Petanque tips Coaching the coaches Section 2

Coaching the coaches Section 2

This information was for the mothballed PE County Coaching course Module 2.2 Four player team

The emphasis on this section is how to operate 4 players in a triples team. It is clear this can be a difficult situation and this module is designed to increase awareness of possible problems and of course, solutions to those difficult moments. Core items are switching players when and where, understanding individual’s effects on team performance and how the new player will slot into the team

This module will require, 1.A great knowledge of the game of pétanque 2.The individual team members and 3. The bond and desires the players have as a team. Some players exude confidence and ability. They may not be the best players technically but their presence in the team can be inspirational. It can be as if the coach is among the team, controlling and giving encouragement and solutions to situations. Each player will have their specific role and a substitution could cause problems. Not in the play but other areas such as measuring and agreeing points, throwing the jack etc. (See point 6)

A four player team is required in international play. Some teams do not like it. The role of every coach is to be able to explain the reasons why it is so important.

1.     It not only gives players a rest in high pressure international or national play but it also gives them chance to discuss and look at the game from afar.

2.     We can all have a period of bad play. Some players can play themselves back into a game and some cannot. The coach will need to understand the profile of the players in the team.

3.     Illness or feeling unwell during a long tournament or game could be a factor.

4.     The opposition team maybe taking advantage of a weakness in your team. They maybe pointing you to submission or they may be shooting 5 to 6 boule an end. By switching a player in who can point successfully than the player can shoot it may swing the balance of the game. i.e. 2 pointers one shooter or one pointer two shooters. At this level players should be able to do both but every player has strengths and weaknesses.

5.     The option of an internal swap in the team from middle to shooter is still available. The coach may try this first before introducing the fourth player.

6.     An introduction of a new player should increase the current teams effectiveness and give an increased dimension for the opposition to discover.

7.     The dynamic of the team should be such that the introduced player is accepted into the team and not seen as an additional member.

8.     The competition format may allow a rotational 4 player team so everyone plays as a three player team with only substitutions being a matter of emergency, illness etc. The rolling three player team can be ideal preparation for a substitution system as it allows players to define and understand their roles.

9.     If the event is on different types of piste, rare, but a factor, some players may struggle on a surface, slope etc. and will need substitution.

10. A player has received a yellow card for behaviour problems from the Umpire. Again, this is where the coach understanding of the team is required to keep the situation under control

11. The player taken out of the team will need careful attention and de briefing but this will be tricky as the coach will still be involved as the game is continuing. Discussion with the team so they understand the roles they will be playing in the game will help this situation.

12. De briefing after the game with the four players to hear their views and attitudes to the changes instructed from the side lines

The coach will need to understand how they carry out the above 12 key points in a practical way, running a four player team in a competition environment.