The Skip
PLAYING YOUR PART AS THE TEAM SKIP
Presented by Macka Jensen
Responsibility
The skip carries the responsibilities and duties and therefore must be supported by the team. The skip official duties are described in the Bowls Australia September 2006 Laws of the Sport of Bowls Page 56 Section 8. 37.1
- To be in charge of the team, delegate duties and notify opponent when necessary,
- As applicable instruct the team members which shot to play,
- Make decisions with the opponent to comply with the laws the game and conditions of play,
- Ensure that the score card is returned to the appropriate authority.
Duties
To build a scoring head using the tactical fundamentals of defence, attack and recovery through the employment of the team member’s individual delivery skills to play any of the required shots of the game.
Ingenuity & Discipline
The skip is in charge of the team and must process the quality of being ingenious, be skilful of contrivance or design when building the head. Unfortunately this is an area that can lead to strong criticism by the team when the skipper is not working towards what they have been trained for or when the game plan is being ignored.
Strengths & Weaknesses
It is imperative when building the head for the skip to know his players strengths and weaknesses and the bias dimensions of their bowls. Many skips are prone to call for a shot or shots based on their own ability and the track of their bowls.
The Accruing Score
In Pennants the skip should be aware of the accruing score on the main scoring board, remembering that the team has a responsibility to the side and therefore should not adopt an over zealous attitude to the situation that will endanger the sides result.
Facial Expressions
The skip should endeavour not to display disappointment if a player performs a bad shot, but should always commend a player who plays a good shot. Try not to look worried in trying situations.
Qualities Expected
Be in control of the team and process the following;
Communication
Have good communication with the team by;
- Ensuring the team understands the game plan,
- Carrying out debriefings and constructing the game plan,
- Ascertaining appropriate hand signals with the team,
- Being positive with instructions,
- Keeping directions short, simple and indicate correctly.
Training
This is a lead up to your game plan and should involve;
- Teams training together at least once a week on pacific performance tasks (not play a game together),
- Consult your coach to improve strengths and weaknesses.
Tactics
Being ingenious contrive and instigate tactical know how by;
- Ensuring that a team debriefing is conducted as soon as possible after each game and that each team member has the opportunity to express his point of view concerning; standard of the team play, the tactical situation and what needs to be improved and compare your actions with your previous game plan,
- Constructing a game plan (if possible days before the game)
- Knowing and being able to read the head,
- Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the team,
- Ensuring you have control over mat placement and jack length,
- Knowing and employing the tactics of the game,
- Knowing when to play the opposition hand or shot,
- Observing and where possible counter the tactical moves of the opposition.
Skills
Improving your own ability to enable you when required to play;
- Any of the shots of the game e.g. draw shot, on-shots, running and drive shots.
Avoid
Detract yourself from being the main distraction to your team;
- By yelling and bellowing like a bull at a gate,
- Moving around at the head when a player is on the mat,
- Casting shade over the head.
Rules
Understand and observe;
- The Etiquette of the game,
- The Laws of the Game,
- The Conditions of Play.
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