Last week, I ran a training session at my rugby club in what can only be described as near-arctic conditions. The weather wasn’t quite cold enough to freeze the ground, but there was snow in the air and a biting chill that seemed to seep straight into the bones. I had to layer up with two pairs of socks just to keep my toes from going numb. I’ll admit, I went into the session with some trepidation. The conditions were hardly inviting, and I was expecting complaints, frozen fingers fumbling passes, and a general reluctance to move.
But what unfolded completely defied my expectations. It turned out to be one of the best training sessions our girls have ever had. They were fully focused, brimming with energy, and attacking tackles and rucks with a vigour that could have melted the snow around them. It was one of those moments as a coach that leaves you both proud and reflective – wondering why, against all odds, it had gone so well.
The Challenges of Training in Freezing Conditions
I’ve trained in freezing weather before, and I know how difficult it can be. Frozen fingers struggle to catch the ball, running in the cold burns the lungs, and standing still for even a moment lets the chill creep in. It’s not just physically tough – mentally, the cold can sap focus and enthusiasm if you let it. For players, and even for coaches, it can feel like a battle against the elements.
Knowing this, I approached the session with a plan to keep everyone as active as possible. We kept the games moving quickly, with minimal downtime between activities, so no one was left standing around too long. Even us coaches joined in with parts of the warm-up – anything to keep our bodies moving and stave off the cold.
Still, I was prepared for the usual challenges that come with training in these conditions. What I hadn’t prepared for, though, was how the snow itself would transform the session.
The Magic of Snow
As the session unfolded, it became clear that the snow was having an unexpected impact. Rather than being a hindrance, it became a source of energy and excitement. Playing rugby in the snow was a novel experience for all of us, coaches included. It was something different, something fun. The snow became a distraction from the cold, shifting the players’ focus away from the discomfort of the freezing weather.
Instead of thinking about their frozen fingers or stinging lungs, the girls were fully immersed in the moment – enjoying the snow, the movement, and the camaraderie with their teammates. It was as if their minds had found a way to override the physical discomfort, and in doing so, they unlocked a level of focus and energy that surprised us all.
A Lesson in Mindset
After the session, I couldn’t help but reflect on why it had gone so well. I shared my thoughts with my coach, and we came to the same conclusion – it was all down to mindset. The snow had created a shift in perspective. It turned what could have been a miserable, cold training session into something different and exciting. When the players’ minds were no longer preoccupied with the cold, they were free to focus on the game.
As my coach pointed out, one’s state of mind can overcome even the harshest conditions. Out there in the freezing weather, the players weren’t thinking about how bitterly cold it was. Their minds were on the rugby – keeping moving, staying active, and enjoying the unique experience of playing in the snow with their friends. That was the state of mind they were in, and because of it, the weather didn’t stand a chance.
It was a powerful reminder of how much our mental state influences our experience. When we focus on what we’re doing – on the joy, the challenge, or the camaraderie – we can push through discomfort and even thrive in conditions that might otherwise hold us back.
Lessons for Rugby and Beyond
This experience highlighted something that goes far beyond rugby. Whether we’re dealing with freezing weather, a tough match, or challenges in everyday life, our mindset plays a crucial role in how we respond. By shifting our focus away from what’s uncomfortable and towards what’s engaging or meaningful, we can transform our experience.
For me, this session reinforced the importance of creating the right environment as a coach. It’s not just about running drills or teaching technique – it’s about helping players find the joy and focus that allows them to give their best, no matter the circumstances. Sometimes, that means embracing the unexpected – like snow – and finding ways to turn it into an advantage.
Staying Active in Challenging Conditions
If you’re a coach or a parent reading this, you might be wondering how to replicate this kind of success in your own sessions. Here are a few tips I’ve found helpful for keeping players engaged and energised in challenging conditions:
- Keep it Moving – Minimise downtime between activities to keep everyone warm and engaged. The less time spent standing still, the better.
- Embrace Novelty – Use unexpected conditions, like snow, as an opportunity to try something new or different. Novelty can be a powerful motivator.
- Focus on Fun – When players are enjoying themselves, they’re less likely to dwell on discomfort. Create an environment where fun and teamwork take centre stage.
- Encourage a Positive Mindset – Help players focus on what they can control and what they enjoy about the game, rather than what might be challenging or uncomfortable.
A Call to Action
If you’re looking to bring this kind of energy and mindset to your own coaching or parenting journey, I’d love to help. My book, Mud, Tries, and Tantrums: Raising Happy Rugby Players, is packed with insights and practical tips for supporting young players on and off the field. Although it’s written from a rugby perspective, the lessons and strategies are just as applicable to any sport – and to life in general. Whether you’re a coach, a parent, or both, it’s a resource to help you create an environment where players can thrive, no matter the conditions.
You can pick up a copy on Amazon in paperback or Kindle format – and if you do, please leave a review. Your feedback helps spread the word and supports other parents and coaches who want to make a difference in young players’ lives.
If you’re interested in working with me directly, feel free to reach out. Whether you’re looking to achieve your goals, overcome challenges, or build resilience in the face of adversity, I’m here to help. Together, we can develop strategies that energise, focus, and inspire you to perform at your best in all areas of life.
Patrick Hickman 