The Coaching Knife: How to referee difficult situations, with Simon Smith

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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 Advice

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RCW editor Dan Cottrell adds more context to two practices.

Ask Dan: Spreading out and exploiting space

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

Winning wet lineouts

With a slippery ball, ensure lineouts are secure by getting the jumper into space to meet the throw. A pod of three acts together to beat ...

Follow your lead

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

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Spreading the news

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.

Making top young players even better

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

Speaking in riddles

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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