The Coaching Knife: How do you build a good defensive system, with Phil Llewellyn

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Dan Cottrell

Dan is a practising RFU Level 3 coach and coach educator. He coaches with the Bristol Bears DPP programme, is head coach of Bristol Schools U18s and the Rugby Performance coach for Bristol Grammar School.

He was head coach of Swansea Schools U15, Young Ospreys Academy, assistant coach with the Wales Women's Team for the 2010 World Cup, director of rugby for Cranleigh School, Surrey. He played for Bath, Bristol, Esher and Clifton, South West division, Gloucestershire and Surrey.

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Coaching problem? Put it to our head coach Dan Cottrell. This time: Encouraging players to spread out and exploit space.

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When your child chooses to follow your coaching path, it offers unique moments to inspire and bond.

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There are some ideal ways of telling players who is in the team – but your hand may be forced by timing and availability.

Ask Dan: Instilling more fire and desire into your players

Coaching problem? Put it to our head coach Dan Cottrell.

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Using two balls in training may increase energy, but it can disrupt realistic game scenarios and problem-solving opportunities.

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A guide to different strategies for getting our message across and why we must strike a balance between questions and direct instruction to ...

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