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‘Talking Tactically’ with Lachlan Tighe..... (a new weekly edition, commenced 12/9/2001, of thoughts, observations and commentaries on developments for bowls coaching and competition) |
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‘...improving our skills as coaches’ |
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(edition 30, 4/12/2002, of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls) Bob Judson, a bowls coach of note, sent me a copy of (good) information from the Crabbs, Anne and Maurie, a husband and wife coaching duo from W.A. In responding I posed the question to them that what we had to do was take a lead in our role as coaches and show other coaches how to move beyond the technical detection instruction stuff (amply and ably done everywhere) and provide the programs on tactical and mental skill training. Might I say having played last night my team mates and opponents might argue practice what you preach – but there is the problem, although we coaches play we should be recognised as having the coaching skill to ‘preach’ although not gifted enough to apply in ‘practice’ ourselves. In June 1999 twenty odd coaches joined us for a workshop for Level two coaches , the focus being on the role of those coaches in the development of the sport. The prime question I posed for everyone was what makes the difference of Level 2 to Level 1 coaching skill. We were hopeful of an exchange of various (training) approaches in elite / advanced coaching which included tactical and mental training. Few coaches in the group had moved into that sphere of coach operation. The fact they attended the workshop demonstrated their keenness to learn, sadly there is limited opportunity to view training programs that may include mental and tactical training. In my response to Rob (Judson) I referred to what we are doing with Anna Hoogwerf who represented Australia in the recent world titles. Together with Mark Cowan, Ern Thomas and Craig Fox, we have sat with Anna planned her training and competition, provided tactical and mental training programs, and on Sunday met to analyse her performance in the world titles first having her write a review so as to compare her notes with our analysis that covers game results, comparison to the plan, tactical reviews and discussion on her mental preparation and application. As well Anna has to write her goals for 2003 (already completed) and agree on a calendar of competition and the priority of performance in those events for 2003. Therefore Anna has a team of coaches supporting her quest for excellence. And we encourage her to listen to views from all manner of sources so as to decide which views help her. As a coaching team we will seek out other specialists (biomechanical video analysis is next on the list in 2003) so that we are capable of providing the standard of support that befits someone playing at world level. Thus Rob, Anne and Maurie must also lead the charge to encourage coaches to add mental and tactical skill training to their programs. Read with interest the media release for Anna’s performance and it said something like ‘…..Anna failed to advance etc’ ; I would think we reflect a better view if it had said ‘…Anna won one of her three games losing to the world semi finalist and missing out on a finals berth’. Part of our coaches role is to reinforce positives all the time without flinching from honesty and reality. Finally Mark Casey, world champion U. 25 bowls champion, what a great achievement, well done from us coaches. regards. Lachlan Tighe
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| Previous coaching columns by Lachlan Tighe (in case you missed the last column or would like to peruse the previous years).
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