If you’re a regular reader of G&GR, then you just my have seen me comment on the Wallabies’ poor support play over recent years.
The key to support play is simple – you do whatever the ball carrier wants you to do, and by doing so leave all options open to him. In this way, support play is a lot like being a parent; you need to be on hand when and how needed, but not to interfere!
Last weekend Leinster travelled to Northampton in the Heineken Cup, a place where the home side had only lost twice in the past eight seasons. The Irish visitors ran out winners by 7-40! In this remarkable display, Ireland winger Luke Fitzgerald scored a hat-trick, of which his third try was an excellent example of support play.
Notice how Fitzgerald stays far enough inside and behind the ball carrier to allow Kirchner to play the ball as he pleases – in this case a pop from the ground. I quite like coaching support play because the only thing I ever have to say was ‘slow down’.
Almost as impressive as Fitzgerald’s support play was Stuart Barnes’ description and analysis of it as a commentator. Enjoy from 10:28 in the video below.
Just by the way – the Leinster ‘B’ team played the Ospreys in the RaboDirect Pro12 and still won. As a team they showed great passing and support skills – probably the poorest in the team was one Lote Tuqiri. I’d thought Joe Schmidt had done a great job with Leinster, but Matt O’Connor has taken them on another step.
Bob’s new coaching DVD
For the first time Bob puts onto DVD his unique ideas and drills for building a winning team, that have made him one of the world’s most respected and successful coaches.
This DVD contain two main elements.
Bob’s coaching plans and philosophy. In which he explains the approach to the game that he has used to great success. With extensive classroom teachings and on pitch demos.
Attacking drills and ideas. Key to understanding Bob’s winning approach to coaching is seeing it in action, and so Bob and Head Coach Mike Penistone, show in detail how to coach a number of key drills, that have been used to great effect on all levels, including internationals.
During all the drills and ideas sections, Bob explains in detail the coaching points that you will need to implement these into your practices.
