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Ding ding. 50 points. Coaching course for any age says #1 priority is for a coach to develop/find a connection with each player. That is MORE important than technical or tactical footy knowledge. Same for a 6yo player or a 30yo player.Main criteria at the moment is a connection with the younger players, communication and development, and acknowledging their differences/coaching needs.. Particular respect/awareness/understanding of the Polynesian, Maori, and Indigenous boys' slightly differing motivation trigger points, and in part cultural/religious beliefs is important. The younger generation in the majority no matter what background , just wont play for a Coach using methods of yesteryear. Aint got that above, all the drills/methods in the world won't getchya a win. Psychology 101.
Hijacking the thread to talk junior coaching (again - sorry people) the yesteryear methods are definitely still heavily in use in schools and plenty of junior clubs. For my son’s schools team it’s a steady diet of fitness and drills. Fun is forbidden. Same deal for lots of kids I know who play community footy.
I don’t think footy players are that different across ages/cultures. They want to have fun and feel like they are part of something good. If a coach can tick those two boxes he can delegate anything else he isn’t great at.
I guess at the NRL level it also helps to not look like a complete pumpkin on telly - since you have to to media stuff.
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