Planning your coaching for young rugby players

With reference to the previous chapters presented in this book, this chapter aims to draw on numerous applied recommendations to explore the concept of planning for young rugby players. Whilst this book has considered the applied recommendations for strength and conditioning coaches, sport scientists, sports nutritionists or sports psychologists, this chapter considers the concept of planning through the lens of coaches (but can be applied to other practitioners). The chapter explores four key factors in planning for effective coaching; (1) beginning with the end in mind through desired intentions for impact, (2) the use of nested planning and thinking, (3) flexibility and adaptability; and (4) navigating complex individual player needs. Following this, the chapter contextualises nested planning in youth rugby, offering worked examples and considerations faced in day-to-day practice. It is hoped that this book chapter serves as a reference point for those developing young rugby players.