21/03/2021
Good afternoon coaches
I hope this mail finds you all safe and well? This week we bring you our week 11 session plans for U13-Adult players. We continue to focus on the core technical skills related to our Cornerstones program and this week we encourage players to work on ball carry, evasion and tackle technique.
The videos are designed to support players learning of the skills and allow them the opportunity to explore proficiency. However, it will be important for us coaches to support them with this, especially when we get back onto the training pitch. Therefore, please use this opportunity to upskill your understanding of these technical skills also. If we work on the premise of ‘understanding before action’, then it will hopefully assist with your practical delivery and instruction when we get back.
Watching yesterday’s 6 nations games we can certainly see the benefit of developing player’s skill proficiency and decision-making skills. No better example than the final score for France with a combination of ball carry, decision making under pressure and pass ex*****on (click picture to view).
A group of people playing football
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On Monday last we completed a 2-part webinar series for U15-U18 players on wellbeing topics. We are extremely humbled by the online attendance and we hope the topics were relatable for that age group, especially during this pandemic. I am attaching the presentation links below and would encourage sharing with players of that age group within your respective club or school. I felt the presenters’ messages were very simple and clear, which helps promote awareness of the key topics including nutrition, athletic development, rest & recovery, wellbeing and building good habits. We also had two Munster senior player Q&A sessions with Emily Lane and Kevin O’ Byrne, visiting their backstories and respective journeys in the game.
For the mini players we are continuing with our social promotion program using senior players to demonstrate the movements (https://www.munsterrugby.ie/domestic_news/movewithmunster-campaign-kicks-off/ ). We will be providing you with a resource document of all the movements soon, including explanation videos and games, promoting good practice for us coaches when developing FUNdamental movements. These are really important for the development of the player and with simple application of these exercises we can all play our part in supporting player physical activity and movement competency.
Thank you all for the major part you play in developing rugby in our community. Coaching has certainly seen a transformation over the past 12 months, as we didn’t get much practical time on the field. However, we hope these weekly engagements with you and the conversations you are having within your clubs and schools will deem us ‘ ’ when the opportunity arises.
Links to Lifestyle, Health and wellbeing webinars:
Goal Setting and Creating Powerful Habits
Wellbeing
3. Nutrition
Rest and Recovery
Athletic Development
Q&A with Emily Lane
Q&A with Kevin O Byrne
Stay safe and kindest regards
Munster Rugby are delighted to announce the commencement of the campaign.