‘Talking Tactically’

with Lachlan Tighe..... 

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

‘ Australian of the Year: Dr Fiona Woods’

(edition 128  - 2004 of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls)

Well lets start 2005 with due recognition to one recognized as the Australian of the year, 2005.

What’s this got to do with (coaching) bowls !  People in bowls, especially players, need to work more at their sources for learning, inspiration and (reinforced) motivation.

Dr Woods was interviewed on television with regard to her honour and she said a few things that showed ‘what a dinkum person’ she appears to be and also what a wise successful person she portrays to me as a viewer.

She told how when she failed an exam for the first time how devastated she was and in seeking (comfort) from here dad was told clinically and accurately something akin to you need to work harder.

Bowlers that is lesson number one.

Dr Woods continued to mention her skill for learning. Her approach resulted in her saying that if you work hard you get to make the choices.

If you don’t work hard others make them (the choices) for you  Bowlers should therefore see how they give selectors extra scope to choose if these players don’t perform at such a level of success that there can be no doubt about their inclusion.

I coach sixteen (16) players and in every case I stress I am trying to improve them as bowlers, hence the mental and tactical skill training emphasis.

Too often players are preoccupied with the view of selectors. If we take Dr Woods’ view into bowls performances then go out and damn well perform well in everything, especially important events, then you can choose your playing position.

Look at Steve Glasson.  Not too far back he was under the microscope, but, a win at the world title and Steve can nearly dictate his terms on what format he wants to play.

Too many of the elite bowlers play too much.  They do not invest in the hard work of learning, training and perfecting the spectrum of skill needed to excel at a higher level and thus selectors still ‘have control’ of your choices.

Do something about it – rule your own bowls destiny !

Hey I am still learning.  But I determine my destiny. I coach in the manner and belief I think is the path to success. Watching the Trans Tasman teams preparation this past weekend gives  me the reinforcement as their approach is a skills and sports science variation of mine though I don’t have the support resources. Regardless of my missing the national coach position I set the path for my role, set the path for those in my Elbows squad, and ensure I don’t compromise that approach or attitude in an attempt to strive to be better.

So bowlers, and maybe coaches, do something about it – look around and say to yourself, the harder I work the luckier I am.

Lachlan Tighe

ATTITUDE: ALL ABOUT PRACTISING HABITS