Visual Awareness Coaching

[tackle-bag]

Really interesting piece here on the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/simonaustin/ ... eapon.html

I've heard from people involved in other sports that the positive effects of this kind of training are almost boundless. With the IRFU in such a healthy financial state, you would have to think that (at the very least) the national side should have a full-time visual awareness coach.

[leinsterlank]

I read this today and I would have to agree. Back to back world cups is proof enough!Get on it!

[ronk]

I recall thinking this was one of Woodward's stranger moments but was won over when I heard about it in more detail.

Some of the stuff is very interesting. Not sure if a full time coach is necessary but probably no harm.

[tones]

Does anyone know of basic drill sthat can be done for this?

[ronk]

Does anyone know of basic drill sthat can be done for this?

Yeah. I remember seeing one where players just toss the ball less than 5 yards to each other. Simplest thing in the world except the receiver closes his eyes and only opens them after the ball is thrown (usually at a verbal signal). Then there are things like staring straight ahead while passing or receiving the ball to focus on peripheral vision.

IIRC many of the drills look more like computer or arcade games than rugby training. I'm not an expert though.