‘Talking Tactically’

with Lachlan Tighe..... 

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

‘… Agassi: top of the class (acts)’

(edition 79  - 2004 of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls)

Over January a few of our ‘Elbows’ squad did well in profile events in Victoria.  What surprised me was the number of people complimenting a few of us on being semi or grand finalists. Heck the winner gets the accolade, the rest of us all came ‘second’.I like what I read about Agassi this week where he was quoted as saying ‘…I came here, to the Grand Slam Open, with the belief I can win – my motivation is the fact that if I can play my best tennis, can I still win it and I need to be able to answer with a yes.’

How good is that bloke !  Bowlers, especially in ‘Elbows’, take note.

And again I read on about Agassi on the subject of dreams and the pursuit of such.  And here is where we the coaches must be the true believers for the players (bowlers) as our doubt will deprive the player of the prospect of fulfillment of those dreams.

So the MAN said ‘…any dream by definition is a long way off. You need to rewind back from the dream to now to  be able to understand what it is you want to accomplish, look at yourself and honestly see where you currently are; then you have to set up a plan that keeps you focused on a million small steps that need happen that continually build that momentum for your (sporting) life – so you set your plan and work your plan.  And your plan should include a lot of little daily victories…long live dreams.’

How good is that bloke !  Bowlers, especially in ‘Elbows’, take note.

Now that’s Agassi, greatness, the stuff of legend.  So if you have any sniff of sincerity about what you want to achieve, forego the barflys and ‘wouldhavebeens’ and ‘wannabees’ and seek out the role models in sport to set your sights against.  And not all of us have the raw talent of an Agassi, but we all have the capacity to do the best with what is given to us, so if I were to hear you talk about goals, dreams, aspirations, would I be able to hear that you like Agassis have this wonderful list of a squillion daily victories to reach your goal, or, are you another …want to win type still not committed to planning and preparing to achieve your dream.

Oh, for the dreamers, you need believers, supporters, committed experts as part of your dream team.  And the coach has a pivotal role in the dreamer’s goal and ultimate fulfillment.  Ask Agassi how much he values Darren Cahill.

And you know why the dreamer should have the coach along for the journey ?  Because the coach should also be a dreamer for his/ her own goals.

P.S I is back Rastus – thanks to those of you prompting me to resume writing the column after a Xmas break 

Lachlan Tighe

24 March 2004