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This week I am working in Sardinia with Rugby World Cup Winners Will Greenwood and Austin Healey. We run holidays for families which included world class coaching in both rugby and cricket.
So I have had the great pleasure to spend my days alongside International and Lions legends such as Scott Quninnel, Shane Horgan, Will and Ian Salisbury.
You know I am always looking to learn, well here are the things that the Legends have imparted on me this week:
Passion is a significant driver of excellence
The passion that these legends emit is incredible.
Scott Quinnel's voice is full of it when he gives any coaching advice to relative newcomers to Rugby or to players with lots of experience. His passion for his sport and for that person whom he is working with is infectious.
The same goes for 'Greens' and Shane too.
They are totally into each moment with each participant and never miss an opportunity to light a spark in someone which builds into something special over time. Their collective approach has inspired me this week.
Use your mind to fuel the power hitting fire
Ian Salisbury worked with a lad yesterday who was struggling to hit the ball with power in his Pull-Shot. The 8 year olds technique was good yet the ball would not travel far from the bat.
'Sals' asked the lad to think about something that he really didn't like, something that annoyed him. Then said to keep that image in his head as he was preparing to strike the ball.
It was brussel sprouts if you're interested.
The result was incredible.
The next shot was crunched, technique maintained and the ball disappeared between the two scoring cones that we had set out on the pitch as a target area.
The boy beamed and the spectators applauded.
What a positive experience that was for the young batter and all came from a piece of advice which connected the mind and the body as one.
Picture your intention, see it clearly, then do it
Scott Quinnel led a session on taking the ball into contact the other day on the rugby field.
He asked each player to run at him and try and imagine the contact area 3 feet behind the tackler. Not where the first touch is made.
Scott is an immense physical being yet after each young player had engaged that image in their mind, they we able to knock the Welshman backwards whilst protecting the rugby ball. All through the power of positive intention.
It got me thinking,
How can we use our language to positive impact upon someone's intention when they are practising?
- "I would like you picture the ball hitting the cone that your aiming for then the cone splitting in half because the ball your bowling is so fast!"
- "Imagine the ball hitting the stump clean out of the ground when you complete that direct hit run out"
- "Picture the bowlers face when you paddle sweep him twice at the start of his spell? What changes would he instantly have to make that he doesn't want to do?"
These guys aren't just legends because they were talented on their respective sports fields.
They are legends because they are hugely passionate about everything that they do, never miss an opportunity to positively impact upon others and use the power of the mind to support any physical or technical interventions.
I believe that, as coaches, we can all be legendary if we follow suit.
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Menno Gazendam is author of Spin Bowling Project. 
