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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.

Editor's Picks

Behind the scenes with: England U18s

Saracens Academy: Behind the scenes with the Wolfpack

Inside the plan for an international match

My best tackle drill

Contact attack and defence, with “ultras”

Attack

Response rates

Mix up game situations so players must react to the different scenarios quickly. Change scenarios when the game is dynamic, not when the ...

Ball control out of contact

This practice develops players’ handling skills by forcing them to manipulate the ball with one hand in and around the contact area.

Winning the support race

Get over the ball first and there is a chance to prevent turnover of the ball, or win it. This looks at attack and defence support options.

Spin out of contact

Encourage the ball carrier to spin just before the tackle – the footwork needs experimenting with because it can unbalance players.

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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.

Defence boxers

This practice uses boxing-style footwork and arm movements to improve your players’ positioning and timing when making tackles.

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.

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All the latest techniques and approaches

Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.

We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.