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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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‘… mental as anything and duly recorded’ |
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(edition 75 - 2003 of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls) I listened to the State bowls team’s guest presenter (Neil Barras) today as he wound his way through the need to develop players psychological skills to complement their present technical skills which they undoubtedly had as it was a reason for them being state team representatives. One comment Barras made was that elite athletes (in other sports) all understood the value of keeping a diary of performances in training and competition, and, how they also saw it as a necessary aspect of being an elite athlete. I was also intrigued when another member of the small audience of ‘extras’ mentioned Ian Schuback’s recent comment on TV about him training for 3 months prior to a major international event and foregoing competition (games) to focus on the big prize. That practice or approach is still to filter into the hearts and minds of the bowlers, so perhaps we ought be asking more people to listen to ‘Shooie’ about the path to success. Anyway what I want to do is flow on from Barras’ talk and give some headings and some content examples of diary entries that might be worth consideration or at least prompt the players to seek the input of their coach to assist them in this approach to success. The headings that require other experts I shall leave as is and only provide suggestions from a view as a coach. Here goes and remember a player is expected to write the reaction in a diary for their reference at any stage along the journey: AROUSAL COACH What do you need from a coach What can you give them to reach your goals CONCENTRATION What are you doing to train your level of concentration What do you do to concentrate appropriately pre the game, and during the game CONFIDENCE IMAGERY PEAK PERFORMANCE Describe some enjoyable competition experiences What did you learn from the above experiences PRESSURE What is pressure to you Describe how you have handled it successfully How are you handling pressure What are you doing differently What are you doing to cope with pressure RELAXATION STRESS (EXTERNAL) TEAMMATES What do you want from your teammates What can you give them and what are you giving them How 9well) do you work with your teammates THOUGHT CONTROL TRAINING Does your training include mental and tactical skill training Is your training focusing on technical perfection Is it quality practice time How can it improve Is it enough to meet your long term goal Do you review training performances Do you and the coach review your competitions and plan training What is the coaches role in your weekly training program How effective has the audio/visual and computer tools you use in training How would you like to improve use of these tools to meet your goals There is a host of things a player can include in a diary but it varies for each person and will be a tool for the player and their coach, so they are the best ones to decide as it is the players goal that is ultimately the focus of all these approachesLachlan 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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