Paralysis by analysis by Dr Neha Malhotra
Coaches will often equip their players with rules and instructions about how to carry out the ‘ideal’ pass or kick. These rules gradually get packaged as a pool of verbal…
No room for error: Learning skills implicitly
Learning a new skill in sport is always challenging. Beginners often learn by observing their coaches perform a kick or tackle effortlessly. But when they begin to try it out…
The irony of trying not to think about it by Dr Neha Malhotra
What do you tell your team mate when she’s worried about missing the next conversion kick? You might say something generic like, “Don’t worry about the consequences”. As we all…
So many skills, so little time: How best to structure practice
Rugby Coaches face the challenge of training a number of different skills (e.g., passing and handling, rucking, attacking, footwork, and evasion) within a limited amount of time – perhaps just…
Five step approach to developing pre-performance routines #Playerwelfare By: Neha Malhotra
Pre-performance routines are helpful for maintaining concentration and blocking out distractions, especially when an athlete is under pressure. Experienced players usually have behavioural routines but lack effective cognitive routines. Dr….
Consistency isn’t everything in pre-performance routines #Playerwelfare By: Neha Malhotra
Consistency isn’t everything in pre-performance routines #Playerwelfare By: Neha Malhotra In the last blog, we discussed the role of pre-performance routines and asked how important consistency is to them. A slight…
Pre-performance routines – what’s all the fuss about? #Playerwelfare By: Neha Malhotra
Photo: “Jonny Wilkinson preparing to kick” ** Pre-performance routines – what’s all the fuss about? By: Neha Malhotra A key element of elite athletes’ performance is their ability to maintain…
Choking under pressure – breaking it down #Playerwelfare By: Neha Malhotra
Choking under pressure – breaking it down By: Neha Malhotra ‘Choking under pressure’ is a phenomenon that’s all too familiar for many sportspeople. A name that became synonymous with ‘choking’…
The new Men’s Rugby World Cup draw format explained
The Rugby World Cup 2027 Draw took place in Sydney, on 3 December, to determine the line-ups of the six pools of four.
Redemption on the Rugby field | Rugby is bringing a ray of hope to village girls in Kashmir
A sport is a lot of things to a lot of people. But for its ardent followers it’s a religion, an obsession and an outlet for their emotions. But for…
