Why We Do What We Do

sam6437
Jun 9
5 min read

Updated: Jul 24

The OnPoint Coaching Philosophy & the Importance of Early Skill Development in Rugby

At OnPoint Coaching, we believe in doing things differently. We’re not here to create overnight stars or chase short-term wins. Our goal is to build something far more valuable: young athletes who love the game, understand it deeply, and have the physical and mental foundations to thrive both on and off the pitch for years to come. This is why we do what we do.

The Story Behind OnPoint Coaching

OnPoint Coaching was born in 2020 during the Covid-19 outbreak, a time when traditional team training was off-limits. Players were eager to return to the pitch but found themselves unable to train in groups. This led to an opportunity for 1-to-1 coaching.

Having witnessed the power of personalised coaching as the 1st XV Head Coach at Rugby School, I understood first-hand how it could accelerate a young player's development. What began as a response to restrictions quickly became central to our philosophy. Today, the 1-to-1 coaching remains a vital part of our offering. It supports players of all ages and abilities seeking to improve their skills, confidence, and understanding of the game in a focused setting.

With over a decade of coaching experience across different levels of youth rugby—including university teams and Premiership Academies—I’ve seen what works and what’s often missing. This experience inspired the creation of the OnPoint Academy. This structured programme is designed for players aged 11–16, focusing on developing core skills in the right environment with expert coaching and a long-term perspective.

Our Coaching Philosophy

Everything we do at OnPoint is shaped by three key principles:

1. Individual Development Comes First

We don’t run cookie-cutter sessions. Every player has unique strengths, weaknesses, goals, and learning styles. Our sessions are tailored to help each player grow effectively.

2. Long-Term Development

Our focus is on long-term progress rather than short-term results. We aim to build solid skill foundations, enhance physical literacy, deepen game understanding, and foster mental resilience.

3. Rugby as a Vehicle for Life Skills

Rugby is more than just a sport; it serves as a tool for personal growth. Through rugby, players learn vital communication, discipline, leadership, resilience, and accountability. These qualities extend far beyond the game. We strive to develop not only better players but also better individuals.

The Importance of Early Skill Development in Rugby

Ages 11–16 represent a critical period in a young athlete’s development. During these years, crucial physical, cognitive, and psychological attributes can be effectively nurtured, laying the groundwork for long-term performance and personal growth.

Here’s What the Research Shows:

🧠 Better Decision-Making Under Pressure

Early adolescence is a time of significant cognitive development. Players begin to grasp complex tactical concepts, leading to improved anticipation, spatial awareness, and decision-making in various game situations.

📚 Reference: Berry, J., Abernethy, B., & Côté, J. (2008). "The Contribution of Structured Activity and Deliberate Play to the Development of Expert Perceptual and Decision-Making Skill." Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 30(6), 685–708.

🏃 Movement Mastery & Physical Literacy

Fundamental movement skills—such as agility, balance, and coordination—are best developed during early adolescence. These skills serve as the foundation for more advanced rugby-specific movements like evasion, tackling, and handling under pressure.

📚 Reference: Lloyd, R. S., et al. (2015). "National Strength and Conditioning Association Position Statement on Long-Term Athletic Development." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(7), 1439–1450.

🏉 Game Understanding & Tactical Awareness

Young players who engage in varied small-sided games at this age develop a deeper understanding of space, support play, and timing. These scenarios simulate real match conditions, enhancing player intelligence.

📚 Reference: Clemente, F. M., et al. (2021). "Small-Sided Games in Rugby: A Systematic Review." Sports, 9(4), 47.

💪 Confidence, Identity & Retention

Adolescence also plays a critical role in shaping self-esteem, confidence, and identity. Players who feel competent and supported in their development are more likely to stay engaged in sports, avoid burnout, and cultivate lifelong healthy habits.

📚 Reference: Fraser-Thomas, J., Côté, J., & Deakin, J. (2005). "Youth Sport Programs: An Avenue to Foster Positive Youth Development." Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy, 10(1), 19–40.

Bottom Line

Delaying skill development until players are 17 or 18 years old is often too late. By then, habits, both physical and psychological, become more challenging to change, and key developmental opportunities may have been lost. At OnPoint, we aim to get it right during these formative years, giving players the best chance to achieve their potential as they grow.

What Makes OnPoint Different?

Many rugby camps and clinics exist, but OnPoint Academy is more than just a camp. It’s a development programme - consistent, personal, and focused on genuine progression.

✅ Small coach-to-player ratios
✅ Structured session plans with clear development goals
✅ Experienced coaches with relevant expertise
✅ A calm, professional, and enjoyable environment
✅ Ongoing feedback and support

What is Next?

The OnPoint Academy at Broadstreet RFC is gaining significant momentum. With growing interest from players and parents, we’re now exploring the next phase of OnPoint's evolution. We’re proud of what we’ve built: a high-quality, skill-focused rugby development environment that truly helps young players thrive.

Exciting Directions for Future Growth

1. Dedicated Sessions for Girls

While our current Academy sessions are open to girls, we’re considering creating a dedicated girls-only session. This would foster an environment tailored to help girls develop confidence, skill, and tactical understanding while feeling supported and empowered.

2. New Hubs Across the Midlands

We’ve received inquiries from families across the Midlands eager for access to our offerings. Consequently, we’re actively scouting for new locations for potential OnPoint Academy hubs. If you believe your town or club would benefit from an OnPoint presence, we want to hear from you.

Expansion with Standards

Growth is exciting, but for us, it must never come at the expense of quality. Our non-negotiables remain the same:

Small group sessions
Exceptional coaching
A strong emphasis on player development and enjoyment
A supportive learning environment

As we expand, we will also grow our coaching team to maintain small player-to-coach ratios and ensure high standards.

Coaches: Join Us!

If you share our passion and want to be part of a programme that prioritises player development over simply running drills, please get in touch. We are eager to connect with like-minded individuals who care about nurturing players.

🚀 Have Your Say

Where would you like the next OnPoint Academy hub? Would your daughter benefit from a dedicated girls' session? Your input is vital as we build this program with the rugby community in mind.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re a parent of a young rugby player wanting to build strong foundations, enjoy the game, and enhance the possibility of progressing into performance environments, then OnPoint Academy could be exactly what they need.

👉 Sign up today or contact us to find out more.

Let’s build something that lasts.