Ulster Head Coach Brian McLaughlin ran a very informative session on 'Continuity around the Breakdown' which looked at developing players' skills pre-contact. This session built on his previous workshop in November, and focused particular attention on improving players' abilities, both pre- and during contact, as well as the decision-making of the ball carrier and support players.
Next came an hour of practical work involving the Ulster Academy players where content was aimed at coaches who are accredited by the IRFU at either Level 1 or Level 2 and who are currently actively coaching with school or club 1st XV teams. This was followed by a question and answer session, during which Brian was very open to answering a range of questions on any problems that coaches had in this area of the game. Brian was able to draw on his wealth of knowledge of the club and school game to provide some very useful advice.
A further three clinics will take place during February; details of these can be found below. As places are limited, coaches are advised to book their place as early as possible. Coaches should complete the application form and return it by post or email to Julie Dorman, IRFU (Ulster Branch), 85 Ravenhill Park, Belfast, BT6 0DG or rugbydevelopment@ulsterrugby.com
CLINIC 2: GENERAL MOVEMENT AND TEAM ATTACK
Date: Monday 8th February
Guest Coach: Neil Doak, Assistant Coach, Ulster XV
Content:This workshop will cover the area of General Movement, building on previous work covered by Niall Malone in the November workshop, with particular emphasis on Team Attack and looking at how you can breach different defensive set-ups.
CLINIC 3: THE LINEOUT
Date: Monday 15th February
Guest Coach: Jeremy Davidson, Assistant Coach, Ulster XV
Content: Jeremy's workshop will look at different lineout options for different areas of the field as well as considering the type of lineout ball presented and the effect that it has on the next phase of play
CLINIC 4: DEFENCE
Date: Monday 22nd February
Guest Coach: Jonny Bell, Elite Player Development Officer, Ulster Academy
Content: The workshop will look at defensive systems, how and when they are used and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Jonny will also consider defence at set piece and phase play.
