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There are basically 3 aspects to the mental skill of concentration:

  • Focusing on appropriate cues
  • Staying focused
  • Aware of changes as they take place

Examples of appropriate cues in rugby are the ball and the opposition, while an inappropriate cue is the crowd or worrying about losing. Concentration can be improved by including drills in your overall training plan.

Get in the zone - maximise attention and minimise distractions

Application Example

Concentration Drill

Objective

To improve concentration when kicking for goal - consistent goal kicking

Instruction

During a kicking situation there are two particular cues to pay attention to in the act of kicking. Firstly, the manner in which you plant your non-kicking foot beside the ball, and secondly, striking the ball smoothly and with control. Any other cues at this moment are detrimental to concentration.

Key Points

When the foot is planted correctly, the head is down and the knee is over the ball, while focus is aimed at a firm strike. Use key words such as 'plant' and 'smooth.'

Start your kicking concentration session close to the posts, and instead of aiming between them, actually aim for one of the posts, so that it acts as a more definite target.

Focus on what you are thinking about while kicking - adjust your thinking so that the critical cues are your only concern.

From a skills and fitness coaching perspective, concentration is maintained if players are experiencing stimulation and variety in drills, meetings are short and focus on key points.


 

"It is hard to imagine a variable more central to performance than the ability to direct and control one's concentration" Nideffer, 1976
 
TOP TIP
Don't tell players to concentrate harder - it will probably make their concentration worse and it doesn't provide them with any guidance on how
TOP TIP

Methods to facilitate concentration and learning in your coaching:

  • Skills sessions last no more than 60 minutes (and less if possible)
  • Variety in sessions
  • Emotional variety i.e. fun drills, physical toughness drills, encourage success, critique and provide solutions for errors
  • Spend no more than 12 minutes talking to players pre-match and focus on 3 key points
  • Spend no more than 3 minutes talking to players at half time and focus on no more than 3 key points
  • Keep emphasising the relevant cues