FORMER Gloucester captain and coach, Keith Richardson, has had his second rugby coaching book published.

It can be purchased at bookshops or online at www.crowood.com His first coaching book, The Rugby Coaching Manual, was shortlisted for the prestigious Sports Book Awards in 2011.

His latest book, published by Crowood Press, is a practical resource for all coaches, but especially for those with limited coaching experience or knowledge of the game of rugby and have to help out on a Sunday morning.

There are many easy to run team games and practices so that coaches of all levels of experience, but especially those new to the game, can plan player-centred sessions that get the basics of the game across while young players are actively engaged in beneficial exercise.

The essence of the book is that fundamental skills can be promoted in a fun and active environment that is appropriate for younger players of mixed ability.

The coaching theories are presented in an uncomplicated manner and there is advice on safety, standards of behaviour, communication with players, dealing with parents, developing good habits regarding opponents, social responsibilities and how best to run a team with the talent available.

The book is illustrated with diagrams and photographs and develops the early-learning theories into coaching advice on scrum, lineout, tackling, defence and kicking.

ISBN 978 – 1 – 84797 – 611 – 6.