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How do you approach a match you know your team will lose?

My young intermediate squad has some tough forthcoming league fixtures against sides they we are unlikely to beat.

I expect I will focus the team talk on processes rather than outcome.Is there any merit in explaining that winning is unlikely and that we should look at other successes such as tackles made, limiting the number of tries etc?

Simon LuxtonCoach, England

3 answers

ANSWERS

Rugby CoachCoach

with my team at u10s always positive feed back,if the team is good that you are going to play then i encourage the team to defend like never before dont worry about the trys because if they do the basics right then the trys will come and if the defence works well you will give the opposing team a game they will remember for next time they meet..

carl

Jason WallisCoach, England

If you look at the fixtures as development and stress to the lads that it is about having fun and keep trying to make it fun no mater what the score you will find they will respond well and even surprise you, but if you let on that they might lose or will lose then that will be in there heads from the start and they will respond on the pitch accordingly. Big them up and let them fly.

Ian MarshCoach, England

Hi Simon, think the guys above have hit the nail on the head. I would add that you need to find positives from each match - so not focus on outcome goals, but process goals instead.

A favourite of mine from an old coach was at half time to tell players you won't make any changes to the team for 5 minutes - that always made us start the game with a really high intensity as no one wanted to get subbed off.

Lastly, this blog has useful information which you might be able to tailor to help your team out with their tricky run of games: 5 Top Tips for Pre-match Team Talks: Motivate your team

Best of luck - and let us know how your team are getting on!