Coaching Matters Volume 3 Issue 6 | Page 3

3 Welcome ...to the latest issue of Coaching Matters. As the 2015 season comes to a close and teams battle it out to be crowned champions in their respective competition after a hard-fought season full of memorable moments, attention turns to what every Rugby League player strives to achieve in their career: playing for their country. In an exclusive interview, England Head Coach Steve McNamara reveals why the national team will be based at St George’s Park this year ahead of their international games against France and New Zealand. After four years at Loughborough, McNamara and the squad want to beat the world’s No.1 ranked team. The new training facilities in Burtonupon-Trent will give them the edge they’re looking for. McNamara, like many high-level coaches, is often under scrutiny from peers and fans. As a coach, have you ever wondered how you are perceived? Researchers have teamed up with St Helens to trial a new coach development programme that promotes a coach’s self-awareness. Coaches have been wearing microphones and were recorded on video during their sessions. They were asked to give their thoughts and feelings out loud. The results are on pages eight and nine. ‘Get set on the line, run in, and tackle the bag – do this five more times.’ England Youth and Academy Manager Dave Elliott sheds light on why the ‘traditional’ methods of repetitive drills are not the best way for young people to learn, and how they take the fun out of sport. Elliott studies how three basic methods can get the best out of a player: Shaping Play, Focusing Play and Enhancing Play. To find out more turn to pages 10 and 11. Some of the greatest tries in the modern game have come from well-placed kicks, whether that be a set-piece or setting up the final touch of a superb play. Another positive that can come from a kick is a 40/20. In times of increased pressure from the opposition’s defence, a perfect kick that bounces over the 20-metre whitewash can lift spirits and get you on the front foot. In this issue we look at the three main kicks used within a game and how they should be executed. As you can see, Coaching Matters covers the hot topics in Rugby League and aims to help coaches around the country. We hope you enjoy this issue. Rugby League Learning 91518 Edited, designed and produced by Coachwise Creative Ltd Editor: Mike Dale Email: [email protected] Tel: [phone] Photography © Action Images Limited, RFL and Anna Gutridge, 2015