characteristics identified were: Framework/Strategy Free-Flowing/Transition/Momentum Decision making/reading the situation Reactive/Opportunity Culture/Environment Flexible/Versatile Effective/Cohesive Understanding Instinctive/Speed/Anticipation Philosophy/ Attitude Enjoyable 7

9 Session 1 Definition of Terms and feedback The coaches were asked to choose a selection of terms from the list of characteristics of Adaptive Rugby they provided in the introductory session, and define the terms. FEEDBACK Framework - the way we want to play the game - develop a team shape based on the big picture and willingness to change to what they see in front of them in an instinctive and reactive way based on decisions made in the action Culture - the culture involves trust in the players and the behaviours players display on and off the field so that players are accountable Versatility - develop skills to make and execute decisions Cohesion - ensure that players understand the framework Transition - develop effective starter plays to develop momentum Philosophy - create the environment to allow players to make decisions Opportunity - a situation put in front of your team Strategy - creative and innovative ways of play Reading the situation - read the defence and react as a ball carrier and support player by making decisions within an environment that allows mistakes Speed / anticipation - responding faster to an opportunity or imbalance SUMMARY: Coaches must prepare for the reality of the game and manage effectively the relationship between the players and the game. 8

10 Session 2 Applying definitions in practice The coaches were shown a series of video clips and were asked to discuss and highlight elements of effective adaptive play, using the terms and definitions used in the previous session. This session created a great deal of discussion and debate over the definitions of terms. Session 3 Analysing Adaptive Rugby The coaches were asked to discuss and generate a template that they thought could be used to analyse adaptive rugby. The purpose here was to highlight the principles of play that teams need to develop in their game to be effective. Each table created their own analysis template which they shared and applied to the two teams in the Heineken Cup Final. 9

11 Session 4 Philosophy of Adaptive Rugby (Pierre Villepreux) Pierre Villepreux emphasised rugby is about moving forward and support and illustrated this with a video clip of 8 year olds playing rugby for the first time. Through the introductions of a few easy principles of play (e.g. You run forward, you call upon the others for support, you allow yourself to be tackled and you just play!) it was fascinating to see how quickly the children developed their play through intuition and natural problem solving! Pierre s definition of adaptive rugby is, based on the player being able to react to the context of the game (when the game is moving). The objective of adaptive play is to be able to create opportunities for the team to be effective, through using verbal and nonverbal communication which allows the players to make decisions. Developing understanding before action results in more effective decision making. Pierre Villepreux believes that in order to coach adaptive rugby there should be organised but not pre-programmed movement and advised the following: Start with general movement Use game situations to develop principles of play in attack and defence Create restraints/problems to solve Create situations where the attack has the advantage, where the defence has the advantage and when there is equilibrium between attack and defence so that players identify where to play Let them make mistakes and accept mistakes (this allows them to learn) Develop the roles of players on the ball, in close support and in space Give meaning to actions e.g. where are you useful, can you create an imbalance anywhere on the field? Coach technique with tactical and strategic decision making together Play what you see but be aware of what you can t see Explain why before how! 10

12 Session 5 & 6 TASK: The coaches were required to: Apply the template/process their group had designed over the last 2 days. Generate a team profile of both Heineken Cup finalists. Session 5 analyse Toulouse s ability to play effective adaptive rugby. Session 6 analyse Biarritz s ability to play effective adaptive rugby. PROCESS: Observe the Quarter & Semi Final ball in play matches of both teams on DVD Group analysis and feedback FEEDBACK: Toulouse Their culture is to support each other Attack based on support - allow ball carrier to have options Effective attack is based on creating quick ball Set-piece is strong Respond slowly in defence in turnover situations React quickly to turnover situations in attack Biarritz More pre-programmed strategies Took fewer risks Demonstrated adaptive attacking play when error was made by the opposition Difficulty in defending adaptive attacking play Support focused on protecting/recycling possession rather than looking for off-loads to maintain attacking momentum Set piece orientated - very rigid Very structured, programmed 11

13 Session 7 The coaches were given time to make any changes to their analysis templates, before attending the Heineken Cup Final later that afternoon. Session 8 Changing Culture Towards an Adaptive Game - Marc Lievremont Marc Lievremont shared his experiences of establishing a new direction for the French national team with both management and players. He outlined the extent to which they promoted adaptive rugby within their coaching. Having been appointed as national coach after the 2007 Rugby World Cup, he wanted to change the approach to playing and coaching. It was important for him and his team to adopt an approach that reflected the culture and history of French Rugby. In 2008 many experienced players retired and the younger players lacked the necessary skill and experience to play effectively within an adaptive free-flowing game. They needed to establish a culture to accommodate and coach these younger players. Initially these younger players were not strong at the fundamentals of the game, but they focused on developing set pieces and starter plays. 12

14 As a result the players have now become more involved and this input goes beyond the pitch. Although it can be difficult for players and management to work together, Marc said that he had to learn to be patient and humble, and that communication is very important. He regarded himself more as a manager and someone who was willing to delegate to his assistant coaches. To him Adaptive Rugby is not as simple as saying to the players go on and play ; players need to be provided with reference points and tools. He expressed a commitment to continuous quality. This was followed by a stimulating question and answer session lasting beyond 45 minutes. Session 8 Post Heineken Cup Final Review The coaches were tasked to observe the final by identifying the characteristics of the two teams in relation to their adaptive analysis. DVD s of the Heineken Cup final were reviewed and reflections on the match and the analysis of the Adaptive Game were recorded as follows: Toulouse Can sustain long periods of organised movement from set piece All players are mobilised and adaptable in general play (polyvalence) Showed a collective effort to generate uncertainty Used their speed to create imbalance Did enough to win the game Adapted, but only when there was the opportunity Did not stay on feet as much as normal - did they go into the match conservatively? Excellent strategy They kicked to create disorder - which they thrive on 13

15 Biarritz Saw opportunities, showed intent, but were not able to exploit it Impressive kicking game Consistent with previously observed strategies Adaptability within defence was outstanding Could not adapt to the pressure on their scrum Applied pressure through playing for possession Kept width, but lacked depth in support Defended well resulting in no tries scored by Toulouse. Session 10 Review of Learning - Selection of Coaches feedback comments Despite differences in culture and philosophy there was a great deal of common ground between coaches The philosophy of the team and the coach s willingness to adopt an adaptive approach is important There is no ideal rugby, both adaptive and programmed are required Sharing views and watching the game was invaluable - theory then practice is important We have a better understanding of Adaptive Rugby It is important for the coach to create a state of mind in his team to act and react to the adaptive game We need to promote decision making and learning from making mistakes Re-enforced beliefs but I need to do more adaptive coaching The humility of the coach is important as demonstrated by Marc Lievremont We need to create more coaching environments that develop decision making, intelligent players How to better implement the key principles of play Develop the culture and team training environment Coach the principles of collective adaptation Build on the 2 or 3 players who are capable of playing the adaptive game The views of the speakers were stimulating Rugby is a simple game perhaps we over-analyse! 14

16 Review & Reflections Overall Conference 100% rated the conference as useful and very beneficial Understanding adaptive rugby will help me assess my coaching content 87% thought the timings were sufficient Sessions were timed well to allow the info to sink in 97% thought the opportunities provided to exchange ideas and thoughts with other coaches were very good or excellent Talking to other coaches is as effective a learning tool as the speakers 100% felt the Conference significantly facilitated their understanding of Adaptive rugby I was new to the terminology so it has helped massively 84% rated the processes implemented to promote their understanding of Adaptive Rugby as excellent and very good Small group work and debate developed understanding 83% felt the conference has effectively assisted them to coach Adaptive Rugby with confidence. I will take away some clear understandings and tools to work with 100% felt they learnt something significant from the other coaches on the programme Great Opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss different cultures 100% would attend another conference, with 93% wanting to attend next year s conference These conferences are extremely beneficial 87% Rated Pierre Villepreux s presentation as excellent or very good Very enlightening although I would have loved to have seen him do some practical coaching 97% thought Marc Lievremont s presentation was excellent or very good My first thought was: I could play for him! Simple, Honest, player driven! 100% rated the conference administration as excellent or very good Very good and professional 100% thought the effectiveness of the translation/interpretation was very good or excellent Fantastic 97% rated the technology used during the conference as very good or excellent 97% thought the conference venue was very good or excellent First Class Venue in the context of the conference 100% felt the accommodation was excellent or very good 15

17 Excellent and refreshing 16

18 Outline Programme DAY 1 - Thursday 20 May 14:00 Welcome (Jock Millican, Pierre Camou) Elite Coach Development Group (Kevin Bowring) Introductions 15:00 Coffee Break 15:30 Session 1 (Steven Aboud) Table work - Definition of Terms and Feedback 17:00 Coffee Break 17:30 Session 2 (Philippe Boher) Applying terms in practice 19:00 Summary 20:00 Dinner DAY 2 - Wednesday 21 May 09:00 Session 3 (Francesco Ascione) Analysing Effective Rugby Discuss and generate a template for analysing adaptive rugby Team and Unit play Feedback 10:30 Coffee Break 11:00 Session 4 (Francesco Ascione) Philosophy of Adaptive Rugby - Pierre Villepreux 12:30 Lunch 14:00 Session 5 (Phil Davies) Generate team profile (apply template) 15:00 Coffee Break 15:30 Session 6 (Phil Davies) Generate team profile (continued) 16:30 Touch Rugby and Tour of CNR 17

19 DAY 3 - Saturday 22 May 09:00 Session 7 (Henry Edwards) Generate Team Profile Feedback on template and team profile 10:30 Coffee Break 11:00 Session 8 (Philippe Boher) Changing Culture Towards and Adaptive Game - Marc Lievremont Q & A 13:00 Lunch 14:30 Depart for Heineken Cup Final 18:00 Kick-off of Heineken Cup Final 18:45 Half Time Task Compare the first half performance with your analysis of the adaptive game for each team. 20:30 Depart Stade de France 22:00 Supper DAY 4 - Sunday 23 May 09:00 Session 9 (Francesco Ascione) Review analysis and feedback 11:15 Coffee break 11:45 Feedback on Group Learning (Steve Aboud) 12:30 Conference Close (Jock Millican and Jon Davis) 12:45 Lunch Delegates Depart A big thing for me was being able to base the conference around the Heineken Cup Final and that was very useful! 18

20 Delegate Groups Table 1 Country Coaching Position Simon Middleton England Assistant Coach, Leeds Carnegie Philippe Agostini France Head Coach, France A Jeremy Davidson Ireland Assistant Coach, Ulster Carlo Orlandi Italy Assistant Coach, Italia Brian Easson Scotland Head Coach, Scotland U17 Sven Cronk Wales Head Coach, Newport RFC Table 2 Country Coaching Position John Kingston England Head Coach, Harlequins Franck Azema France Assistant Backs Coach, Perpignan Terry McMaster Ireland Head Coach, Ireland U18 Giampiero de Carli Italy Assistant Coach, Italia A Gregor Townsend Scotland Attack Coach, Scotland Will Thomas Wales Regional Performance Manager, Dragons Table 3 Country Coaching Position Steve Bates England Former Director of Rugby, Newcastle Falcons Patrice Collazo France Assistant Scrum Coach, Racing Metro Paris Michael Bradley Ireland Head Coach, Ireland A & Connacht Gianluca Guidi Italy Head Coach, Italia A Tom Smith Scotland Assistant Coach, Edinburgh Rugby Gruff Rees Wales Skills Coach, Ospreys 19

21 Table 4 Country Coaching Position Neil McCarthy England Academy Manager, Leicester Tigers Richard Crespy France Head Coach, Narbonne Steve Ford Ireland Director of Rugby, Dolphin RFC Fabio Roselli Italy National Coach, Italia U17 Nick Scrivener Scotland Senior Assistant Coach, Edinburgh Rugby Gethin Watts Wales Regional Performance Manager, Blues Table 5 Country Coaching Position Nick Walshe England Assistant Coach, Bedford Franck Corrihons France Assistant Backs Coach, Grenoble Richie Murphy Ireland Assistant Coach, Leinster A Andrea de Rossi Italy Head Coach, Prato Simon Cross Scotland Defence/CPD Coach, Scotland U18 Robin McBryde Wales Assistant Coach, Wales Table 6 Country Coaching Position Danny Wilson England Head Coach, London Welsh Didier Faugeron France Assistant Backs Coach, Stade Francais Paris Greg Lynch Ireland Club Coach, Irish U18 Ian Costello Ireland Assistant Coach, Munster A Alessandro Troncon Italy Assistant Coach, Italia Steve Scott Scotland Specialist Lineout Coach, Scotland Excellent exchange of strong views. 20

22 Tutors/Staff Kevin Bowring Philippe Boher Steven Aboud Francesco Ascione Henry Edwards Phil Davies England France Ireland Italy Scotland Wales Jon Davis/Faye Busby Elena Chiarella Conference Administration, Six Nations Rugby Limited Photography Guest Speakers Pierre Villepreux Marc Lievremont Interpreters Delfina Genchi Giuliana Zeuli Lila Guha Maïté Ganzin Michael Hill Tony Costante 21

23 Excellent to be able to see other people s vision of the game. 22

24 Six Nations Rugby Limited 1st Floor, Simmonscourt House Simmonscourt Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (0)