ABSTRACT
Rugby union, rugby league and touch rugby are unique sports due to their offside rules. To maximize learning, enjoyment and flow, the coach has to be tuned into his/her athletes’ progress, engagement and learning to maintain an optimum level of challenge that promotes deep engagement. Skill is an important aspect of game play, but it should be developed within contexts that replicate the environment in which the players will perform at the weekend. The Positive Pedagogy for sport coaching (PPed) coach may decide to focus on a skill or technique but retain the essential elements of awareness and decision-making to give it meaning and improve transferability. The different relationships between coach and learners, the effective use of questioning and the design and management of practice games and activities to maintain maximum engagement all present significant challenges for teachers and coaches who wish to adopt PPed.
