‘Talking Tactically’

with Lachlan Tighe..... 

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

‘Olympian’s menu to success’

(edition 113  - 2004 of thoughts & observations on lawn bowls)

I wrote this in August in the midst of the Olympics and pre the football finals, and the men and women world bowls event, so it has relevance to bowlers wanting to gain insight as to how to go their next step in performance level.

At this time of the sporting year (August) much is written and viewed about elite sport and performance, yet virtually nothing is written about bowls. It is a problem for us to learn from personal elite game observation given we live in various locations around the globe. 

Let me steal from some good stuff read recently and give your five prompts that purport to be a glimpse of the mindset of our Olympians.

1.The process

Thorpie says he concentrates on making each swim his best knowing he has adequately prepared rather than the worry of winning; his reasoning is that he sets his own performance desires not set out to win. Bowlers can have a ‘pb’ in a variety of skills and measures. All it requires is a bit of creative thinking and a set of objectives.

2.Review performance regularly

            Elite athletes with their coaches are always assessing their training and event performances. Bowlers can easily ask themselves the questions – what did I do well, what can I improve upon ?

3. Plans not hype

            It is oft stated that people gain more confidence and focus if plans, and goals, are set out and used as a barometer.  Excitement from Aussie chants of  ‘oi oi oi’ are short lived and no value if things are not happening on the field.

4. Don’t overdo it

            Olympians have to work hard to succeed. Elite bowlers tend to play a lot as an equivalent for their success.  Either way what happens is that the elite performer has to learn to work smarter rather than harder.  Brisbane Lions had to carefully handle and nurse their footballers to a grand final, smart not hard work. Finding a balance in life generally is not a bad objective.

            I gave a talk last night in Melbourne to a premier league club that has state players and was not surprised to hear their contribution on the level of practice and training they experienced so far in their sport.  More training and less playing games as practice is paramount.

5. Learn from Mistakes 

Lachlan Tighe