Rugby Tough
2010-09-03 19:25:42
Rugby sets itself apart from other sports in many ways but none is as important or critical to the unique aspects of the game than being ‘rugby tough’ and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups looks at what it means to be rugby tough. American Coaches
2010-08-23 18:39:49
Too many people involved with rugby look overseas to emulate the best and brightest but Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups stressed some of the best examples for rugby coaches is right here in the U.S. A Word with Dan Lyle
2010-08-09 18:17:08
Rugby Rugby's Tom Billups caught up with the ever-busy Lyle recently to ask him a few questions about his high school athletic experiences and the part they played in developing a successful rugby career. Sickle Cell Trait Status
2010-07-26 17:17:04
The summer heat is one sure sign that fall and a return to the college campus (and team training) is around the corner.  Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups stresses the importance of getting a pre-training physical that includes testing for sickle cell trait status.  A Player’s Development Timeline
2010-07-12 22:41:46
Rugby is becoming more and more popular for younger players and Rugby Rugby Tom Billups looks at a good athletic development timeline for players from when they are first playing the game at 6-years-old until they are mature adult players. Sevens Defensive Systems
2010-06-28 17:13:30
After looking at attacking rugby sevens last week, Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups turns his attention to the defensive side of the ball and reviews three defensive systems that will help prevent try scoring. Sevens Basics Pattern of Play
2010-06-14 20:34:11
The summer rugby sevens season is in full swing and to help teams prepare for their next event Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups offers a basic basic technical approach for the game. Two in Twenty-Four
2010-06-02 21:33:05
Over the past five years, compression gear has been turned to by more and more rugby players as a way to improve recovery time between matches. And Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups looks at the science behind compression gear and one new and exciting brand, SKINS, to the market. Strategies, Tactics, and Techniques
2010-05-19 16:35:08
The continued improvement of rugby team strategy, tactics, and technique is critical to game in the United States and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups looks at how to get the most from these so ‘fifteen as one.’ Sports Vision
2010-04-12 16:25:17
The ability to see and read the field is critical in making split second decisions and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups examines the field of sports vision science and how it can be integrated into skill acquisition periods to improve play. Home Field
2010-03-25 15:05:22
Playing on your home field is a huge advantage for any team and with Cal’s Witter Rugby Field scheduled for renovations Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups looks at the importance of the home field and why it is so special to all the players who walk on the field wearing the school colors. Elite Rugby Fitness
2010-03-15 17:46:53
A rugby teams training techniques are critical to getting the most out of each player and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups looks at the stretch-shortening cycle and how it can improve performance and improve elite fitness. Athletes and Time
2010-02-26 17:21:26
Rugby players face many opponents while playing but one that is rarely focused on and never defeated is time.  Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups looks at the importance of working at each training session to be a better player so when time catches up your rugby goals have been achieved. Stages of Team Warm Up
2010-02-09 16:53:01
The method rugby teams use to warm up can have a huge affect on the outcome of the match and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups stresses that rugby coaches need to review their warm up process and gives his strategy for a thorough warm up. Halftime
2010-01-27 18:08:50
Rugby coaches have a short window during halftime to speak to the players and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups stresses ‘the key is to formulate what you will coach at halftime and how best to communicate these few points clearly in the time allowed’ to get the best out of your team. Notes for Match Day
2010-01-07 18:29:54
With the spring rugby season about to start, Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups gives some pointers on how to prepare your team for the first rugby match of the season. Rugby Specialist or Multi-Sport Athlete?
2009-12-21 19:49:16
With the increasing number of high school rugby programs in the U.S., more and more players are considering specializing in the sport but Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups believes it is better for athletes to continue to play multiple sports. Contacting Colleges
2009-12-04 01:23:36
Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups has helped many high school rugby players make the transition to college rugby as a coach for University of California, Berkeley and he gives his insights on how players should go about finding a college rugby program that is a good fit for them. Referees, Whistles, and Bruce Carter
2009-11-17 23:09:44
The job of referee is almost always under appreciated by the other participants on the field but necessary none-the-less and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups looks at how the referee came to be called upon, his use of the whistle and talks with current referee Bruce Carter. Maximize Training Time
2009-11-02 23:14:32
The limited amount of training time is an issue for every club rugby team and Rugby Rugby Tom Billups looks at ways to efficiently manage the time available to improve your game. Pattern Balance
2009-10-05 18:19:02
The need for a systematic pattern of play is one important although often overlooked aspect of the game of rugby.  Tom Billups looks at the pattern of play and shows how a unified approach by the entire team can change how a team plays. Importance of Mouthguards
2009-09-18 19:02:40
The use of a mouthguard in sports traces back to 1890 but unfortunately there are many rugby players who do not regularly wear a mouthguard despite all the options.  Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups explains the importance and the available styles and urges all rugby players to have a good mouthguard. Recovery and Regeneration
2009-09-04 22:52:48
The focus of many rugby coaches is on scheduling practices to cover all the skills and strategies required to be successful but one important aspect of the training session that is frequently overlooked is the recovery and regeneration period required by players. Rugby and The Olympic Games
2009-08-21 18:21:41
Rugby Sevens took a huge step to be included in the 2016 Summer Olympics when the IOC’s Executive Board voted to include the sport.  Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups takes a moment to look at how Olympic inclusion good benefit the sport. Custodians of the Game
2009-08-06 23:58:13
Rugby is relatively new in the United States and unfortunately many new to the sport first hear of head stomps, eye gouging and other foul play.  This limited view does not highlight the athleticism and team play required and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups believes it is up to players and coaches to be ‘custodians of the game’ and help show the sport in a positive light. The Scrum and Social Loafing
2009-07-20 21:41:08
The scrum has long been a source of distinction in our sport and requires a team effort to be successful.  Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups takes a look at the scrum and urges teams to train to improve their scrum and advises to avoid social loafing in the scrum. Where do I Stand? Positioning for the Flyhalf
2009-06-19 17:55:34
The position of the flyhalf is critical to properly directing and launching the next phase of attacking rugby and Rugby Rugby ‘s Tom Billups answers a readers question on the best positioning for this important position. Rugby Training Plan
2009-06-04 20:58:45
One of the frequently overlooked aspects to rugby training is to have a good plan established before you start.  A good plan helps the coach or team manager identify the assets and liabilities of the individual players and the team and develop techniques to overcome them. A Memorial Day for “Rockyâ€�
2009-05-22 00:12:00
With Memorial Day on Monday May 25, Rugby Rugby’s takes a second to take his focus off rugby and to the upcoming holiday reminded readers to remember the sacrifices made by the men and women of our military for our freedom, pointing to one such soldier, Captain Humbert “Rocky” Versace. The Performance Analyst
2009-05-08 22:34:56
The performance analyst is increasingly being turned to in rugby to breakdown the finer points of the game and help players and teams improve and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups spoke with a pioneer in video analysis systems, Welshman Jon Moore. Throwing Mechanics for Hookers
2009-04-24 21:05:09
The importance of good hooker to throw the ball in at the lineout is of great importance and unfortunately many times overlooked while training a rugby team.  Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups take a look at the throwing mechanics at the line of touch and gives his insights on how to improve them. On Becoming a Coach
2009-04-09 20:20:36
What does it take to be a good coach?  This is a common question from the novice coach to the most experienced one and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups gives some suggestions on what was important to him in developing into a great coach. Appetite for Work
2009-03-25 18:02:33
Talent alone is not enough for a player to reach his full potential.  The player must also have an ‘appetite for work’ according to Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups which will see the athlete push harder to reach his goals. Importance of a Basic Medical Injury Plan
2009-03-13 20:27:45
Rugby is a contact sport and while the spirit of the game calls for high levels of sportsmanship injuries will happen.  Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups talks about the importance of a medical injury plans that ALL teams need to have in place for matches. Implicit Learning in Rugby
2009-02-24 17:47:28
The San Diego Sevens last weekend offered a great opportunity for the young rugby player to watch some top level rugby as well as pick up some techniques through implicit learning and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups explains in this week’s column. Position Requirements and Performance Modelling
2009-02-12 20:43:20
Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups examines the difference between positional requirements and performance modelling and points out how a good performance model can can help the player have success based on what his is good that will in turn help him continue to develop his game and his team to victory. Communication in Rugby
2009-01-29 17:27:07
Good communication between players is critical if a rugby team hopes to do well on the pitch and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups gives his tips on how to improve your on field communication. Make sure you ‘lock in’ this information! Sport Science with Dr. Wagner
2009-01-13 18:18:32
It is crucial at the start of every rugby season to make sure you have a solid fitness foundation and Rugby Rugby's Tom Billups spoke with fitness expert Dr. Phil Wagner about some training tips. All Black Magic
2008-12-31 19:06:07
Rugby Rugby's Tom Billups took a moment over the holidays to catch up with Scott Compton, the recently retired All Blacks media manager.  Compton spoke about what is special, or in this case not so unique, about the All Blacks training methods, some methods he believes all teams should incorporate, his favorite All Black moment and more... Interval Speed Endurance Training
2008-12-19 20:37:44
Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups explains one of his fitness testing workouts that is ideal for both competitive and recreational rugby players. Fitness Testing Question
2008-12-05 00:27:51
With the spring season and pre-season preparation closer than we imagine, Rugby Rugby's Tom Billups takes a look at fitness testing. Skills Series – The Link, part II
2008-11-21 18:39:47
Rugby Rugby's Tom Billups brings readers part 2 of his examination of coninuity, focusing on the link play required. Skill Series – Continuity
2008-11-05 22:38:43
A critical aspect of rugby is continuity and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups looks into the best method to establish continuity stressing that there must be an effective securing of the ball between ball carrier and first supporting player. The Ultimate Teammate
2008-10-23 17:30:54
With the eleventh anniversary of the passing of Kevin Higgins next week, Rugby Rugby's Tom Billups looks back at the passion and enthusiasm this former Eagle brought to the game and to life. Team Defense – Communication and Organization
2008-10-10 19:01:23
Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups breaks down team defense and the communication and organization required to excel in this area of the game in this week’s skills column.  The former Eagle player points out that when done correctly, well disciplined defensive work can be as rewarding as scoring a try. A Tactical Overview
2008-09-26 16:55:06
One of the key talents that differentiates good players from great players is the great players tactical overview of the game.  Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups looks into how this vision of the game is important for both offensive and defensive play. Skills Series – Teaching the Drop Punt
2008-09-10 20:18:19
In his playing days, Tom Billups never kicked a ball during competition.  He is quick to point out that the drop kick is increasingly becoming a powerful tool and gives his teaching progression to help players learn the best technique to help improve their precision and accuracy with kicks. Skill Series - Lineout Lifting Mechanics
2008-08-26 18:54:26
The art of lineout lifting can challenge teams from European professional sides to the local club and in his third Skills Series, Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups gives some tips on how to properly carry out a lineout. Skill Series - Teaching Safe Tackle Mechanics
2008-08-11 21:20:35
The art of the rugby tackle is one of the most important skills but unfortunately one that many players are not well taught.  Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups looks at the five aspects of a solid rugby tackle. Skills Series - Passing and Catching
2008-08-01 21:06:53
With preparations for the fall season around the corner, Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups has his first article in a series on fundamental skills.  In his first instalment, the coach looks at the technique for proper passing and catching. Continuing Education
2008-07-14 22:44:22
With the volumes of information available to the rugby player in the digital age, it is easy to become lost when seeking the best advice on strength and conditioning.  To help make the process as manageable as possible, Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups gives his insight on the best method. Summer Sevens
2008-06-30 21:39:45
by Tom Billups, C.S.C.S. - Recently a loyal rugbyrugby.com reader asked me what I thought about the sevens game as a developmental tool for young players.  Her question prompted me to remember a time in my own rugby upbringing when sevens was all I thought about. Summer Off Season Plans
2008-06-16 17:47:10
With the summer off season in full swing, Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups suggest that ‘high school and university (rugby) players should make as measurable gains in their strength development as safely possible’ to improve their chances to succeed in the fall. Teaching Strategies for Managing Contact
2008-05-27 22:14:37
With so many questions regarding the best way to train, Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups explains his three tempo technique. Question on Scrum Cadence
2008-05-15 15:38:48
After working to start a new Under 19 rugby club, a long time player turned coach had a question on scrum cadence and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups took a moment to discuss the scrum and scrum cadence. Championships Aren’t Top Priority
2008-05-08 16:35:45
The desire to win championships is one of the many goals for team and individual athletes but surprising to some championships are usually not the top goal for a season.  Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups takes a moment to focus on some of the other goals team goals for the Cal Berkeley side that are listed ahead of championships. Rugby Specific Sport Psychology
2008-04-25 17:25:26
With the college and club rugby competitions in full swing, the pressures both mental and physical on the rugby player are at their height and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups takes a moment to talk with sport psychology expert Cheryl Goldman-Rogow on how best to prepare for big matches. Brett Taylor on Coaching Rugby
2008-04-11 19:19:09
Brett Taylor, former assistant rugby coach for USA men’s national team, is the Director of Rugby and Head Coach at the Richmond Rugby Club, just outside of central London.  He took a moment to talk with Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups about team building, the challenges of winning, U.S. vs English players and more… What’s My Best Position On The Field?
2008-03-28 22:01:57
After receiving an email from a Rugby Rugby reader who is a high school player about what position he should play, Rugby Rugby's Tom Billups took a moment to give his advice to the young rugby player. A Day In The Life Of Cal Rugby
2008-03-24 21:50:25
The University of California has the top college rugby program in the U.S. and with such a tradition there are additional pressure on each student athlete and coach Tom Billups gives the Rugby Rugby readers an insight into a day in the life of a Golden Bear rugby player. Methods of Learning
2008-03-10 17:13:12
The craft of coaching a rugby team has many nuances which allow the best coaches to find a way to instruct and improve the play of each individual player.  Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups looks at three ways to help your players take more away from each lesson. Essence of the Game
2008-02-25 19:00:25
What draws players to the game of rugby?  Rugby Rugby’s coach Billups has thought it through and believes that ‘those of us that love rugby, love it because we need the struggle a rugby contest presents.’  See if you agree.   The Importance of Teammates
2008-02-13 18:16:46
The USA Sevens in San Diego brought together many current and former Eagles players and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups takes a moment to look back on many great times with teammates and give his thanks for how ‘proud and privileged’ he was to play with each one. A Few Minutes With Mike MacDonald
2008-01-28 16:06:40
Since developing his game under the watchful eye of Coach Tom Billups, Mike McDonald has moved on from Cal to Leeds Carnegie, formerly known as Leeds Tykes, to play professional rugby. The prop took a moment to speak with Rugby Rugby. RugbyRugby Q & A With Paul Emerick
2008-01-14 17:41:17
As one of the few Americans playing overseas, Paul Emerick knows first hand what it takes to make it in a professional rugby environment.  The Newport Gwent Dragons outside centre took a moment to speak with Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups about what young players should work on, the importance of speed and more… ELV’s Changing The Game?
2007-12-13 21:24:47
SANZAR recently announced that the upcoming Super 14 would be played using some of the Experimental Law Variations (ELV’s) and these new rules will alter the way the game is played according to RugbyRugby’s Tom Billups. Speed, Agility, and Quickness
2007-11-28 19:05:41
There is a certain beauty and grace when watching rugby players demonstrate their speed, agility, and quickness to make a play and RugbyRugby’s Tom Billups gives some insights to how rugby players can easily improve on their ‘God given talent.’ Don’t Hope For Success, Plan For It!
2007-11-14 19:11:13
The top athletes are the ones who plan and train for success not those who hope to do well and RugbyRugby’s Tom Billups gives his three tips to how to change your mindset from hoping for the best to those prepared to achieve success. Things I learned from The Marine Corps
2007-11-05 18:45:46
Coach Tom Billups spent the last week in North Carolina coaching the All Marines team at the annual Armed Forces Championships and came away with a great respect for the players commitment, dedication, discipline and sacrifice both on the rugby pitch and in life. One Hard Man
2007-10-01 23:24:48
U.S. Eagle Alec Parker earned his 50th test cap at the Rugby World Cup in France and RugbyRugby’s Tom Billups, who played with and coached the lock, gives his praise for Parker’s years of dedication to the sport. Team Leadership
2007-09-10 17:44:32
The best teams all have one trait in common, a great leader.  And RugbyRugby’s Tom Billups believes that the key to being a great leader is being able to make those around you better. Two Kinds of Teams
2007-08-23 16:10:10
The Eagles are set to open their Rugby World Cup campaign next month and coach Tom Billups thinks it is important for the Eagles or any team to always look to continually get better. Reaching Your Athletic Potential
2007-08-02 23:04:45
With so much focus on how well your abilities compare to others on the team, coach Tom Billups believes it is important for all great athletes to also work on pushing oneself and asking 'how good can I be.' Lessons From Summer Camp
2007-07-23 16:59:11
In addition to being well versed in the techniques of the game, coach Tom Billups explains the importance of also being properly outfitted to give you the best chance to play at your highest level. Coaching High School Rugby
2007-06-25 21:39:19
The task of a high school rugby coach is one with many different and varied responsibilities and coach Tom Billups give some pointers on how to be the best coach possible and develop winners on and off the field.  A World Class Attitude
2007-06-14 23:10:57
In addition to great skills, world class players have top notch competitive attitudes and Rugby Rugby’s Tom Billups explains how a positive, determined mindset is critical to whether a rugby player will play to his or her potential on the field. Seasonality
2007-05-31 00:36:49
The drive to play more and practice ones skills is a good habit of competitive rugby players but RugbyRugby’s Tom Billups explains there is a time and need for these players to ‘take it easy’ and get away from the demands of the game. Front Row Safety – Paramount for High School Players
2007-05-16 23:52:16
After experiencing first hand a serious spinal injury, coach Tom Billups urges all coaches to be aware of the inherit danger of playing in the front row and make sure the players in those positions are physically and technically ready. Becoming A Good Defender - The Most Important Thing
2007-04-30 21:45:30
Defense wins championships. Over the years, prominent coaches have said so, but how is this applicable to our game of rugby? Honoring The Game Of Rugby
2007-04-11 18:33:24
The state of American sports at times looks to be in disarray with professional players being arrested, smack talk on the field, little respect for the officials, parents of little leaguers beating up other players and the list goes on.  But rugby is and should remain a gentleman’s sport and RugbyRugby’s Tom Billups gives his insights on what is required to honor the game. Day In The Life Of A Pro Player
2007-03-28 22:30:26
With a pro career under his belt, RugbyRugby’s Tom Billups explains what future professionals should expect week in and week out from the pain of the training pitch to the glory of match play. Playing Professionally In The U.K.
2007-03-20 22:57:40
With more players considering playing overseas in the U.K., RugbyRugby Tom Billups gives his expertise on what it takes to make it on the other side of the pond. My Rugby Trials and Tribulations
2007-02-22 00:27:21
I am always shocked to hear players complain that they did not receive a fair ‘shot’ at making the National Team.  And I completely disagree with this notion. Tom Billups: From Collegiate Footballer to Eagles Star
2007-02-21 23:17:39
Tom Billups is arguably the best known name in U.S. rugby history and has been influential at ever level of the game. Coach Tom Billups' Profile
2007-07-25 23:21:43
RugbyRugby.com columnist Tom Billups has been involved with rugby in the U.S. since picking up the game in college. He is currently the coach of Cal Rugby and is responsible for multiple facets of the varsity rugby program while coaching along side Cal head coach, Jack Clark.

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