Rugby is one of the most popular contact sports around the world today and due to its rough nature, a good rugby coach becomes extremely essential. There are several very important qualities that a good rugby coach should have and as a player it is in your best interest to be aware of these qualities before joining a new team or accepting a rugby scholarship. As a rugby player you are extremely athletic, strong and agile and only a good rugby coach can take this raw athleticism and create a team full of rugby players the whole world will recognise.
The first and main quality is, of course, a deep and complete understanding of the game. As a coach, you need to know more than just how to play the game correctly. He must understand how to use the right players in the game to make things work in his favor. The ability to create plays and use the best talents of each player are two main keys in rugby that a coach must be absolutely capable of performing. The ability to make quick and correct decisions during a game is a skill that takes time to develop. For example, should he wait another 10 minutes before switching players and/or will the other players have to rotate positions on the field because of this change? These are common questions and decisions that will be required of the coach.
Relationships and respect for the players is another important quality. As a coach, if you don’t have a good foundation or connection to your players, it can be difficult to take the leadership position without their respect for you. It’s important to remember that as a coach you want to have this mutual respect but you don’t want to make friends with your players. During a rugby match, you want to be able to make the right decisions without bias. Friendships with your players can lead to different actions that you wouldn’t have done if you were making your decisions based on skill and talent alone.
Ultimately, the coach’s vision is the ticket to a winning rugby match. As a manager, you should be able to take a look at your players and the players you plan to play in the near future and play towards your team’s strengths to take advantage of your opponent’s weaknesses. Making good plays, creating optimal lines, teaching the skills of good rugby and taking advantage of breaks should all be part of your coach’s vision.
As a rugby player, you know you can only be as good as your coach allows you to be and if you strive for the best, consider the Natal Sharks rugby team, where the best of the best play and learn together. Rugby can be a fun and extremely rewarding career if you are lucky enough to be coached by one of the best rugby coaches in the world.