‘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)

‘...the people behind a successful philosophy’

(edition twenty three, 16/10/2002, of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls)

Taking the ‘no limits’ philosophy over to Malaysia Lawn Bowls was a major element of trust.  In the people.  And the most important people, or persons, were those in positions of leadership.

Without the culture of success instilled at the very highest level in bowls then it cannot happen and cannot be expected to filter down to the player brigade.  Regardless of any communication (language) barrier the attitude or mindset does not differ between the countries if the outcome (success) is to be the same goal.

The Malaysian leadership was determined in their desire to be the best.  At times some people associated with the bowls team were what I refer to as being involved and not committed but these few were not representative of the desires, wishes and actions of the leadership in bowls.  And they were soon left behind.

Although at times some players and even some coaches did not maintain their level of commitment to excellence, there were sufficient number of peers around them to force or foster an escalation in their approach.  Those who wavered occasionally were influenced to ‘lift their game’ if wanting continued membership of the national team.  And maybe the disabled bowlers were as representative in this department  (of being determined to succeed) as the able bodied bowlers.

In such a small bowls community as Malaysia, this attitudinal approach was marvellous as it enabled we coaches to present new improved mental stages of training to pitch to on a regular basis as there was an acceptance by the bowlers that it was in the right direction for them – it might even have tangible reward in the form of Games 2002 success.

So bowlers if you want to soar with the eagles stop mixing with the turkeys.  And even at national level there are ‘comfortable’ turkeys.  They can be sidelined quickly by the player group not accepting those lower, mediocre levels of behaviour and performance.  It does not require coaches and selectors to influence this action.

The right people therefore are the essential ingredient to drive a philosophy to the summit of success.

NEXT WEEK            " the programs that made the philosophy happen"

regards.                      

Lachlan Tighe

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

"...tactical analysis of or in competition"

"How do you assess the performance of a Coach"

"... no Limits"