The 31-year-old's attentions are now on the World Cup and, while he admits Cotter is working the squad hard, he says the emphasis on ball work means the camp are in good spirits.
And Ford is hoping that approach can play a vital role for club and country as he looks to prepare for the upcoming season.
"I'm enjoying this a lot because it's more skill-based," said Ford. "Vern [Cotter] made a good point in training - 'don't take yourself seriously but take the job seriously'.
"He's looking for boys to have a good time and have fun but we need to work hard at what we're here to do.
"We've seen a lot more of the rugby ball which has been good. At the end of the day we're here to play rugby, not just to lift bits of steel.
" We've focused on the physical aspect in the past. It was about being as big and as strong as we could be, but it's more skill-based just now and everyone is really enjoying it.
"We're looking to make as many strides as we can now because when we start the tournament there's not going to be massive improvements in the days between games.
"We have to make those strides now to catch up with the top nations and try to put some distance between ourselves and others in our pool."
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