I'm posting this thread just to see how other clubs go on, not as a criticism!
Most bowls clubs I visit when traveling around playing, dont seem to have any stucture regarding bringing players on through the ranks. Forty years ago, you would start as a lead, until you could confidently draw. But with dwindeling numbers in most bowls clubs, it seems out of necessity, skips are picked that have not served any form of apprenticeship learning how to draw. Many of our older members can remember that time, and regret the lack of good quality skips.
Without that knowledge, it brings in another question when a skip stands at the head, instruction? Few of the newer skips can build a head for attack, or defence, or give precise instrution. As part of their remit, they should understand what the bowls of their team members do, regard to swing. A skips job is also to motivate the team, not just stand at the head and moan about his teammates.
Anyway, I'd love some feedback on what your local clubs like, indoor or outdoor? Does your club still bring players on, have a programme for improvement?
Very interesting reading Richard's post today and his views regarding skips and how clubs have changed in how quickly they allow players to skip. Having been a teacher of physical education for over 35 years I will say that there has been a marked change in how sports coaching has changed. The emphasis has become much more "have a go/learn as you play" rather than the traditional apprentiship approach to playing. Whether this is for the better is really dependent on the individual and how much support they get within their particular situation.
In our club we, as most clubs, start players at front end but our coaches quite quickly seem to be able to assess the potential of players to play back end. If that is the case one to one coaching is offered.
Match practice/playing is given in one of the five leagues that we play in; in this we pick an experienced player to play on a rink with a relatively new player to back end. This has generally worked quite well however it is dependent on the experienced players ability to communicate in a positive manner. Not all good bowlers make good coaches.
We are lucky in that our membership is good in terms of numbers and ability. Also our qualified coaches are a real assett to our club.
I found Richards post very interesting and agree totally with his view on the attributes of a “Good” Skip.
Firstly, it must be said that not all bowlers will have the necessary character to become good skips, but even so, those that aspire to playing in that position still need to hone their skills in other positions.
It is essential that they first learn to “Draw” well, and to do this the best position is lead or two. I would suggest a new player would be more comfortable initially at two, as there is far more pressure to draw well at lead.
Once a player becomes a good lead ( drawer of the wood) then often they are happy staying at that position as it is said by many that a good lead often wins the game for you. Our Club have several excellent leads that are more than happy to make that position their own.
Those that want to play back end after learning to draw well must learn the skill of delivering weighted woods as well as positioned protective woods, and playing number three is great for learning these skills under the supervision of an experience Skip. In this position, the tactical and leadership qualities of the Skip can be observed and taken on board. It is essential a Skip is a good communicator that encourages with a positive and friendly attitude.
Richard asks about Club policies for promoting players skills. At our Club, we always try and give those that wish to play back end the opportunity to develop the necessary skills and personality before being selected I that position.
We have a weekly “Club Night” when teams are randomly picked by our Competition secretary and are selected to play in different positions each week. This gives players the opportunity to experience the problems associated with different positions and the chance to play the various shots required. It also helps players playing back end to learn about building / protecting / disturbing a head whilst giving them important experience in passing instructions to fellow players.
Would be interested to hear other views on this.
Roy
Hi Richard,
I agree with your comments regarding Skips. We certainly do not currently have any formal structure in place for bringing players along.
At our Club we have identified this year the need for training at all the positions - Lead, Number 2, Skip etc and have agreed that we will start some training sessions for the next outdoor season. Training both in the theory and practice are both essential. We have found many players do not really know the rules - minimum length of Jacks etc.
Unfortunately we do not have a "Qualified" bowls coach but do have a number of experienced players that should be able to help out. A couple of our members have volunteered to organise these training sessions.
To date we have held weekly "roll up" sessions and have relied on these for new players to get to know more about the game generally, before playing in matches. Very much going straight into the deepend in many cases!. The "roll ups" are not enough on their own and hence the need for training next year.
Ian
Guy's, excellent relpies, seems we all have very different bowls enviroment to play in. It's really encouraging to see clubs do have coaching, ours only has this for beginners, and nothing for intermediate players sadly. I love the idea of a club identifiing leads, seconds, skips that way you don't hurt feelings of those that" think themselves skips" but are not in reality good enough. I think bowls like in any sport, you should be able to progress by coaching right through to a top level.
Hi folks. I agree in principle, with the 'earn your stripes' approach, but see that this approach is destined for failure. Given the drop in numbers of new bowlers, to bolster the number of players that play the front end, coupled with the need to have 'someone' as skip, what is the alternative, other than to put someone relatively new to the game, in as skip? I consider myself relatively new to the game. I've been bowling for 5 years and moved into the position of skip (on a regular basis) about 2.5 years ago. Was I ready for it? No. Was there a choice? Not really. I obviously had some skills over an above some more seasoned players, but it was needed in order to put out a team.
That said, I don't consider myself as a typical newbie. I had my nose in the rule book, and was keen to learn not only the rules, but the etiquette of the game. Now there's a real topic for discussion.
As for skills required:
Tactical thinker
Good Communicator
Raises Morale
I see so many skips that are very poor communicators. Talking with their head down to the head. Or speak softly, making it difficult to follow instructions.