See It to Believe It: The Power of Visuals in Rugby Strategy and Team Performance

In rugby, communication is everything, especially under high-pressure conditions. While verbal instructions and team talks are essential, I’ve found that visual analysis—diagrams, video breakdowns, and visual feedback—is a game-changer for player development and team cohesion.

This article explores how using visual tools not only simplifies complex strategies but also enhances learning, decision-making, and overall team performance.

Coaching a 2s rugby team is no easy feat. Balancing skill development, strategy implementation, and team cohesion can feel like juggling flaming rugby balls. Early in the season, I noticed a disconnect—players weren’t fully grasping the tactical adjustments we needed to improve on the field. Verbal instructions and drills weren’t enough; they needed something more concrete to connect the dots.

Enter visual analysis, my game-changing tool to bridge the gap.

The Approach: Involving Everyone with Visuals

"The problem wasn’t just execution—it was understanding."

I realized that if we were going to succeed as a team, everyone needed to be involved in the learning process. This wasn’t just about diagrams or videos; it was about creating a culture where visual tools helped every player, from seasoned veterans to newcomers, see their role clearly.

Here’s what I introduced:

1. Gameplans: Showing player movements during matches helped us identify gaps in defensive positioning.
2. Video Breakdowns: Reviewing footage from games allowed players to see where strategies worked and where adjustments were needed.
3. Simplified Playbooks: Using easy-to-understand visuals made complex plays accessible to everyone.

The Result: A 2s Team Transformation

Within weeks, the difference was evident. One player, struggling with defensive spacing, told me, “Seeing it on the screen made it click—I finally get where I need to be.” The team’s cohesion improved, confidence skyrocketed, and our on-field performance reflected that growth.

Visual tools didn’t just improve understanding; they fostered collaboration and accountability. Players now are helping those around them as they can see how it works as a team.

Lukas’s Suggestions: How to Apply This in Your Team

Start Simple:

• Use one visual tool, like diagrams or heatmaps, to address a specific challenge.
• Workplace Example: Create flowcharts to explain processes

Involve EVERYONE

• Make the visuals interactive. Let players or team members annotate them during sessions, ask questions and re in force learning.
• Workplace Example: Use collaborative whiteboards like Miro or Lucidchart and share thoughts

Focus on Progress

• Compare visuals over time to show improvement.
• Workplace Example: Use dashboards to track team performance metrics visually.

Some reading and watching of how I took ideas and adopted them to suit

As I leave you with things to consider why not have a read up on 'The art of learning'. This for me allowed me to understand a lot more than visual learning but the processes behind them!

Then for those of us with rugby in our blood and mind I would recommend watching "All or Nothing: New Zealand All Blacks" on Amazon Prime for in-depth rugby strategy breakdowns. As any rugby fan knows, New Zealand for many years have been the team you want to beat, be apart of and watch and this documentary gave me more ideas on how I work with players and the approach of 'Legacy'.

Conclusion

Visual analysis isn’t just a tool for improvement—it’s a tool for empowerment. By providing clear, actionable insights through visuals, we’re not just coaching for the next game or project; we’re equipping our teams with skills that lead to long-term success.