LTPDst3cover.qxd (Page 1) - Scottish Rugby Union

Use of Development area to develop decision-making skillsWithin their session, coaches should endeavour to maximise decision-making opportunitiesfor their players within the context of the session outcomes. One way of making this happenis to structure your content within a game situation with development areas for players topractice in isolation prior to putting their skills back under pressure in a game situation.Further top tips for developing decision-making skills:. Design games and game-like activities which encourage the player to develop skills butto also identify different decisions to make and their consequence to the outcomeEducate the players in what they need to look forUse scenarios in trainingCondition the attackers when coaching defence and vice versaDo not be prescriptive in training sessions. It is essential that rugby coaches design activities that allow players to develop theirability to identify, organise and process cuesCreate a supportive climate where players are not afraid to make mistakesDon’t shout useless information to players during games e.g. “flatter, deeper”Change the shape of working areaChange starting position of attackers, defenders or bothChange attacking partnerships and defensive partnershipsChange the numbers in teams (overload). Introduce points system to encourage a certain skill to be used or to encouragesuccessful decision making.Suggested playing areasPitch for players' games Dimensions of the pitch will be determined by thechallenge. Try to make the game numbers no more than 7 v 7 (thus maximisingthe number of touches of the ball per player during the games).Pitches should be marked out using flexible cones.Development area The coach can workwith the full group on a specific skill orwith smaller groups of players drawnfrom the main group while the gamecontinues. The ideal situation is for onecoach to work in the development areawhile another manages the game.The development area can be markedout into grids and channels depending onthe skill being developed.Safety zone between both areas8