Rugby League Coaching Manuals

The fundamental skills are acquirable with the right teaching and an application to practise. The enhancement and development of the ball skills is the responsibility of the coach to ensure that players attain a standard of being able to control the ball in all situations.

Practice can make any reasonably coordinated player with the basics, make their execution automatic and develop the other essentials of speed, anticipation and balance.

Every player in the team is a ball player, the more skilful they are the more they will be able to participate, and that is synonymous with enjoyment and pleasure.

The more the learner experiments with the ball in their hands or passing through their hands the more it will feel a part of them.

Children from the beginning should develop a feel for the ball to develop the ability to deliver a pass correctly to meet the target.

The early stages of ball skills is about players attaining a proficiency with the techniques. The advanced stage takes this ability to the nest phase of using the ball in the game with the decision making of when to pass, kick or transfer the ball between two players who, after considering all of the information cues about them make the decision and take the appropriate action.

The term ball handling covers all types of hand contact with the football either in the air or on the ground, and a players association or affinity to the ball depends on developing sound techniques with:

* Holding a ball - correct method in two hands.
* Passing or disposal of ball.
* Receiving.
* Catching a high ball.
* Picking up a ball - stationery on the ground.
* Picking up a ball - moving on the ground.

All of these techniques can be practised and developed through drills so that they can reach an advanced stage of performance.

It is only after this is achieved that players can move on to the advanced ball skill stage.

The advanced ball skill stage can be identified as the when of passing and using the ball. This stage can be achieved through drills and practices but requires a mental component to be developed in conjunction with the physical actions in game related situations.

Mental rehearsal of players actions can assist the development of these advanced ball skills.

Development of these skills to this proficiency will depend on players understanding of:

1. Distance - The space between the ball carrier and the support player. Having the ability to quickly decide what this distance is.

2. Speed - Running speed of both the ball carrier and the support player. Speed of ball when passed.

3. Positions - Where all the players are in relation to the ball but primarily where the ball carrier is in relation to the support.

4. Environment - Consideration to wind, rain, heat and other ground conditions.

5. Target Area - Selected area or place where the ball will end up when transferred (passed, etc.)

6. Judgement - A mental skill which the player will use to make a decision when all the above considerations have been taken into account.

A players ability to assess all of these factors will affect the success of the actions taken. This will allow players to time and weight the pass to have the ball reach its target area accurately.

Development of these skills requires players to be put into game related situations and drills....................to read more click here and purchase The Ultimate RLCM Resource on CD-ROMs and receive all 36 RLCM eBooks and two RLCM Drills CDs.