newsletter simcoe 2

COACH'S CORNER
Below are some of the guidelines and tips
that were shared and discussed during
the SKIP’s CLINIC on Friday, July 27,
2018 at the club.
To be a good skip you:
· Must be good at making all types of shots - from the draw to the drive and block. And… you should practice
these shots regularly.
· Must to know the rules of the game.
· Must keep your “head in the head” at all times.
· Must be able to evaluate the speed of the green, weaknesses and strengths of your opponents, and strength
of your team and capitalize on your assessments.
· Should know how to build a head on your own terms and force your opponent to make difficult shots.
· Must set the tone for good Sportsmanship; for example, acknowledging a good shot by your own or
opponent's team.
· Should know when to change the shape of the game by moving the mat and forcing the opponents to play
their weak side
· Should know how to communicate clearly to your team. You need to give good clear signals – both in hand
signals and verbal communications.
· Should know how to play the safe shots and avoid giving up a big score.
Tips for the Skips
· Allow leads to draw twice (ie to the jack) before asking them to bowl for position (ie 18 inches behind the jack
or to cover the opponents back bowls). Leads should not be asked to drive unless playing in a pairs game.
· Skips should decide which hand plays best for each of their players and stick with it if possible.
· Build each head safely. If a loss is inevitable, make sure it is a low score. (If you can't be first shot, be second!)
· When holding the shot, bowl for position (behind the jack, the spot, or a block). When down a shot, draw.
· Do not call for position bowls that will give the opponents a chance to wick off or rest on.
· Try to cover all positions that the jack may land if it were moved.
· Know when there are possible shots to make a big score, e.g., by moving the jack.
· Be confident with your drive shot – it is both an offensive and defensive weapon. Use it to move the jack, take
advantage of the re-spot rule, or push a bowl up.
· Blocks are very difficult to make so you need to practice block shots. Also consider throwing the opposite
hand to place the block.