IRISH BOWLS FEDERATION Understanding What it takes to Win

Psychological Resilience WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN On the Day Delivery Psychological Resilience 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 !! 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 Playing Surface, Climatic Conditions Ensure Bag is packed night before Warm up Strategy Optimise Sleep routine Maximise downtime Warm Down In zone 30 mins before game Nutrition Re-fuel Concentrate & focus – during game Travel Arrangements Assess Performance after game Arrival Time & Preparation Play Again Yes 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 Re-spot 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 Use of Mat Weight Shots 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 Stance & Delivery Use of Mat Weight Shots Specialist Shots Draw Shot Scoring Zone bowls Yard On Re-spot Runner Blocker Drive Positional Bowl Draw to Ditch Penalty Kick

Although close, unlikely to stay close 2 Feet 2 Feet The Scoring Zone 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. JA 7 Feet Direction of Play To be avoided Although close, unlikely to stay close Optimum Position Useful Position