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There is no doubt that the top players in the world?

There is no doubt that the top players in the world have all been exposed to the top coaching that the world can offer. So why is it that when I watch international matches I am forever seeing players pass the ball behind the shoulder of the receiving player, or stood still waiting to receive a pass, or having to jump up in the air to catch the ball before they can set off on their run ? If the U11's that I coach did those things then I would be 'tutting' into my cocoa, cos mostly they don't ! ..........or am i alone in my analysis?

Rugby CoachCoach

2 answers

ANSWERS

Simon JonesCoach, England

Kevin I quite understand your feelings of frustration! I played and coached at quite a high level and we used to work on basic skills all the time. But in a game played at a high pace timing of passes is often the first skill to go. But you are right to despair. If coaches replicate the playing environment as much as possible in training it should help improve basic skill performance in games. By the way thanks for your front row comments in the previous question. Simon

Rugby CoachCoach

Simon , I know all about your rugby 'Level' we played against each other when you'd left Bath and were on the downward slide towards retirement in your rugby (coombe down rfc me thinks?, or was it oldfield? ) I was a young pup learning the ropes at no8 I still remember the lesson you gave me !! I'm just trying to engender the same lifelong passion in a group of young kids at a village club in derbyshire, one day - you never know, one of them might match or exceed your successes (ps Rowell was ahead of his time! you were lucky ) regards