Coaching junior Rugby League is an experience that will teach you invaluable lessons, not only in your position as a coach but in your life.
Brock Shepperd is a Level Three NRL High Performance Coach who graduated from Sydney University with a Masters of Coach Education.
Shepperd began as a coach with an Under 9 Division 2 team at Brothers Penrith where he remained for four years, coaching the team during the mod period of their development - Under 9s to Under 12s.
This position allowed him to experience a multitude of lessons at a variety of different levels which he continues to apply, even in his most recent position as a coaching assistant with the Penrith Panthers Holden Cup team.
Shepperd urges junior coaches to ensure they are involved in coaching for the right reasons as they have a responsibility to ensure the players are having fun, experiencing equal opportunity and are constantly learning.
“It needs to be about the players,” said Shepperd.
“Keep things simple, it is not the NRL, all players should be taught the basics of kicking, passing both sides, gripping the ball correctly, tackling on both shoulders and playing the ball correctly.
“During a training session, players should be constantly moving and participating, ensure players are not standing around waiting in lines kicking the dirt - create more grids and challenge them as much as possible.
“As hard as it can be, you need to place zero emphasis and importance on the results of your team regardless of the result they achieve each weekend.
“Place a large emphasis on how the players train and their willingness to listen and learn, this will set them up for the best possible future both in football and in life.”
If you are interested in becoming a coach, trainer, or referee, you can register now for upcoming courses near you.
