‘Talking Tactically’

with Lachlan Tighe..... 

(a weekly edition, commenced 12/9/2001, of thoughts, observations and commentaries on developments for bowls coaching and competition)

‘… the medium has the message’

(edition 90  - 2004 of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls)

A few weeks ago I had an opportunity to view some of my squad bowlers on video and was fascinated by what was shown to me.

And later I watched the ABC bowls show to hear some fascinating insights on the bowls competition from Ian Schuback especially his critique on tactics and decision making.

And during that same week I watched the ABC 7.30 Report and an item on a famous conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra who talked about failure as thrilling and the value of leadership that is inspirational.

It showed to me the value of the various media as you and I as bowlers regardless of where we are on this earth being able to view and learn from others.

The video was especially illuminating as the player was one I coach and I had not previously noticed where she placed her left hand, fixed high on her thigh when delivering, and how that particular hand positioning can alter the alignment of her shoulders when in the delivery phase; and the other facet of the video was to see her 20 times and acknowledge that the length of her forward step is just slightly short given her height and how that affects delivery and ideal weight transfer and the final position of her right knee, as she is a right hand bowler;  what we can do now is place that video on a computer and copy a CD of her filmed action for her to take home and play for her own viewing to reinforce what we have seen together.

The ABC Bowls show uses Ian Schuback in commentary who has world titles to his name and too few bowlers listen to what he is saying re the tactics / decision making as they are too busy simply watching the televised game as entertainment; watching and listening to take what you see/ hear out into your next series of training is the value of the bowls viewed.

Benjamin Zander apparently is renowned as a world famous conductor and a speaker on the international speaking circuit.  Buoyed by his exuberant appearance I was fascinated by his comment on failure which has to be seen as a thrilling experience as it gives your success a better side of the story; that failure is the spectrum for greater learning.  

Zander also spoke about leadership being exemplified by inspiration not pressure and how often in our sport and sport generally we see pressure exerted on the field where leadership could have capably contended with the supposed pressure.  

Skips, selectors, coaches etc are all in senior positions and may unintentionally exert pressure on players. We can train for pressure, pity not to be able to find it abounding within coaching and clubs in competitive bowls.

Zander also talked about power and said it (power) is even more successful and more pronounced and recognized if it is shared and not conducted via autocracy – I loved it when he said it should be spread like manure.  Teams win most events when the members are all given equal responsibility and thus share the power.  Coaching bowls needs to go down that track given what I have witnessed at events over recent period of time.

Lachlan Tighe