‘Talking Tactically’

with Lachlan Tighe..... 

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

‘ Rewarding team commitment’

(edition 135  - 2005 of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls)

A good club has a good culture and most of that is evident in attitude, visible and audible to all and sundry who walk in any bowls club door.

People have mentioned to me as a bowls club coach I can help them– firstly a correction, I may be a specialist coach but the members of the two top mens sides are equally influential and it is my firm view that the approach set by these top men’s sides becomes the example for others to follow (men and women) so all the better players then are mini club coaches. 

So there is a responsibility within a club for the top side to set a suitable model for others to (want to) replicate.  Secondly bowlers you help yourself by your approach in both training and competing. A coach has no magical wand – hard work and success go hand in hand.

If I could give a few simple guides I suggest for any bowler to follow in training , do these and I will acknowledge you are then making a commitment that deserves reward (your own personal satisfaction)

-          any bowl delivered short go and retrieve it immediately and redeliver (until it gets into your acceptable zone)

-          only practice / train at the extreme lengths (minimum and maximum) as there is anecdotal evidence that most bowlers can deliver at medium lengths

-          go out and try to put all four bowls within a range of 3-4 feet (premier boys would be aiming at a better standard) as that is going to give you the feedback that you are consistent, and repeat and repeat and repeat and one more time repeat

-          kids play games, better bowlers are those who train skills for competition

-          oh, and enjoy whatever you do and wherever you are picked to play.

These few guides exemplify attitudes toward hard work and a desire for skill development and are more beneficial than playing numerous games as games do not improve your skill.

One final observation on selection: in bowls you are as much the selectors as the selection committee as your scoring of team mates performances is as strong an indicator as anything that the committee has as a tool to use and choose people for the following weeks match ups.  

So in that role be honest and not hurt or hinder others; a player who makes the extra commitments cannot be overlooked forever and in the long run truth will out for them.

            My club has followed these guidelines in 2005 and reaped the ultimate reward for the top side, a pennant premiership.

P.S. A moment to gloat – our ‘Elbows’ squad had a semi finalist representative in every one of the three ladies Australian Open events held last week

Lachlan Tighe

ATTITUDE: ALL ABOUT PRACTISING HABITS