Why the best players always go back to the basics

At The RT Academy, we talk a lot about confidence, match-day preparation and consistent performance across a long season. But if there’s one thing that helps players build those things faster, and hold onto them, it’s this: solid foundations.

Head Coach Ben recently caught up with Dan Biggar, former British and Irish Lions and Wales International, in Australia. Dan highlighted the importance of revisiting basic skills and being patient with progress. Because when the foundations are solid, the rest always follows. It’s a message that applies at every level of the game and pre-season is the best time to put it into practice.

Why foundations matter more than flash

In junior rugby, it can be tempting to chase progress by adding more drills, more intensity, more detail. But often, it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing the right things, again and again, until they stick.

Repeating simple drills with focus builds technical consistency, and when you add an understanding of why you’re doing those drills, clarity and confidence grows. Combining both helps players apply their skills under pressure when it really matters, on game day.

What Dan Biggar teaches us

Dan Biggar didn’t become one of the world’s best fly-halves by skipping past the basics. He became known for his composure, accuracy and game control, which were all built on a strong technical foundation.

He’s a big believer in going back to basics, even at the top level, because it’s the players who commit to doing the simple things well who make the biggest long-term gains.

In his words: “You have to get the fundamentals rock solid. When you do that, progress will come.” That’s true whether you’re playing for Wales or working your way up through junior rugby.

Why pre-season is the best time to get it right

Once the season starts, things move fast and the games come thick and fast. Time gets tight and individual development has to be quick and effective. But pre-season is different. It’s the perfect window to focus on technique, confidence and repetition, without the pressure of performance.

That’s why at The RT Academy, we encourage players to slow things down, strip things back and focus on the drills and habits that really matter.

What we focus on at The RT Academy

Inside The Squad, we build every session around the principles Dan Biggar talks about:

•         Repetition of core skills
•         Simplicity in structure and drills
•         Clear explanations of why each drill matters
•         Consistent rhythm, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day

This approach helps young players not only improve their skills but also understand them so they can apply them with confidence when it counts.

How parents can support this mindset

Progress takes time and patience, but doing the right drills consistently brings improvement and confidence.

As a parent, you don’t have to become a coach. But you can help your child get the most from pre-season by encouraging a steady routine with short, focused sessions and celebrating consistency and commitment, not just outcomes. If your child needs support staying consistent, that’s exactly what The RTA Squad is here for.

Join The Squad

Inside The Squad, players get structured skill sessions, expert guidance and the kind of repetition and clarity that sets them up for long-term success. Because the best players don’t just train harder, they train smarter. It all starts with going back to the basics and getting those foundations rock solid. Join The Squad now and get started with our Pre-Season plan straight away.