‘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)

‘… Coaching: rough ride on a roller coaster’

(edition 70  - 2003 of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls)

Whew! Had the ticket for the full spectrum coaches ride this week.   Been called names, laughed at, criticized, supported, thanked, acknowledged, ignored and consoled;

been involved or associated with massive defeats, petty drama, and minor victories…..all in the name of coaching.  But who would want it any other way.

Last night I enjoyed the company of two well known enthused Queensland coaches and as we wandered our separate ways into the night I posed my own question : why do I or any of us coach?  You answer the question for yourself, or if you are a player reading this, try and recognize what it is you want or seek from a coach especially if as a player you have high bowling ambitions.

What did I come up with as my reasons for being a coach– try this for size.

#    I enjoy giving of myself

#    I respond to the keenness and enthusiasm of the players to learn, share and enjoy

#    I learn from others

#    I value the fact someone has helped me along the way

#    I can encourage others to derive the enjoyment I have from playing sport

#    To that end I can establish and foster that culture in the coaching environment

#    I take a serious responsibility to provide the resources that will enable each player to develop to their chosen level of performance

#    I have attitude…with others I want to constantly strive to develop, strive to succeed

#    I get a buzz from the fact players feel I have something to offer to guide them in their personal pursuit of development

And how I view my role is something akin to 

#    I have a responsibility to be informed

#    accessing all pertinent resources within reason

#    ensuring my programs reflect to the bowlers a level of professionalism in organisation, motivation, instruction, valuable exchange and communication, advice, respect, and standard setting

#    Enabling the bowlers to realise that as far as I am concerned I am not the ultimate in expertise and that we all have a view and the faculties to contribute to our development

I also attempted to use the word ‘coach’ as a prompt to myself to summarise all that meaning above and the letters stood for

C- common use of my senses; O – organizer/ observer; A – analytical; 

C – communicator; H - humane

I have to say I am proud of being in the company of other coaches whose dedication and enthusiasm to assist people / athletes / bowlers is a real buzz for me.

Lachlan Tighe

‘… Lions: Brisbane’s king of the (sporting) jungle’