‘Talking Tactically’

with Lachlan Tighe..... 

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

‘Charlesworth & Shakespeare: Coaching Supremos’

(edition 115  - 2004 of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls)

Ric Charlesworth is known in coaching as an Australian icon.  If you did’nt know that, bowlers, you don’t know sport.

Charlesworth’s most recent book ‘Shakespeare the Coach’ is a ripper little goldmine of resource material and thought prompters taken from a bloke who could also perform – William Shakespeare – number one in the (literary) team of the century.

This Pan Macmillan publication is a small book and an easy read for all of us leading frantic lives. Rather than 250= pages, Charlesworth has provided information and inspiration within the 125 pages of this concise paperback.

Seventeen topics are covered in seventeen chapters, all topics summarized at the end of the chapter, a handy tool for we forgetful types.

My ten favourite topic chapters were – Doubts and Fears, Excellence, Learning Change, Mind over Matter, Objectivity, Patience, Praise and Courage, Preparation, Self Awareness and finally the chapter on Youth Age and Experience.

You obtain an insight into the book and Charlesworth, the leading coach, in his introductory section as he expands on ‘the coach’s creed’ and his ‘ten favourite quotes (from Shakespeare)’.

If you want to learn or to excel in sport (bowls) either playing or coaching, go out and get this book.  A simple sample of (inherited) wisdom merging two of the greats, Shakespeare and Charlesworth.

Lachlan Tighe