Volavola confident that 7s coaching course will breed quality players
Former Nadroga flanker Jim Volavola who is also part of the World Rugby level 2 sevens coaching course is confident that up-skilling local coaches in the country will create a perfect breeding environment for great athletes.
Volavola who is assisting Saiasi Fuli with Fijiana 7s emphasized that the level 2 Sevens course has broadened his knowledge on coaching and helped him explore other avenues which are crucial for every coaches to learn and understand.
He explained that most local coaches are simply following the old-fashioned style of 7s coaching, and missing out on the very key elements of coaching a team.
“Most of us who’re part of this level 2 coaching course are use to the old fashion of coaching, but now we’ve learned all tiny bit details and process of coaching,’ said Volavola.
“Being part of this World Rugby level 2 sevens coaching has helped me improve my coaching process, it broadens our knowledge to understand that getting the little things right is very important,” he added.
Volavola believes that knowing and understanding each player in a team is a factor that most local coaches must instill, not only this but the fact that coaches who aren’t in a calm and ease the state of mind during a session will do no good to their team.
“It’s crucial that we know and understand every player in our team because different people have different capabilities on the field and off the field, these are some avenues we need to look at as coaches as it’s also an important aspect,” said Volavola.
These are also elements that were dissected and explored during the 3 months World Rugby level 2 Sevens coaching course.
Volavola said that being part of the course has enhanced how he runs his sessions with the Fijiana 7s.
“From the first session up until now, there’s been a huge change in how I plan my session and do my coaching process, and the end result is very effective in terms of the player’s work rate during training,” said Volavola.
“It’s looking at the little things, managing a proper session plan, understanding your players, all these factors are something we don’t usually look into, but will give rise to the team’s overall performance,” he added.
“So My aim is to get accredited and pursue coaching for our national team, either the Fijiana or Fijian 7s, I plan to coach one of these team,”