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.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
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.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Jake White and I
Thanks to Global Trading for their generous sponsorship, five of the High School coaches attended the Jake White’s Winning Ways Coaches Academy. The academy held at Paul Roos in Stellenbosch over three days and nights was the first of a number of courses being held around the country for the coaches of rugby. The lectures included Dr Sherylle Calder two time World Cup medal holder on visual performances, former springbok physiotherapist Clint Readhead, Balie Swart on scrumming techniques ,Dr Henning Gericke on the psychology of the game, Prof Derik Coetzee on all aspects of players’ conditioning, also Discovery and nutrition. Then drills, skills and lectures by the experts Eddie Jones and Jake White rounded off each night.
The lectures included practical demonstrations with question and answer time from all present. Balie Swart making use of our coaches Tim Rawbone and Brad van der Westhuizen in a scrum coaching demonstration.
Congratulations and our best wishes go to the three players that made the Western Province Academy team, Rajn Smid as lock, Joel Carew as loosehead prop and Justin Filies as left wing. Once again our school has also produced a Craven Week player with hooker Gary Topkin representing Western Province in the Craven week being held in East London in July. Gary scored his first try against the Boland Craven side on Tuesday in a friendly warm-up match which saw province run out victorious by over 50 points. The players will be training and playing matches for their province leading up to the weeks and will therefore be unavailable for selection for their school sides against Bishops 20 June 11:20 , and the Cape Schools week being played at SACS against Grey 27 June 12:00 , Selbourne 29 June 09:00 and Muir 1 July 12:00.
Although this is a blow to the team, we are pleased that they have been recognised by the province. This also offers opportunities for players who have been on the edge of 1st Xv rugby getting an opportunity to play at the highest level.
As we hit the mid season break, it is good to look back at the performances of our teams and revisit areas that we feel need attention. The senior teams have performed well and have shown their strength against all opposition, our u16 and 15 age groups battled flu and injury to maintain a winning edge and will have the coaches working extra hard to produce positive growth and winning skills with the players available come the new term.
The sponsorship of a new scrumming machine by old boy Denis Nic will ease the load on the larger machine and can be used on fields as a teaching device as it is designed to ski on the grass rather than dig into the turf. Teams can now practice running their backlines off the machine as well as teaching the eighth-man, flanks and scrum-half how to work the hinge or vacuum area around the scrum.
Once again the Impact Concussion programme has shown its worth over the high school’s examination period as doctors were able to have data to assist their diagnosis of player’s concussion in games. Player’s exam scripts and marks are carefully analysed by staff in the case of a boy suffering from concussion.
A gentle request from the coaches is that the parents watching the games comment about their own son’s performance and refrain from negative comments and shouting at the players from the side-line. We ask that parents watch their own child and when they come off the field win or lose, comment on their own performance, stressing and emphasising their positive play. The game is hard enough without parents slating a player’s poor performance.
The lectures included practical demonstrations with question and answer time from all present. Balie Swart making use of our coaches Tim Rawbone and Brad van der Westhuizen in a scrum coaching demonstration.
Congratulations and our best wishes go to the three players that made the Western Province Academy team, Rajn Smid as lock, Joel Carew as loosehead prop and Justin Filies as left wing. Once again our school has also produced a Craven Week player with hooker Gary Topkin representing Western Province in the Craven week being held in East London in July. Gary scored his first try against the Boland Craven side on Tuesday in a friendly warm-up match which saw province run out victorious by over 50 points. The players will be training and playing matches for their province leading up to the weeks and will therefore be unavailable for selection for their school sides against Bishops 20 June 11:20 , and the Cape Schools week being played at SACS against Grey 27 June 12:00 , Selbourne 29 June 09:00 and Muir 1 July 12:00.
Although this is a blow to the team, we are pleased that they have been recognised by the province. This also offers opportunities for players who have been on the edge of 1st Xv rugby getting an opportunity to play at the highest level.
As we hit the mid season break, it is good to look back at the performances of our teams and revisit areas that we feel need attention. The senior teams have performed well and have shown their strength against all opposition, our u16 and 15 age groups battled flu and injury to maintain a winning edge and will have the coaches working extra hard to produce positive growth and winning skills with the players available come the new term.
The sponsorship of a new scrumming machine by old boy Denis Nic will ease the load on the larger machine and can be used on fields as a teaching device as it is designed to ski on the grass rather than dig into the turf. Teams can now practice running their backlines off the machine as well as teaching the eighth-man, flanks and scrum-half how to work the hinge or vacuum area around the scrum.
Once again the Impact Concussion programme has shown its worth over the high school’s examination period as doctors were able to have data to assist their diagnosis of player’s concussion in games. Player’s exam scripts and marks are carefully analysed by staff in the case of a boy suffering from concussion.
A gentle request from the coaches is that the parents watching the games comment about their own son’s performance and refrain from negative comments and shouting at the players from the side-line. We ask that parents watch their own child and when they come off the field win or lose, comment on their own performance, stressing and emphasising their positive play. The game is hard enough without parents slating a player’s poor performance.
Friday, May 29, 2009
As an experienced rugby professional...
Dear Chaps
As an experienced rugby professional, you already know that the reliable way to get ahead in your game is to perform excellently and to beat all performance expectations. To do this you need to work hard, develop your skills, and show wisdom and good leadership.
Hard work is up to you. You learn from the best: You know the right skills, You got the right training, and got the coaching you need, you can deliver an exceptional performance this week. But it's not just performance that matters here: You need to grow as a capable, well-balanced, happy person sharing in the fun.
For the weeks to come please look at the following aspects of your life:
Emotional Awareness: Understand what you’re feeling and why.
Perseverance: Whether you’re working toward an outward goal or on inner coping strategies, they’re all action-oriented -- trust in the process and don’t give up.
Internal Locus of Control: Believe that you, rather than outside forces, are in control of your own life.
Optimism: See the positives in most situations and believe in your own strength.
Support: While you tend to be strong individuals, you know the value of social support and must be able to surround yourself with supportive friends and family.
Sense of Humor: You’re able to laugh at life’s difficulties.
Perspective: Resilient people are able to learn from their mistakes (rather than deny them), see obstacles as challenges, and allow adversity to make you stronger. Find meaning in life’s challenges rather than seeing yourself as a victim.
Spirituality: Being connected to your spiritual side has been connected with stronger emotional resilience, especially if you're internally connected and not just going through the motions of attending services. (This doesn't mean that people who aren't spiritual can't be resilient, just that this connection has been found.)
Cheers for now
Sean Friedenthal
As an experienced rugby professional, you already know that the reliable way to get ahead in your game is to perform excellently and to beat all performance expectations. To do this you need to work hard, develop your skills, and show wisdom and good leadership.
Hard work is up to you. You learn from the best: You know the right skills, You got the right training, and got the coaching you need, you can deliver an exceptional performance this week. But it's not just performance that matters here: You need to grow as a capable, well-balanced, happy person sharing in the fun.
For the weeks to come please look at the following aspects of your life:
Emotional Awareness: Understand what you’re feeling and why.
Perseverance: Whether you’re working toward an outward goal or on inner coping strategies, they’re all action-oriented -- trust in the process and don’t give up.
Internal Locus of Control: Believe that you, rather than outside forces, are in control of your own life.
Optimism: See the positives in most situations and believe in your own strength.
Support: While you tend to be strong individuals, you know the value of social support and must be able to surround yourself with supportive friends and family.
Sense of Humor: You’re able to laugh at life’s difficulties.
Perspective: Resilient people are able to learn from their mistakes (rather than deny them), see obstacles as challenges, and allow adversity to make you stronger. Find meaning in life’s challenges rather than seeing yourself as a victim.
Spirituality: Being connected to your spiritual side has been connected with stronger emotional resilience, especially if you're internally connected and not just going through the motions of attending services. (This doesn't mean that people who aren't spiritual can't be resilient, just that this connection has been found.)
Cheers for now
Sean Friedenthal
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
