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Bob's Newsletter
MAY 2007

Dear Colleague
I must take this opportunity to thank all players, first and second team, for your training contribution this past season. On my arrival in October 2005 I became the third person that you had been coached by in less than 12 months.

I feel that the progress made this season is a testament to your determination and dedication to the considerable task presented.

I am mindful that everyone has had domestic and working demands competing against leisure pursuits. In this respect, I know that I have pushed and pulled some of you who have experienced more difficult circumstances than others, to find time to train. I trust that the increased pressure encountered, and the extra effort made, has been compensated for by some enjoyable team rugby and some very promising team performances.

The difference between success and failure is always marginal. Your contribution to the Club, the team and to your mates has been commendable.

You must all, however, keep this going next season because the hill of achievement is always steeper at the beginning and only when we have a full understanding of our playing strategy and the basics to support that strategy, may we consider a slightly less intensive training regime – even then, rugby is about continual learning; continual improvement and always striving to be the best!

Targets for next season, with your input, will be set in July, but whatever they may be, fitness is the key to being able to carry out that which is agreed. So, enjoy a break and prepare well for the coming season. Thank you all for your dedication and support which has largely contributed to a very successful and enjoyable season.

REMEMBER!

RUGBY IS A TEAM GAME.

A TEAM REQUIRES TEAM SPIRIT.

TEAM SPIRIT MEANS:

"THE SUBORDINATION OF INDIVIDUAL DESIRE FOR GOOD OF THE TEAM"!


The framework for training/coaching practise is:- 1] GAME STRATEGY – developing and agreeing a ‘style’ of play.
2] INDIVIDUAL SKILLS – to ensure that 1], 3], 4] & 5] can be put into practise.
3] UNIT SKILLS – lineout/scrum/backrow/threequarter ploys.
4] SMALL GAME PLAY – practising sections of the game.
5] TEAM ORGANISATION – putting it all together!

This is your GAME, so prepare the best you can. Contribute in all ways – keeping fit, training and giving your ideas for roles, targets and standards.
A TEAM GAME requires A TEAM EFFORT!

Bob Harcourt
Club Coach