‘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)

"How do you assess the performance of a coach ?"

(edition twenty, 13/2/2002, of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls)

I have to ask that question having taken up the offer to coach a Commonwealth Games squad.

But we should all be asking that as both coaches, and, bowlers wanting to use the resources of an appropriate coach.

I read once where the assessment was based on competence, competition and common sense. That means nothing to me per se.

Ask yourself what is effective coaching ? I think it might be a program built around competing successfully , i.e. technical excellence, skill execution and attitude, enabling the basis for excellence to surface at any age.

I liked what was quoted from Ric Charlesworth, Australian Coach of the year 2000, ......he believed that to be successful, a coach uses all the skills and powers at their discretion such as determination, confidence, innovation, creativity, commitment, dedication, single mindedness and hard work, but beware, last years programs might produce last years results.

OK, so how might we assess and measure coach effectiveness; well it may be rating these skills inherent in a good coach

The ability to work with all bowlers

And males and females equally

Ability to coach all aspects of technique and other skills

Capacity to coach groups and yet communicate individually within that group

Willingness to give AND receive feedback......now that is one to note

Ability to coach game sense ( which is how I try and coach)

Developing and using professional resources to support your coaching

The setting of standards and a culture ( I often pressure our ‘elbows’ squad to move their mindset and approach from one of involvement to one of commitment)

In summary I see the role of coach as being able to provide the bowler(s) with the various skills ( technical, tactical and mental) to match every competitive situation they expect to face.

Thank you for the continued interest

"Good Bowling"

"....it is just not cricket!"

"...tactical analysis of or in competition"

"How do you assess the performance of a Coach"

"... no Limits"