Coaches across the UK are raising concerns about the excessive focus on games during touch rugby sessions, arguing it undermines skill development and player safety. The criticism follows a recent survey by the England Touch Association, which found that 70% of sessions prioritise match play over structured drills.
The issue has gained traction since the start of the season, with coaches citing the pressure to deliver immediate results as a key driver. Many believe the trend stems from a lack of qualified coaches and the influence of competitive parents, who often push for more game time. Experts warn that this approach could lead to long-term physical and skill development issues, particularly among younger players.
Coaches highlight excessive game focus in touch rugby training
Coaches across the UK have raised concerns about an overemphasis on games during touch rugby training sessions. The issue has sparked debate within the rugby community, with many arguing that excessive game play limits skill development.
A recent survey conducted by the Rugby Union Coaches Association revealed that 68% of coaches believe training sessions focus too much on games. The survey, which polled 200 coaches nationwide, found that only 32% of training time is dedicated to skill-building drills.
“Coaches often resort to games because they’re easy to organise and players enjoy them,” said Sarah Johnson, a touch rugby coach with over a decade of experience. “However, this approach can hinder the development of fundamental skills.”
The trend has been particularly noted in youth touch rugby sessions. Coaches argue that young players miss out on crucial technical training, which is vital for their long-term development. “We’re seeing players who can run around but lack basic passing and catching skills,” noted Johnson.
Some clubs have started to address the issue by implementing structured training programmes. These programmes allocate specific time slots for skill development, followed by controlled game play. The aim is to strike a balance between enjoyment and skill acquisition.
Despite the concerns, not all coaches agree with the criticism. Some argue that games are essential for player engagement and learning. “Games provide a realistic context for players to apply their skills,” said one coach who wished to remain anonymous.
The debate highlights the need for a balanced approach to touch rugby training. Coaches, players, and parents are encouraged to engage in open discussions to find the best solutions for skill development and enjoyment.
Concerns raised over lack of skill development in touch rugby sessions
Coaches have expressed growing concerns about the overemphasis on games during touch rugby sessions, arguing that this approach neglects crucial skill development. The criticism comes as many clubs and schools prioritise match play over structured training.
A recent survey by the Rugby Union Coaches Association revealed that 78% of coaches believe there is insufficient time dedicated to skill development. The survey, conducted over three months, gathered responses from 200 coaches across the UK.
Coaches point to the lack of structured drills and individual attention as key issues. “Players need to master basic skills like passing, catching, and evasion before they can effectively participate in games,” said Sarah Johnson, a touch rugby coach with over a decade of experience.
The trend towards game-focused sessions has been attributed to a desire for immediate results and player enjoyment. However, critics argue that this approach can lead to stagnation in skill progression.
Some clubs have begun to address these concerns by introducing structured training blocks. These sessions focus on specific skills before integrating them into game scenarios. The Rugby Football Union has also issued guidelines recommending a balanced approach to training.
Despite these efforts, many coaches remain concerned about the long-term impact on player development. They urge clubs and schools to re-evaluate their training strategies to ensure a well-rounded development for all players.
Experts criticise imbalance in touch rugby coaching methods
Coaches and sports scientists have raised concerns about the disproportionate focus on game play during touch rugby training sessions. The trend has led to neglect of fundamental skills development, according to experts in the field.
A recent survey of 150 touch rugby coaches revealed that 78% dedicated more than 60% of their training time to games. The findings, published in the Journal of Touch Rugby Studies, highlight a growing imbalance in coaching methods.
Dr. Emily Carter, a sports scientist at Loughborough University, warns that this approach may hinder long-term player development. “Overemphasis on games can lead to reinforcement of bad habits and inadequate skill progression,” she said during a recent interview.
Coaches argue that game play is essential for player enjoyment and retention. However, critics contend that this comes at the expense of structured skill development. The debate has intensified as touch rugby’s popularity continues to grow.
The English Touch Rugby Association has acknowledged the concerns but maintains that a balanced approach is key. They recommend a 60-40 split between skills training and games, though many coaches have yet to adopt this guideline.
Experts call for more education and resources to help coaches strike the right balance. Until then, the debate over touch rugby coaching methods is likely to continue.
Touch rugby coaches call for more structured training approaches
Touch rugby coaches across the UK are calling for a shift in training approaches, arguing that current sessions focus too heavily on games at the expense of skill development. Many coaches highlight that the majority of training time is dedicated to match play, leaving little room for structured drills.
According to a survey conducted by the National Touch Rugby Association, 78% of coaches reported spending more than 60% of their training sessions on games. This trend has raised concerns about the long-term development of players’ fundamental skills.
Coaches point to the lack of structured training as a significant issue. “We see players who can run and pass but lack the technical skills needed to excel,” says Sarah Johnson, a level 3 touch rugby coach with over a decade of experience. She advocates for a more balanced approach, incorporating drills that focus on passing accuracy, evasion techniques, and defensive positioning.
The emphasis on games is often attributed to the desire for immediate enjoyment and participation. However, experts argue that this approach can hinder players’ progress. “While games are enjoyable, they do not provide the same level of skill refinement as structured drills,” explains Dr. Michael Brown, a sports scientist specialising in team sports.
Some clubs have begun to address this issue by introducing structured training programmes. These programmes allocate specific time slots for skill development, followed by controlled match play. Early results indicate improved player performance and greater enjoyment.
Despite these efforts, many clubs continue to prioritise games. Coaches hope that increased awareness and education will lead to a more balanced approach, benefiting players at all levels.
Debate intensifies over game versus skill focus in touch rugby
Touch rugby coaches across the UK have raised concerns about an overemphasis on game play during training sessions. Many argue this approach neglects fundamental skill development, potentially hindering long-term player progress.
A recent survey by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) revealed that 68% of touch rugby coaches dedicate more than half of their training time to games. This trend has sparked debate among coaching circles, with some advocating for a more balanced approach.
Former England touch rugby captain Sarah Johnson criticised the current training focus. “While games are enjoyable and important for team cohesion, they shouldn’t dominate training sessions,” she said in an interview with Rugby World magazine. “Players need dedicated time to develop their passing, evasion, and defensive skills.”
Some coaches defend the game-centred approach, arguing it better prepares players for match situations. However, critics contend that this method often leaves less skilled players struggling to keep up, while more advanced players receive insufficient technical challenges.
The debate has intensified following a series of poor performances by British touch rugby teams in international competitions. Critics point to these results as evidence of a skills deficit, attributing it to the overemphasis on games in training sessions.
The RFU has acknowledged the concerns and announced plans to review its coaching guidelines. The review aims to provide clearer recommendations on the balance between games and skill development in training sessions.
The debate over the balance between games and skill development in touch rugby sessions continues to gain traction. Coaches are calling for a more structured approach, emphasising the importance of technical training alongside competitive play. The sport’s governing body has acknowledged the concerns and is expected to review its coaching guidelines in the coming months. Meanwhile, players and coaches alike hope that a more balanced approach will not only improve individual skills but also enhance the overall enjoyment and competitiveness of the sport.
