Why consistency is the secret weapon in rugby training

How small, regular training habits can lead to massive gains in confidence, skill and game-day performance.

It’s no surprise that the best players on the pitch are often the ones doing work behind the scenes. While team training is essential, true development happens when players take ownership of their own progress – showing up consistently and putting in the extras.

As Head Coach Ben says, “It’s the compound effect. It’s not about smashing out massive sessions. It’s about small, quality reps over and over again.”

Here’s why consistency is such a powerful training tool and how you can help your child make it part of their routine.

The power of little and often

Some players assume they need to train for hours to improve, but experience tells us otherwise. In fact, short, focused sessions done regularly are often more effective than infrequent, intense ones. That’s because rugby skills, like any other, improve through repetition and confidence.

Just 10 minutes a day working on passing, kicking or footwork can lead to noticeable improvements by the end of the month. That’s over 5 hours of extra skill work – and it all adds up.

What does quality look like?

Quality doesn’t mean flashy. It means being intentional. Ben recommends picking one focus area at a time, like:

✅ 10 clean spin passes on each side

✅ 5 mins of footwork with a ball and cones

✅ Practising a game-specific movement under pressure

This builds clarity, boosts confidence and helps skills become second nature. Exactly what players need in match situations.

Common barriers – and how to overcome them

❌ “I don’t have time.”

✅ Start with 5 minutes a day. It’s more manageable and easier to build into the day. Or 10 minutes a few times a week, if that suits your child’s schedule.

❌ “I don’t know what to work on.”

✅ Follow a structured system to take the guesswork out of training and give your child a clear path to follow.

❌ “It’s boring.”

✅ Add variety. Use a timer, count perfect reps, or challenge a sibling or teammate.

Helping your child improve faster

At The RTA, we believe real improvement happens when players take ownership of their journey – and consistency is at the heart of that. As a parent or coach, your support can make all the difference. Encourage small wins. Celebrate effort. Remind them that daily practice, even just a few minutes, will put them ahead of the game.

Whether it’s passing, footwork or tackling technique, the players who succeed long-term are the ones who show up again and again. That’s the real edge.

Want more support?

Our Membership is designed to help players take control of their development with expert coaching, drills and step-by-step video walkthroughs. Perfect for building consistent habits and big improvements. Learn more about how to get started here.