It is easier than you think.
When you invoke the creative powers of visualization, you are using your imagination to make-over yourself, literally.
With the seed of your imagination, you can transform any element of your performance - your skills,your Game Face, even your confidence.
As the saying goes, "Little hinges swing big doors." Of course, creating your best self does not mean manufacturing something fake.
It means finding your authentic athletic self and allowing it to be expressed.
A classic example is how you handle your biggest competitors.
A lot of aspiring athletes think they need to trash talk and get into the heads of their competitors to win.
But this rarely brings out their best self. Instead I like the technique used by U.S.
Olympic figure skating champion Scott Hamilton (recently seen on TV show The Apprentice).
In figure skating it's common for skaters to get aggressive during practices.
They'll get into their competitors' way on the ice or even jump right next to them.
Scott didn't do those things. He knew they wouldn't bring out his best, most authentic self.
Instead he used a subtler approach. He never wanted any competitor to see him miss a
jump. If he was warming up or doing a run-through, it had to be perfect.
This put terrible pressure on his opponents, making them think they HAD to skate perfectly
all the time or lose to Scott.
At the same time, it forced Scott to BRING IT whenever he was in a competing environment.
You've probably already guessed that visualization is the best way to find your genuine athletic self. In Scott's case, he found the flawlees self he wanted to project and made it his mission to do it.
By harnessing the power of visualization, you can do the same. It doesn't matter if you're young or old, or what level you're competing at.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Carpe Diem Classics
Motivational Music Mix
The Bottom Line When life gets the better of you, you cannot give up. I suggest you do what I do -- listen to kickass music.
Have you ever been punched in the face with life's clenched fist? Have you ever doubted yourself? Have you ever had others view you as inconsequential?
Of course you have. After all, you are a member of the human race. You wouldn't ever be able to attain genuine happiness unless you have overcome obstacles or tragedies of some sort. Some people say "that which doesn't kill you only makes you wish that it had." I say "poppycock."
If you persevere in the face of adversity, then you become stronger, pure and simple. It has been my experience that adversity looms around every corner. Hell, sometimes it chases you like a shadow.
What do you do when this happens? You keep going. What if you find it harder and harder to do so? You still keep going. What if you have trouble finding motivation? Then, you listen to these songs (or perhaps others that tickle your particular fancy) and you find inspiration.
Track One: I'm Winning by Santana
You cannot win in life until you have lost first. Everybody loses at some point. The trick is to use defeats or failures to your advantage. Learn from them. This song embodies a spirit that victory is always within grasp, and I find it nearly impossible not to be emotionally stirred by it.
Sample Lyrics
I had a dream but it turned to dust,
What I thought was love that must have been lust,
I was living in style when the walls fell in,
When I played my hand I looked like a joker,
Turn around, Fate must have woke her
'Cause Lady Luck she was waiting outside the door.
I'm winning, I'm winning,
I'm winning and I don't intend on losing again.
Track Two: All-Star by Smashmouth
This undeniably catchy song has been featured in many films as a sort of anthem for losers (i.e. Mystery Men, Shrek) and that's no accident. The song has a positive confidence-affirming aspect to it that suggests that everybody is an all-star of some sort.
Sample Lyrics
So much to do, so much to see,
So what's wrong with taking the back streets?
You'll never know if you don't go,
You'll never shine if you don't glow.
Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play,
Hey now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid.
And all that glitters is gold.
Only shooting stars break the mold.
Track Three: End of the Line by Traveling Wilburys
What do you get when you combine Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, George Harrison and Tom Petty? A great rock band capable of pop-flavored gems that make you feel good. I love this song because it lets you know things are all right, even when it seems that they are not.
Sample Lyrics
Well, it's all right, even if they say you're wrong,
Well, it's all right, sometimes you gotta be strong.
Well, it's all right, as long as you got somewhere to lay,
Well, it's all right, every day is just one day.
Track Four: Touch of Grey by The Grateful Dead
Along the same lines as track three, this song harbors the theme that even the good things in life are accompanied by bad things...but that's OK because "I will get by. I will survive." This is a great message that should be recalled from time to time, which is easy to do considering that this song is an unforgettable head-bopping, toe-tapping groove.
Sample Lyrics
I see you got your fist out,
Say your peace and get out.
I guess I get the gist of it, but it's all right.
Sorry that you feel that way,
The only thing there is to say
Is every silver lining's got a touch of grey.
I will get by. I will get by. I will get by.
I will survive.
Track Five: Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da by The Beatles
This is probably the ultimate feel-good song in rock-n-roll, and I know several people who dislike The Beatles, yet somehow love this song. Why? Because it is impossible not to smile when you sing along. Yes, it is easy to believe life goes on as you hum the chorus over and over.
Sample Lyrics
Ob-la-di ob-la-da, life goes on,
Bra-la-la, how the life goes on.
Ob-la-di ob-la-da, life goes on,
Bra-la-la, how the life goes on.
Track Six: I Won't Back Down by Tom Petty
Maybe it's just me, but I find it cool that somebody like Tom Petty, who doesn't have a good singing voice, can inspire so many with his songs. The funny thing is, Tom Petty isn't a deep lyricist. He projects simple messages with simple words...and it works perfectly. This spirit of this song is very inspiring, and sometimes, that is all you need, even when you feel like the whole world is against you.
Sample Lyrics
Well, I won't back down,
No I won't back down,
You can stand me up at the gates of Hell
But I won't back down.
Gonna stand my ground,
Won't be turned around,
And I'll keep this world from dragging me down.
Track Seven: We Are The Champions by Queen
This is an obvious choice, certainly, but I cannot imagine making an inspirational mix tape without this inclusion. This is the quintessential fight-back-against-all-odds song that has inspired sports teams all over the country. This song has always made me feel as though I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
Sample Lyrics
I've paid my dues time after time,
I've done my sentence, but committed no crime,
And bad mistakes -- I've made a few,
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face
But I've come through.
We are the champions, my friend,
And we'll keep on fighting to the end.
Track Eight: Jump by Van Halen
I suppose if you are feeling like a failure, then the last thing you should listen to is somebody screaming "jump." However, this song is as anti-suicidal as they come. Like the tracks from Tom Petty and Queen, this song inhabits the "never give up, never surrender" attitude that we all have needed at one time or another.
Sample Lyrics
I get up
And nothing gets me down,
You got it tough,
I've seen the toughest around.
And I know, baby, just how you feel,
You've got to roll with the punches
To get to what's real.
Track Nine: Fly By Night by Rush
Ah, there is nothing like a little power rock from Rush to brighten up your mood. There are so many great Rush songs that have motivated me over the years, but I think this song works the best because of one line: "My life begins today." I like the idea that life is always beginning for each of us because we are constantly changing. When things are at their worst, then you need only to remember that time heals all wounds. Sure, it also wounds all heals, but it will also heal those formerly-healed wounds once again.
Sample Lyrics
Start a new chapter, I find what I'm after
Is changing every day.
The change of a season's enough of a reason
To want to get away.
Quiet and pensive, my thoughts apprehensive,
The hours drift away.
Leaving my homeland, playing a lone hand
My life begins today.
Track Ten: Last Chance by Shooting Star
I saved my favorite song for last. Of course, it is also the most obscure tune in the list. Shooting Star rocked airwaves in the 1980s with this electrically-charged song, full of rip-roaring guitar, piano and drum solos, and also ripe with a great philosophy: You need to seize the day before it is too late. After all, today may be your last chance to live. The best line in the song underlines the notion that we cannot afford to feel sorry for ourselves: "The enemy is in your heart, self-respect robbed by self-pity." Amen.
Sample Lyrics
Stand up on your feet
'Cause your life is as short as Hell.
You could be dead tomorrow...
Today may be your last chance to believe in yourself,
Your last chance to yell,
Your last chance to be good to yourself,
Your last chance to drink from life's well.
Secret Track: Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
OK. Since this is my mix tape, I am throwing in a secret eleventh track. If you need to find the will to survive and keep going, then who better to listen to than a group that called itself "Survivor"? I was very young and impressionable when this theme song for Rocky III hit theaters, and this song burned itself into my memory. I still get chills when I hear it, believing that I, too, can defeat Clubber Lang (a.k.a. Mr. T.).
Sample Lyrics
Rising up back on the street,
Did my time, took my chances.
Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet,
Just a man and his will to survive.
So many times it happens too fast,
You trade your passion for glory.
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past,
You must fight just to keep them alive.
End Thoughts
Now, I realize that good music doesn't solve problems, but it can help you get in the right frame of mind that is necessary to face them. We all get frustrated and end up off course at some point. When that happens, we have music (specifically, some of the songs that I listed here) to remind us that everybody struggles.
Certain songs remind us that we are never alone and that is sometimes enough to give us strength to keep going until the next day...which keeps us going to the next day...and the next...and the next.
The Bottom Line When life gets the better of you, you cannot give up. I suggest you do what I do -- listen to kickass music.
Have you ever been punched in the face with life's clenched fist? Have you ever doubted yourself? Have you ever had others view you as inconsequential?
Of course you have. After all, you are a member of the human race. You wouldn't ever be able to attain genuine happiness unless you have overcome obstacles or tragedies of some sort. Some people say "that which doesn't kill you only makes you wish that it had." I say "poppycock."
If you persevere in the face of adversity, then you become stronger, pure and simple. It has been my experience that adversity looms around every corner. Hell, sometimes it chases you like a shadow.
What do you do when this happens? You keep going. What if you find it harder and harder to do so? You still keep going. What if you have trouble finding motivation? Then, you listen to these songs (or perhaps others that tickle your particular fancy) and you find inspiration.
Track One: I'm Winning by Santana
You cannot win in life until you have lost first. Everybody loses at some point. The trick is to use defeats or failures to your advantage. Learn from them. This song embodies a spirit that victory is always within grasp, and I find it nearly impossible not to be emotionally stirred by it.
Sample Lyrics
I had a dream but it turned to dust,
What I thought was love that must have been lust,
I was living in style when the walls fell in,
When I played my hand I looked like a joker,
Turn around, Fate must have woke her
'Cause Lady Luck she was waiting outside the door.
I'm winning, I'm winning,
I'm winning and I don't intend on losing again.
Track Two: All-Star by Smashmouth
This undeniably catchy song has been featured in many films as a sort of anthem for losers (i.e. Mystery Men, Shrek) and that's no accident. The song has a positive confidence-affirming aspect to it that suggests that everybody is an all-star of some sort.
Sample Lyrics
So much to do, so much to see,
So what's wrong with taking the back streets?
You'll never know if you don't go,
You'll never shine if you don't glow.
Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play,
Hey now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid.
And all that glitters is gold.
Only shooting stars break the mold.
Track Three: End of the Line by Traveling Wilburys
What do you get when you combine Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne, George Harrison and Tom Petty? A great rock band capable of pop-flavored gems that make you feel good. I love this song because it lets you know things are all right, even when it seems that they are not.
Sample Lyrics
Well, it's all right, even if they say you're wrong,
Well, it's all right, sometimes you gotta be strong.
Well, it's all right, as long as you got somewhere to lay,
Well, it's all right, every day is just one day.
Track Four: Touch of Grey by The Grateful Dead
Along the same lines as track three, this song harbors the theme that even the good things in life are accompanied by bad things...but that's OK because "I will get by. I will survive." This is a great message that should be recalled from time to time, which is easy to do considering that this song is an unforgettable head-bopping, toe-tapping groove.
Sample Lyrics
I see you got your fist out,
Say your peace and get out.
I guess I get the gist of it, but it's all right.
Sorry that you feel that way,
The only thing there is to say
Is every silver lining's got a touch of grey.
I will get by. I will get by. I will get by.
I will survive.
Track Five: Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da by The Beatles
This is probably the ultimate feel-good song in rock-n-roll, and I know several people who dislike The Beatles, yet somehow love this song. Why? Because it is impossible not to smile when you sing along. Yes, it is easy to believe life goes on as you hum the chorus over and over.
Sample Lyrics
Ob-la-di ob-la-da, life goes on,
Bra-la-la, how the life goes on.
Ob-la-di ob-la-da, life goes on,
Bra-la-la, how the life goes on.
Track Six: I Won't Back Down by Tom Petty
Maybe it's just me, but I find it cool that somebody like Tom Petty, who doesn't have a good singing voice, can inspire so many with his songs. The funny thing is, Tom Petty isn't a deep lyricist. He projects simple messages with simple words...and it works perfectly. This spirit of this song is very inspiring, and sometimes, that is all you need, even when you feel like the whole world is against you.
Sample Lyrics
Well, I won't back down,
No I won't back down,
You can stand me up at the gates of Hell
But I won't back down.
Gonna stand my ground,
Won't be turned around,
And I'll keep this world from dragging me down.
Track Seven: We Are The Champions by Queen
This is an obvious choice, certainly, but I cannot imagine making an inspirational mix tape without this inclusion. This is the quintessential fight-back-against-all-odds song that has inspired sports teams all over the country. This song has always made me feel as though I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
Sample Lyrics
I've paid my dues time after time,
I've done my sentence, but committed no crime,
And bad mistakes -- I've made a few,
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face
But I've come through.
We are the champions, my friend,
And we'll keep on fighting to the end.
Track Eight: Jump by Van Halen
I suppose if you are feeling like a failure, then the last thing you should listen to is somebody screaming "jump." However, this song is as anti-suicidal as they come. Like the tracks from Tom Petty and Queen, this song inhabits the "never give up, never surrender" attitude that we all have needed at one time or another.
Sample Lyrics
I get up
And nothing gets me down,
You got it tough,
I've seen the toughest around.
And I know, baby, just how you feel,
You've got to roll with the punches
To get to what's real.
Track Nine: Fly By Night by Rush
Ah, there is nothing like a little power rock from Rush to brighten up your mood. There are so many great Rush songs that have motivated me over the years, but I think this song works the best because of one line: "My life begins today." I like the idea that life is always beginning for each of us because we are constantly changing. When things are at their worst, then you need only to remember that time heals all wounds. Sure, it also wounds all heals, but it will also heal those formerly-healed wounds once again.
Sample Lyrics
Start a new chapter, I find what I'm after
Is changing every day.
The change of a season's enough of a reason
To want to get away.
Quiet and pensive, my thoughts apprehensive,
The hours drift away.
Leaving my homeland, playing a lone hand
My life begins today.
Track Ten: Last Chance by Shooting Star
I saved my favorite song for last. Of course, it is also the most obscure tune in the list. Shooting Star rocked airwaves in the 1980s with this electrically-charged song, full of rip-roaring guitar, piano and drum solos, and also ripe with a great philosophy: You need to seize the day before it is too late. After all, today may be your last chance to live. The best line in the song underlines the notion that we cannot afford to feel sorry for ourselves: "The enemy is in your heart, self-respect robbed by self-pity." Amen.
Sample Lyrics
Stand up on your feet
'Cause your life is as short as Hell.
You could be dead tomorrow...
Today may be your last chance to believe in yourself,
Your last chance to yell,
Your last chance to be good to yourself,
Your last chance to drink from life's well.
Secret Track: Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
OK. Since this is my mix tape, I am throwing in a secret eleventh track. If you need to find the will to survive and keep going, then who better to listen to than a group that called itself "Survivor"? I was very young and impressionable when this theme song for Rocky III hit theaters, and this song burned itself into my memory. I still get chills when I hear it, believing that I, too, can defeat Clubber Lang (a.k.a. Mr. T.).
Sample Lyrics
Rising up back on the street,
Did my time, took my chances.
Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet,
Just a man and his will to survive.
So many times it happens too fast,
You trade your passion for glory.
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past,
You must fight just to keep them alive.
End Thoughts
Now, I realize that good music doesn't solve problems, but it can help you get in the right frame of mind that is necessary to face them. We all get frustrated and end up off course at some point. When that happens, we have music (specifically, some of the songs that I listed here) to remind us that everybody struggles.
Certain songs remind us that we are never alone and that is sometimes enough to give us strength to keep going until the next day...which keeps us going to the next day...and the next...and the next.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Many athletes fail because they are big babies
Before you accuse me of being harsh, let me explain.
Most athletes have a program in their minds about what's supposed to happen
in a competition -- and when things don't go their way, they get very
upset.
They are so busy feeling sorry for themselves, they lose their concentration.
I learned this from a surprising source: a very rich professional gambler.
I'm talking about the kind of guy who needs mental toughness because he lives in Clairemont and routinely bets R60,000 a hand in blackjack.
The Gambler says:
"I am often surprised at how easily people get upset. They get upset if they don't hit the jackpot.
When they hit a secondary jackpot, they get upset that they didn't hit the top jackpot. And when they hit the top jackpot, unless it's something in the millions, they get upset about why they didn't hit it sooner."
According to The Gambler, successful gamblers make their money by out-waiting the casino. If they lose a spin in roulette, they double their bet.
If they lose a second time, they increase their bet. If they lose a third time, they bet even more.
They know that statistically, it's impossible to lose every spin. Eventually, their numbers are going to hit.
So they wait...and beat the odds.
Gamblers who posses this level of patience are the best of the best.*
Patience Leads To Concentration Champions are a lot like great gamblers.
They use the mental toughness weapon of PATIENCE. They use it to create
superior concentration, even when the competition is falling apart around them.
They don't expect to win every point or smoke their opponent by a mile. They don't pity themselves when they make a mistake...they don't worry about not getting to a shot....and they don't constantly obsess over fluctuations in their game.
Most athletes have a program in their minds about what's supposed to happen
in a competition -- and when things don't go their way, they get very
upset.
They are so busy feeling sorry for themselves, they lose their concentration.
I learned this from a surprising source: a very rich professional gambler.
I'm talking about the kind of guy who needs mental toughness because he lives in Clairemont and routinely bets R60,000 a hand in blackjack.
The Gambler says:
"I am often surprised at how easily people get upset. They get upset if they don't hit the jackpot.
When they hit a secondary jackpot, they get upset that they didn't hit the top jackpot. And when they hit the top jackpot, unless it's something in the millions, they get upset about why they didn't hit it sooner."
According to The Gambler, successful gamblers make their money by out-waiting the casino. If they lose a spin in roulette, they double their bet.
If they lose a second time, they increase their bet. If they lose a third time, they bet even more.
They know that statistically, it's impossible to lose every spin. Eventually, their numbers are going to hit.
So they wait...and beat the odds.
Gamblers who posses this level of patience are the best of the best.*
Patience Leads To Concentration Champions are a lot like great gamblers.
They use the mental toughness weapon of PATIENCE. They use it to create
superior concentration, even when the competition is falling apart around them.
They don't expect to win every point or smoke their opponent by a mile. They don't pity themselves when they make a mistake...they don't worry about not getting to a shot....and they don't constantly obsess over fluctuations in their game.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Planning to win
Plan to win, but think differently
Someone once said, “If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got.” Now as we sit in the off-season and put our feet up and watch the delights of what the summer has to offer, there is no doubt that we are casting our minds to next year, and to how we are going to have that elusive success with our sides. Having observed the advent of true professionalism it’s clear that many people think that the more you practice, the more likely you are to succeed.
True this may be, but practice time alone will not guarantee success. Success will be as a result of the whole process you put in place for your team/school/club’s success. Having recently read Jim Collin’s Good to Great, after having heard Paul Treu cite this book as his inspiration for the turnaround in the 7s side’s fortunes, I thought I would put down what I learnt from this in terms of how to run your team or your club/school system.
The first key concept here is getting the right people on the bus, and in the right positions. Which is more important is debateable, but my suggestion is that if you’ve got the right people involved in your team, management staff or all-round structure, getting them in the right positions becomes easier. This means analyzing where weaknesses lie, and getting the best people involved to counteract those. It also means being stringent in who you select and being clear in exactly what you are looking for in people. It also means, getting the best people involved that can work together. It’s no use putting, Jake White, Peter De Villiers and Nick Mallet in the same coaching team, and then getting the bulls pack with the sharks backline and saying that this team will be invincible. The combinations must be correct in terms of how they work together and dove-tail off each other.
The second key concept and one that takes some time to work out for you as a team or organization, is the Hedgehog concept. This is the overall concept by which you run your structure. The difficulty comes in finding out exactly what the best hedgehog concept is for you, and then having the discipline to stick to it, bearing in mind the people you have got on ‘your bus’. I won’t go into the details of why it’s called the hedgehog concept, but it has to do with the fact that hedgehogs use one particular method of survival in defending themselves against foxes(curling up into a little ball), that works 100 % of the time, and that they stick rigidly to this method whilst foxes try lots of different methods of eating them, all unsuccessfully . But this is a long story! Essentially, you need to find out three things ad ensure a balance between them to begin to see true success.
1. Identify what you are passionate about- This looks at taking your team and finding out exactly what it is that you are all passionate about. Your team may love to physically bully people, they pride themselves on it, and they are passionate about it. If this is so, then this must be used to your advantage. Once you have found what you are ALL passionate about, then write that down and find ways to use it. Working on areas that you are not passionate about is a drain on all resources and is more than likely going to produce sub-standard results, as the motivation and energy levels will be low.
2. Identify what you can be ‘the best in the world at’.
This essentially means what can you be the best at in comparison to all your opposition. Often a coach or director of rugby has a passion for a certain area, or has key knowledge of an area that leads to emphasis being placed on this area. This doesn’t always have to be a problem, but is that area necessarily the one that you can be the best in the world at? Is this the area that you truly can outdo the rest in according to the facts? Even if this requires a major shift in culture, style, or personnel, there is no use persevering with an emphasis on something you cannot excel at. No one wants to be second best, so find yourself an area, however small, that you can be the best at, and revolve your approach around that, and figure out ways to translate that into wins. It could be anything from skillfulness, to physicality, to having the best practice facilities. The skill comes in identifying this area and then working with it to produce the desired results.
3. Identify your measure of success
Yes, I know we all want wins, and generally that is how we measure success. But sometimes a 100 % win record is unrealistic, so my question to you is, what are you measuring? Are you measuring something that you can achieve that will eventually lead to an enhanced win ratio, or are you just measuring wins? If you as a school, measured yourself purely on set-piece success, because that is what you were really passionate about, and thought you could be the absolute best at, would this not lead to victories in the end? The debate can go on, but the essence is, find out what the best measure of success is, and work towards excellence in that area.
The balance needs to be found between these concepts and you cannot place emphasis on one and ignore the others and then expect success. In my endeavour to be succinct, I have aimed not to over-elaborate on the concepts but I urge you to give this book a read, as I believe there is a lot to be learnt from this in the world of sport. I would also be very happy to discuss my thoughts further should you wish to e-mail me.
All the best with the planning, and start today to get your hedgehog concept in place, by asking around and using all your resources to find out EXACTLY what it is that you are passionate about, what you can best at, and how you plan to measure success.
Someone once said, “If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got.” Now as we sit in the off-season and put our feet up and watch the delights of what the summer has to offer, there is no doubt that we are casting our minds to next year, and to how we are going to have that elusive success with our sides. Having observed the advent of true professionalism it’s clear that many people think that the more you practice, the more likely you are to succeed.
True this may be, but practice time alone will not guarantee success. Success will be as a result of the whole process you put in place for your team/school/club’s success. Having recently read Jim Collin’s Good to Great, after having heard Paul Treu cite this book as his inspiration for the turnaround in the 7s side’s fortunes, I thought I would put down what I learnt from this in terms of how to run your team or your club/school system.
The first key concept here is getting the right people on the bus, and in the right positions. Which is more important is debateable, but my suggestion is that if you’ve got the right people involved in your team, management staff or all-round structure, getting them in the right positions becomes easier. This means analyzing where weaknesses lie, and getting the best people involved to counteract those. It also means being stringent in who you select and being clear in exactly what you are looking for in people. It also means, getting the best people involved that can work together. It’s no use putting, Jake White, Peter De Villiers and Nick Mallet in the same coaching team, and then getting the bulls pack with the sharks backline and saying that this team will be invincible. The combinations must be correct in terms of how they work together and dove-tail off each other.
The second key concept and one that takes some time to work out for you as a team or organization, is the Hedgehog concept. This is the overall concept by which you run your structure. The difficulty comes in finding out exactly what the best hedgehog concept is for you, and then having the discipline to stick to it, bearing in mind the people you have got on ‘your bus’. I won’t go into the details of why it’s called the hedgehog concept, but it has to do with the fact that hedgehogs use one particular method of survival in defending themselves against foxes(curling up into a little ball), that works 100 % of the time, and that they stick rigidly to this method whilst foxes try lots of different methods of eating them, all unsuccessfully . But this is a long story! Essentially, you need to find out three things ad ensure a balance between them to begin to see true success.
1. Identify what you are passionate about- This looks at taking your team and finding out exactly what it is that you are all passionate about. Your team may love to physically bully people, they pride themselves on it, and they are passionate about it. If this is so, then this must be used to your advantage. Once you have found what you are ALL passionate about, then write that down and find ways to use it. Working on areas that you are not passionate about is a drain on all resources and is more than likely going to produce sub-standard results, as the motivation and energy levels will be low.
2. Identify what you can be ‘the best in the world at’.
This essentially means what can you be the best at in comparison to all your opposition. Often a coach or director of rugby has a passion for a certain area, or has key knowledge of an area that leads to emphasis being placed on this area. This doesn’t always have to be a problem, but is that area necessarily the one that you can be the best in the world at? Is this the area that you truly can outdo the rest in according to the facts? Even if this requires a major shift in culture, style, or personnel, there is no use persevering with an emphasis on something you cannot excel at. No one wants to be second best, so find yourself an area, however small, that you can be the best at, and revolve your approach around that, and figure out ways to translate that into wins. It could be anything from skillfulness, to physicality, to having the best practice facilities. The skill comes in identifying this area and then working with it to produce the desired results.
3. Identify your measure of success
Yes, I know we all want wins, and generally that is how we measure success. But sometimes a 100 % win record is unrealistic, so my question to you is, what are you measuring? Are you measuring something that you can achieve that will eventually lead to an enhanced win ratio, or are you just measuring wins? If you as a school, measured yourself purely on set-piece success, because that is what you were really passionate about, and thought you could be the absolute best at, would this not lead to victories in the end? The debate can go on, but the essence is, find out what the best measure of success is, and work towards excellence in that area.
The balance needs to be found between these concepts and you cannot place emphasis on one and ignore the others and then expect success. In my endeavour to be succinct, I have aimed not to over-elaborate on the concepts but I urge you to give this book a read, as I believe there is a lot to be learnt from this in the world of sport. I would also be very happy to discuss my thoughts further should you wish to e-mail me.
All the best with the planning, and start today to get your hedgehog concept in place, by asking around and using all your resources to find out EXACTLY what it is that you are passionate about, what you can best at, and how you plan to measure success.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Final 2009 rugby outing!
With the 2009 season behind and the excitement of the planning for 2010 just around the corner to look forward to, we take our last look at the season just past in the final section of The Huddle 2009.
Personally this last section of the season is my favourite. While it’s easy to pick best player, best try etc… these sections give a real insight to the important people in any school, and what they go through in a season.
“As it is a review of the year, I would like to reflect for a moment on those we have lost. For Prof Heyns and his wit and wealth of knowledge. He was a man that could prove that sport and following rugby were exclusively the’ means to life’ and we have missed his tremendous insight into this year’s rugby.”
We are fortunate to have top coaches designated to the Under 14 squad on a weekly basis. This makes a massive difference to the start of the playing career of a young player. Three times a week and on Saturdays up early at 8:45 am up on the Lower Desert an enthusiastic team of coaches had the unenviable task of channelling the excitement of up to 80 13 year old boys. Fortunately for this team of coaches their leader is Mr Energy himself Grant Paarman and thousands of first form boys have tried and failed to flatten his battery. I must pass on my thanks to Mr Dave Bonelli, Mr Tim Raw-bone, Mr James Wallace, Mr Brad Flynn and Mr Tim Dimick for the great effort and service they have provided us. During the week the under 14 A and B’s were under the watchful eye of Dave and Bones and made great progress to retain the school top team record by winning 85% of their matches.
BEST BOSCHIE RUGBY MOMENT OF THE SEASON:
With any season there are moments that stick in the mind, the kind of memories that are sparked off like when the sizzle of your boerewors when it hits a red hot grill.
The moments that you will wistfully look back upon as ‘good times’ as you slowly turn your meat, those moments that block out all the negativity that accompanied that season!
Beating Bishops at Bishops!!!!
Personally this last section of the season is my favourite. While it’s easy to pick best player, best try etc… these sections give a real insight to the important people in any school, and what they go through in a season.
“As it is a review of the year, I would like to reflect for a moment on those we have lost. For Prof Heyns and his wit and wealth of knowledge. He was a man that could prove that sport and following rugby were exclusively the’ means to life’ and we have missed his tremendous insight into this year’s rugby.”
We are fortunate to have top coaches designated to the Under 14 squad on a weekly basis. This makes a massive difference to the start of the playing career of a young player. Three times a week and on Saturdays up early at 8:45 am up on the Lower Desert an enthusiastic team of coaches had the unenviable task of channelling the excitement of up to 80 13 year old boys. Fortunately for this team of coaches their leader is Mr Energy himself Grant Paarman and thousands of first form boys have tried and failed to flatten his battery. I must pass on my thanks to Mr Dave Bonelli, Mr Tim Raw-bone, Mr James Wallace, Mr Brad Flynn and Mr Tim Dimick for the great effort and service they have provided us. During the week the under 14 A and B’s were under the watchful eye of Dave and Bones and made great progress to retain the school top team record by winning 85% of their matches.
BEST BOSCHIE RUGBY MOMENT OF THE SEASON:
With any season there are moments that stick in the mind, the kind of memories that are sparked off like when the sizzle of your boerewors when it hits a red hot grill.
The moments that you will wistfully look back upon as ‘good times’ as you slowly turn your meat, those moments that block out all the negativity that accompanied that season!
Beating Bishops at Bishops!!!!
Rugby Dinner 2009
We often hear the rugby field referred to as a battlefield, a place not for the faint hearted or weak willed.
There is no doubt that Rugby is a very physically demanding sport, and the higher the level played, the higher the emphasis is placed on the physical aspects of preparation and mental toughness. A prime example being, Tarryn (our physio ) being asked to get Chris Keet patched-up and back on the field after suffering a nasty facial gash against Bishops.
As coach for 2009, I gave a lot of thought to the chemistry, training, needs and goals that would be needed into making this group a successful composition of individuals who would ultimately proudly bear the responsibilities of wearing the blue and gold jersey each week, preserving the pride of those that have played before and the many different traditions and levels of history that exist across the Bosch rugby environment.
For many years, individual skill was seen as a key component of being selected in successful Rondebosch sides – this year was no different. The personal attributes of paceman like Hendri Van Niekerk and Justin Filies, deception and strength on the ground unlike Jamie Croeser, the solid tackling defence of Daniel Gluckman and successfully being able to play various positions well and with an accomplished skill factor was Chris Keet, all willingly showed their talent each week.
More and more as our season evolved, other considerations had to be taken into account when selecting a side, from the King Edward VII Festival against Westville Boys’ High school, the hosts KES and Pretoria Boys’ to The Cape Schools Week and Grey College, Sebourne and Muir. The issue of physical presence being my number one consideration, the need to dominate our opposition, especially those teams from Boland. Luckily for us one player none more intimidating than SA Schools and Craven Week hooker Gary Topkin was found and secondly the skilful bulldog ability and the team needed the coolness of head to make correct decisions under pressure, this became our vice-captain Steven Wallace’s weekly role.
The success of this year’s team is that it had one requirement that is necessary for any team, the necessity of players to have a “warrior” like attitude. Captain Chad Matthews I believe demonstrated this attribute in each game. Playing as warriors is what often made them more deadly than their opponents, The St Stithians and Bishops games spring to mind.
A number of our opposition could well have had on paper a more skilled team of individuals in their respective positions, but they lacked the “warrior attitude” in their hearts to compete and got run over by recognisable strength this year, our scrum. To have uncontested scrums in more than two matches proved our domination in this area. One such game being against the hardened Paarl Gim community.
Our side contained individuals like Joel Carew, Jonty Milne and Benjamin Shaw, who were prepared to put their bodies on the line for each other and the team for eighty minutes, to play above any individual performance goals and make correct decisions under pressure. Enough warriors could be found this year who were prepared to put in the hard physical, tactical and mental work, Darryn Berry and Matthew Foster certainly showed the way.
Having prepared for the tough fixture list from October last year the team sacrificed their school holidays, public holidays and any free time for training.
The 2009 season could possibly be summed up as ‘How many games are won and lost in the last 5 minutes?’ The team’s true character generally came through at this point, thanks to fitness coach Kyle Dodds. It was a pity not to play SACS a second time round, as the first game proud to be one of our highest scoring matches. The rain god’s certainly played their part this season and nearly all our matches were played in the rain, our match against Paul Roos being called off due to flooded fields.
Many ‘Thanks’ go to Gustaf, our manager, video analyst and statistician, who would suggest that many of our games were won by our digging in and fighting for every inch of the territory, taking the battle up front with Louw Naude and Rayn Smit physically contesting each ruck, and in the later stages of a game when physical and mental endurance were being tested at a higher level the ever ready substitutes of Grant Greeff, Edward Gregory and Andrew Moir would lend a hand. And in our time of real need Nic Simpson would simply be called on and immediately display a “warrior attitude” and ultimately score a try or two.
Of course, every rugby team also needs a higher intelligence and Simon Bergman our resident scientist filled this role, as well as sheer determination and brawn by Michael Aristidou, and of the chosen warriors are also intelligent long range kickers, play makers like Scott van Breda, who built our recipe for success through the boot.
We cannot forget about individual skill in our side – surely Cameron Wright ranks amongst the best. All players in modern rugby must be able to pass, run evasively, take the ball into contact correctly, tackle safely, kick with precision and communicate effectively as well as playing their respective individual and unit positional requirements. I believe this year we had some of the finest.
At the end when the fat lady sings, you will find yourself with a good spread of warriors on your side , know that you have played with some of the best skilled players Rondebosch has ever seen.
Who knows – next year you may just end up with the right chemistry mix and you might have an enjoyable and successful season playing for your province, club, university or country. Wherever you find yourself next year and the years to come, keep the “Pride, the Passion and the Perfection” in all you do!
We have two awards this year, the “Golden Boot” and the” Players Player of the year”.
It gives me great pleasure congratulate Scott van Breda on receiving the “Golden Boot” award for 2009.
The “Players Player of the year”, voted by the players for the player who in their mind deserves to be known as the player of the year. A person they would gladly go to the end of the world for. The “Players Player of the year “ for 2009 is Chris Keet.
Altius et Latius
There is no doubt that Rugby is a very physically demanding sport, and the higher the level played, the higher the emphasis is placed on the physical aspects of preparation and mental toughness. A prime example being, Tarryn (our physio ) being asked to get Chris Keet patched-up and back on the field after suffering a nasty facial gash against Bishops.
As coach for 2009, I gave a lot of thought to the chemistry, training, needs and goals that would be needed into making this group a successful composition of individuals who would ultimately proudly bear the responsibilities of wearing the blue and gold jersey each week, preserving the pride of those that have played before and the many different traditions and levels of history that exist across the Bosch rugby environment.
For many years, individual skill was seen as a key component of being selected in successful Rondebosch sides – this year was no different. The personal attributes of paceman like Hendri Van Niekerk and Justin Filies, deception and strength on the ground unlike Jamie Croeser, the solid tackling defence of Daniel Gluckman and successfully being able to play various positions well and with an accomplished skill factor was Chris Keet, all willingly showed their talent each week.
More and more as our season evolved, other considerations had to be taken into account when selecting a side, from the King Edward VII Festival against Westville Boys’ High school, the hosts KES and Pretoria Boys’ to The Cape Schools Week and Grey College, Sebourne and Muir. The issue of physical presence being my number one consideration, the need to dominate our opposition, especially those teams from Boland. Luckily for us one player none more intimidating than SA Schools and Craven Week hooker Gary Topkin was found and secondly the skilful bulldog ability and the team needed the coolness of head to make correct decisions under pressure, this became our vice-captain Steven Wallace’s weekly role.
The success of this year’s team is that it had one requirement that is necessary for any team, the necessity of players to have a “warrior” like attitude. Captain Chad Matthews I believe demonstrated this attribute in each game. Playing as warriors is what often made them more deadly than their opponents, The St Stithians and Bishops games spring to mind.
A number of our opposition could well have had on paper a more skilled team of individuals in their respective positions, but they lacked the “warrior attitude” in their hearts to compete and got run over by recognisable strength this year, our scrum. To have uncontested scrums in more than two matches proved our domination in this area. One such game being against the hardened Paarl Gim community.
Our side contained individuals like Joel Carew, Jonty Milne and Benjamin Shaw, who were prepared to put their bodies on the line for each other and the team for eighty minutes, to play above any individual performance goals and make correct decisions under pressure. Enough warriors could be found this year who were prepared to put in the hard physical, tactical and mental work, Darryn Berry and Matthew Foster certainly showed the way.
Having prepared for the tough fixture list from October last year the team sacrificed their school holidays, public holidays and any free time for training.
The 2009 season could possibly be summed up as ‘How many games are won and lost in the last 5 minutes?’ The team’s true character generally came through at this point, thanks to fitness coach Kyle Dodds. It was a pity not to play SACS a second time round, as the first game proud to be one of our highest scoring matches. The rain god’s certainly played their part this season and nearly all our matches were played in the rain, our match against Paul Roos being called off due to flooded fields.
Many ‘Thanks’ go to Gustaf, our manager, video analyst and statistician, who would suggest that many of our games were won by our digging in and fighting for every inch of the territory, taking the battle up front with Louw Naude and Rayn Smit physically contesting each ruck, and in the later stages of a game when physical and mental endurance were being tested at a higher level the ever ready substitutes of Grant Greeff, Edward Gregory and Andrew Moir would lend a hand. And in our time of real need Nic Simpson would simply be called on and immediately display a “warrior attitude” and ultimately score a try or two.
Of course, every rugby team also needs a higher intelligence and Simon Bergman our resident scientist filled this role, as well as sheer determination and brawn by Michael Aristidou, and of the chosen warriors are also intelligent long range kickers, play makers like Scott van Breda, who built our recipe for success through the boot.
We cannot forget about individual skill in our side – surely Cameron Wright ranks amongst the best. All players in modern rugby must be able to pass, run evasively, take the ball into contact correctly, tackle safely, kick with precision and communicate effectively as well as playing their respective individual and unit positional requirements. I believe this year we had some of the finest.
At the end when the fat lady sings, you will find yourself with a good spread of warriors on your side , know that you have played with some of the best skilled players Rondebosch has ever seen.
Who knows – next year you may just end up with the right chemistry mix and you might have an enjoyable and successful season playing for your province, club, university or country. Wherever you find yourself next year and the years to come, keep the “Pride, the Passion and the Perfection” in all you do!
We have two awards this year, the “Golden Boot” and the” Players Player of the year”.
It gives me great pleasure congratulate Scott van Breda on receiving the “Golden Boot” award for 2009.
The “Players Player of the year”, voted by the players for the player who in their mind deserves to be known as the player of the year. A person they would gladly go to the end of the world for. The “Players Player of the year “ for 2009 is Chris Keet.
Altius et Latius
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Cape Schools Rugby Week
The Rugby results from the Cape Schools Week held over the June holidays at SACS attest to the new regime of skills and resistance training that is proving to be a valuable foundation for all our rugby players. The commitment of the 1st and 2nd XV squads to sometimes seven sessions per week of training, including weights and speed/endurance sessions, is setting a strong example for the rest of the School.
The results also point to some success from our planned program to build, from the junior sides up, the participation rates, skills and strength of rugby at Rondebosch Boys’ High School.
The coordinated, three-sessions-a-week coaching program for all 14s to senior teams is well under way for this season and we now have 10 old boys regularly coaching our junior and senior rugby teams.
The Rondebosch Boys’ High School 1st XV v Grey 1st XV matches has traditionally been a close, hard fought encounter.
This year was no exception with the teams going tackle for tackle. Grey High preventing a Cape Schools clean sweep at the opening of the Cape Schools Week. Rondebosch as always responded well to the physicality of the game. Scores were locked at 12-all and then 17-all. With two minutes to go 21-20, Grey then broke through the midfield and scored to take the match to 27 – 21. Lock-forward Louw Naude adjudicated ‘Man of the Match’.
In the second match of the festival Selbourne threw everything at our side.
The Selbourne forwards were relentless in the rucks and in defence. Our back line attempted to penetrated for the whole match, demonstrating enhanced skill levels and fitness, but devilish tackling stopped us from scoring. Scott van Breda had his kicking boots on and slotted all the points for the match whenever a penalty was awarded in Selbourne’s 22m. At the final siren, the 1st XV was stormed from the sidelines by the 200 strong Bosch supporters, celebrating a hard earned 15-8 win. Scott van Breda selected as ‘Man of the Match’.
The final game for the festival was against Muir College. With numerous players away on holiday and slight niggles, the team called up one or two second, third and under 16 players. Urged on by Steven Wallace, stand-in captain and ‘Man of the Match’, the palpable high spirit and a relentless drive to not give up, our boys responded with a convincing win by mauling in 7 tries to take and keep the victory 39-09.
My thanks must go out to the players who have sacrificed all their holidays, public holiday’s and weekends for the glory of Rondebosch rugby. The two weeks off will do load to replenish the batteries and I encourage our parents and players to spend time together as a family.
The seriousness with which our rugby is taken can be seen by the advanced training equipment being erected at school. Firstly a tackling machine, the first of its kind in the country has just been completed and will soon be in use. With the new changes in rules and regulations in the tackle, we want to be at the leading edge of training technology, the apparatus will train youngsters how to tackle correctly and remain on their feet, and drive the opposition backwards, thus giving away fewer penalties.
Secondly, we have a new tackling bag which holds a ball for coaching players to the ball on the ground and how to capture space when counter-rucking is already in use by some of the teams.
Rondebosch will once again be defending their winner’s trophy at the Villagers’ 7’s tournament, along with a definite plan to succeed at the Hamilton’s 7’s. Training has begun under the watchful eye of Mike v Rheede and Bob MacFarlane, and strategist Tom Dawson-Squibb.
The results also point to some success from our planned program to build, from the junior sides up, the participation rates, skills and strength of rugby at Rondebosch Boys’ High School.
The coordinated, three-sessions-a-week coaching program for all 14s to senior teams is well under way for this season and we now have 10 old boys regularly coaching our junior and senior rugby teams.
The Rondebosch Boys’ High School 1st XV v Grey 1st XV matches has traditionally been a close, hard fought encounter.
This year was no exception with the teams going tackle for tackle. Grey High preventing a Cape Schools clean sweep at the opening of the Cape Schools Week. Rondebosch as always responded well to the physicality of the game. Scores were locked at 12-all and then 17-all. With two minutes to go 21-20, Grey then broke through the midfield and scored to take the match to 27 – 21. Lock-forward Louw Naude adjudicated ‘Man of the Match’.
In the second match of the festival Selbourne threw everything at our side.
The Selbourne forwards were relentless in the rucks and in defence. Our back line attempted to penetrated for the whole match, demonstrating enhanced skill levels and fitness, but devilish tackling stopped us from scoring. Scott van Breda had his kicking boots on and slotted all the points for the match whenever a penalty was awarded in Selbourne’s 22m. At the final siren, the 1st XV was stormed from the sidelines by the 200 strong Bosch supporters, celebrating a hard earned 15-8 win. Scott van Breda selected as ‘Man of the Match’.
The final game for the festival was against Muir College. With numerous players away on holiday and slight niggles, the team called up one or two second, third and under 16 players. Urged on by Steven Wallace, stand-in captain and ‘Man of the Match’, the palpable high spirit and a relentless drive to not give up, our boys responded with a convincing win by mauling in 7 tries to take and keep the victory 39-09.
My thanks must go out to the players who have sacrificed all their holidays, public holiday’s and weekends for the glory of Rondebosch rugby. The two weeks off will do load to replenish the batteries and I encourage our parents and players to spend time together as a family.
The seriousness with which our rugby is taken can be seen by the advanced training equipment being erected at school. Firstly a tackling machine, the first of its kind in the country has just been completed and will soon be in use. With the new changes in rules and regulations in the tackle, we want to be at the leading edge of training technology, the apparatus will train youngsters how to tackle correctly and remain on their feet, and drive the opposition backwards, thus giving away fewer penalties.
Secondly, we have a new tackling bag which holds a ball for coaching players to the ball on the ground and how to capture space when counter-rucking is already in use by some of the teams.
Rondebosch will once again be defending their winner’s trophy at the Villagers’ 7’s tournament, along with a definite plan to succeed at the Hamilton’s 7’s. Training has begun under the watchful eye of Mike v Rheede and Bob MacFarlane, and strategist Tom Dawson-Squibb.
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