Coaching

Teamwork and coaching leads to success

By Felix Purcell

MMDBA men made it into division one playoff this year, the last time we did this was twenty years ago in 2001, a wonderful effort by all players. The MDLBA ladies also came through winning the Division 3 flag, a wonderful effort by all the players. Thank you Lois Degaura match chair, team manager and MDLBA President Hillary JonesRowan and to all players that represented Mackay in the 2021 Championships, a big thank you from all in our district. At the end of the day, it’s about the players on the green pulling together as a united group and giving their best efforts as one team for their district and teammates. We are all proud of both squads and their great team spirit. Our improvement as a district has been the result of hard work by all players and support staff. Thank you to our selectors who do a great job, our districts for supporting both squads, also Gary Costigan and the North QLD District and Martin Corr, team manager of MMDBA for arranging a series against each other over two days in Townsville and Mackay each year prior to the District Sides. This has been a huge step and, as we are 400kms apart and after 10 games when teams and positions are finalised, it’s a great hit out for both district sides.

In order to improve as a district overall in the last three years, Bowls Australia Sports Psychologist Mark McMahon and BQ’s Alan Thorp spent two days discussing the mental aspects of bowls with the squads. The MMDBA also put in place the requirement that all district selectors complete the Bowls Australia Selection Module prior to being considered for a district selector. Applicants previous experience must be taken into account, teams are to be selected subjectively plus objective selecting series scored drills over two days and proven current form on green must be taken into account. This helps the players have confidence in the selection processes along with compatibility and teamwork while training. It is a pleasure to be involved with both sides as the coach.

During District Sides, we meet after play each evening, everybody has a say on how we performed that day and what we could do better the next day. I must mention the efforts over many years of Trevor Kelly, who is stepping down this year as a selector, he also represented in the District Sides many times, and was a member of the 2001 Division 1 Squad, well done Tricky.

In closing I would suggest, if possible, regional districts try to organise a trial against their closest district prior to attending District Sides Championships, it has been great training for our district.

Mackay District Ladies - District Sides Division 3 winners

Mackay District Men - First time making it through to Division 1

District Coaches from the Sunshine Coast keeping busy,with tactics and skills and bowling arm demo, at Tewantin Noosa Bowling Club with 18 members in attendance

ECKA’S TIP

Before any training session or competition, thoroughly inspect the green and surrounding area for any hazards or potential dangers. Use this as a preventative measure. Also, encourage your players to get into the habit of checking these areas and advising you of any potential dangers they encounter.