Micromodelling is your next coaching power tool
Instead of saving demonstrations for a single “show me” moment, a coach could drip-feed small examples of good technique, behaviour, or communication throughout a session.
Instead of saving demonstrations for a single “show me” moment, a coach could drip-feed small examples of good technique, behaviour, or communication throughout a session. For example:
When setting up a game, the coach briefly shows a strong passing stance while explaining the setup.
As players gather before a new activity, the coach demonstrates quick realignment after contact, jogging a few steps to show how to reset into position.
During feedback, the coach models how to encourage a teammate, using tone and phrasing players can copy (“Great idea, now try…”).
These quick, situational models build player understanding without stopping play for long explanations.
✅ Three reasons this is powerful
Builds understanding through repetition:
Seeing or hearing good examples in short bursts helps players form mental models of what success looks and sounds like.Reduces cognitive overload:
Players don’t have to absorb everything in one go. Small demonstrations are easier to process and recall under pressure.Strengthens connection between context and skill:
Because micro models happen in the flow of practice, players link the behaviour or technique directly to the game moment it supports.
⚠️ Two caveats
Don’t model too soon:
If players (or assistant coaches) haven’t yet identified the real issue, modelling can short-circuit their own discovery and reflection.Avoid over-modelling:
Too many micro models can feel performative or confusing. Use them selectively when they clarify a point, not just to fill silence.
In short: Micromodelling lets grassroots rugby coaches seed learning early and often, showing “what good looks like” through quick, well-timed glimpses rather than one grand demo.
Many thanks to Sarah Cottinghatt for the inspiration for this post from her excellent Coaching Cuts series.