IRISH BOWLS FEDERATION Understanding What it takes to

IRISH BOWLS FEDERATION Understanding What it takes to Win

WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN On the Day Delivery Psychological Technical Excellence Tactical Excellence Coaching Excellence Physical Resilience If you want to be the best, you have to do the things that other people aren’t willing to do – Michael Phelps

On the Day Delivery Don’t Forget to Hydrate !! Ensure Bag is packed night before Playing Surface, Climatic Conditions Optimise Sleep routine Warm up Strategy Maximise downtime Nutrition Travel Arrangements Re-fuel In zone 30 mins before game You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own high standards, and when you reach your limits, that is real joy. - Arthur Ashe Warm Down Concentrate & focus – during game Assess Performance after game Arrival Time & Preparation Yes Play Again No

Psychological Resilience Elite Players have higher levels of: • Challenge See challenges as opportunities • Commitment Ability to stick at it • Peak under Pressure Enjoy, thrive under pressure • Self Confidence Higher levels of confidence

Psychological Resilience • Pre- Performance Routines Visualise outcomes Repeat key word • Breathing Relaxation Techniques Deep inhales / exhales • Concentration Improvement Develop ‘cue words’ Leave troubles at gate • Mental Rehearsal Visualising skills to improve on and see yourself execute them

Tactical Resilience Prior to Game During Game Changing Tactics Assess Opponents (S & W) Game Management Dictating Speed of Play Assess Conditions Play without fear Use of the Respot Choice of Bowls Timing of Shots Use of the Mat Risk –v- Reward Jack Length A Champion is afraid of losing. Everyone else is afraid of winning – Billie Jean King

Technical Resilience Stance & Delivery Draw Shot Use of Mat Scoring Zone bowls Weight Shots Specialist Shots Yard On Re-spot Runner Blocker Drive Positional Bowl Draw to Ditch Penalty Kick The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses – behind the lines, in the gym, and out on the road, long before I dance under those lights – Muhammad Ali

2 Feet The Scoring Zone JA The following scoring zone shows the optimum position for a Lead to deliver his bowls. It is highly unlikely at a World Class level that bowls Jack High or Short will contribute at the completion of any end. Any bowl past the jack has a much greater possibility of doing so. 7 Feet To be avoided Although close, unlikely to stay close Direction of Play Optimum Position Useful Position