| STEVE McCORMACK |


Over a decade on and McCormack is a vastly experienced international coach, but one certainly not afraid to ask for advice. Having recently progressed through the RFL’s Level 4 coaching course, he can pick the brains of some of the sport’s top names and enjoys the challenge of learning new tricks.


‘It’s easy to put your blinkers on and do your own thing, but you need to get out there and learn,’ he explains. ‘You can pick hints and tips up off everybody – fellow coaches, players, sometimes even the man on the street. As a coach you should never ever think you know it all.’


Putting his own good advice into practice, McCormack is willing to expand his own coaching horizons and he took the job with the England Ladies squad 12 months ago when Anthony Sullivan left to go full-time with Widnes in Super League. There are obvious parallels to be drawn with the recent surge in interest in women’s football following The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and it is natural to speculate that the same might happen for women’s rugby.


‘The World Cup needs to raise the profile of women’s rugby and I really hope it does,” said McCormack. ‘Admittedly, before I became involved in the England women’s game I hadn’t a clue how good they were. It sounds a bit patronising but my focus has always been on the men’s game, and until you start working with the women you just don’t realise how good they are. There has been a lot of work going on in the community in the women’s game and we are expecting big things in a World Cup year.’


Whether dealing with Scotland’s men, England’s women, or indeed the children in his school PE lessons, McCormack’s coaching philosophy is simple: get the culture and environment right and everything else should click into place.


Speaking about both of his World Cup squads with the countdown to kick-off now definitely on, he explained: ‘They are both very tight knit groups who want to work and who would run through brick walls for each other. That goes right from the kit person to the players.


‘Rugby League is the best possible game to coach, play or just watch. Participation levels are swelling at the moment, especially in developing countries and the female game, and I can’t wait for the rest of the year to unfold.’


As the sun sets on 2013 and the men’s and women’s World Cups begin to fade into memory, McCormack will certainly have earned the right to enjoy a few weeks off.


Until then, spare a thought for the man that might just be the hardest working coach in rugby league.


TOP 10 1


McCormack’s


2 3


4 5


6 7 8


9 10


COACHING TIPS


KNOW YOURSELF Understanding your personal coaching philosophy is important. Taking time to write it down will help you and those working alongside you. Create a long-term plan.


BE INCLUSIVE Accept that the difference in skill within your team can be significant. Adapt and modify practice sessions to enable all to participate.


BE OPTIMISTIC Confidence comes and goes. Encourage self-evaluation. Always recognise the things your players do well.


AIM HIGH Enjoy winning more than you hate losing!


UPDATE YOUR KNOWLEDGE Attending coaching sessions, asking questions and networking are all important aspects of improving coaching practice.


BE PATIENT Whatever the level, coaching requires patience, which can be very rewarding.


NEVER GIVE UP Tough times don’t last; tough people do.


RESPECT EVERYBODY Coaches have a massive responsibility. Sometimes it is too easy to get caught up in the moment; however, respecting all involved is important.


BE HONEST Confront poor performance and recognise good performance. Help players see the impact of their behaviour both on and off the field.


VALUE THE PERSON Enhancing a person’s abilities and bringing out their best is one of the most rewarding aspects for a coach. It is vital to coach for values as well as results, and how you do it is as important as what you do. Set team rules and guidelines from the first day of practice and stick to them.


5


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16