‘Talking Tactically’

with Lachlan Tighe..... 

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

‘ A decision making thought process’

(edition 110  - 2004 of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls)

In a column a few weeks back, I wrote that the (next) match has now begun, a reference to pre match preparation.  

With the completion of recent national and international titles, it is timely to review why so few made it to the finals of these elite events.

Talent and hard work are the first two ingredients for the finalists and the winners.  I would suggest a hunger and thirst for victory is another ingredient. 

However let me look at decision making (or both the mental and tactical skills) as a flaw for all of those players who have not proceeded to the finals.

My thoughts refer to decision making for

i.          One end of a game

Bowlers need to be aware of ways to gauge how to make decisions though remember there are times a specific decision cannot be avoided. 

Steps in this decision making may include

·         Gauge the need for different decisions

·         Establish some criteria for the decision, e.g. could drop 4 shots

·         Develop alternatives, e.g. losing 2 shots is better

·         Evaluate alternatives, big risk to try and win shot

·         Select the best option, e.g. right now what is most confident

ii.         Game planning

For bowlers the decision making process begins when you determine that a problem exists with the position at the head.  The view I hold to is that the process starts earlier when a gap exists between what is, and what should be.

iii       Strategies to fulfill season objectives

Given the results of you players, or in my case our squad members, the coach must make a decision in conjunction with players with regards to how to improve each bowlers event performance.  

At this time the coach should have a list of criteria that ought to be met for the bowler to improve their performance. The question is to know what this really involves so as to determine those factors will lead to an improved future performance. 

Now that is a level of committed coaching performance that should be expected from the elite bowlers.  

Anything less might hinder the bowlers prospects to outdo their opponents in the future.

From my experience and reading of other good coaches from sport generally, it appears there are some common criteria that has to be met if a player (bowler) is to improve on performance, which include:

Better competition schedules

Improved physical conditioning to perform over a lengthy tournament

Better mental skill and preparation

Improved mastery of the technical skill of delivery, both bowls and jacks

Enhanced skill of tactical strategy and planning

Finally, if not most importantly, an increase in the bowlers own level of commitment.

I enjoy honing my skills as a coach to elevate the knowledge and skill application so as to be better able to service and support the ‘Elbows’ bowls squad members.  

Coaches I welcome you to join the same mindset.

Lachlan Tighe