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1. A new unit
Adding one or more new members to an established unit is a potential challenge
to that unit’s growth. Performance may drop as new members focus on
themselves and their own position within the team rather than the unit’s
outputs.
More experienced players may continue to focus on sustaining the unit’s
performance and this has the danger of not effectively including the new
members, thus preventing them from making a real contribution. This in turn
will lead to frustration amongst other players who may begin to regard the
new players as not making a sufficient contribution.
The consequence will be misdirected energy within the team and a focus on the
lack of effective input from new players or the lack of support from
established players. There will almost inevitably be a drop in performance
(not to mention the damage to team cohesion). Therefore, new players need to
be included properly, supported by coaching staff and team leaders, and
allowed to establish themselves as soon as possible.
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2. Balance
What do you expect of your back row? An effective back row blends three
players whose abilities complement one another, so the coach needs to be
clear about the roles to be played by each of the players.
What is the primary role of the No 7 – destroyer, link man enabling
continuity, defensive leader? Is the No 6 going to be used as a “hard yards”
ball carrier; a jumper in the lineout? Or are you going to play another No 7,
similar to Australia
with Smith and Waugh?
The No 8 is a part of the spine of the team and a key decision maker and so
needs the mental and tactical skills, as well as the physical, to make the
most effective contribution.
Every good back row needs someone to do the unglamorous work that allows the
other two freer rein (think Richard Hill). As well as thinking about the
teams playing style, think about how different back row combinations might
enable you to play in different styles.
Lastly, keep observing the back row in action to ensure that the balance is there.
Failure to achieve this may result in a player not fulfilling the role he was
originally selected for.
3. “No one can do too much handling” (Neil Back)
Give the back row plenty of opportunities for repetitive handling practice,
but not just standard passing drills. They need to be able to pass from the
floor, in the tackle as well as pick the ball effectively from the players
and the ground alike.
All your back row players should be skilled handlers under pressure and the
ability to execute these skills effectively could be the difference between
success and failure in a game.
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