‘Talking Tactically’

with Lachlan Tighe..... 

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

‘… team balance: the team versus the individual’

(edition 87  - 2004 of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls)

The perennial problem in team games is the juggling act (for the coach) of balancing team and individual (factors) which is enough to send coaches grey and aged overnight.

I don’t have all the answers – in fact ask members at my club and most probably they would say I have none (answers).  But I keep an eye out for those coaches from other sports universally recognized as good at their craft and I soak up the ideas and approaches I can relate to from their deeds and words.  

Some of their simple statements which I relate to, interpret and apply to bowls coaching of both teams and individuals who make up teams are these:

…you recruit, give the players a chance to grow and at the end of a season you prune;

…the champions are those who put in endless hours of prepared practice / training to ensure what they do naturally and sweetly while not under pressure, so they can produce that same level under the intense pressure of state, national, international competition;

…and all champions (teams) required preparation, long hours of training, high quality leadership, teamwork and importantly, good decision making under pressure;

…it is well to remember though that any bowls team can only harness the talent at its disposal;

…in light of that available pool of talent, we as coaches and teammates need to talk up and focus on the strengths and experience within that team;

…where there is a choice to be made between two players, the person with the stronger (team) character, the person prepared to give himself for the team should always get the nod (for selection);

…your best contribution to the team may require a behavioural change; 

…your best contribution to the team should come about as a result of your utmost physical and mental preparation;

…if as a team member you want to be above average as a contributor, you have to be willing to do what average bowlers will NOT  do, i.e. the hard yards or planned preparation;

…seek those with commitment, measure the future worth of those only involved.

And one for the road

Lachlan Tighe