11/05/2024
Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu
Treasure each small step
The team training and game plan is deliberate. I believe it is important to recognise and treasure each small step we learn or refresh. The end goal is not winning. The end goal is to enjoy the journey of small steps together and if done with the best intent, game day will reflect this.
Yesterday we were able to play the whole team and further test our structures and model (way of doing things), including WD mandates (what the WD can and can’t do). Nei ra te mihi ki a koe e Bec S! One of key roles as a WD is effectively shut down the WA or make them irrelevant. They no longer are the main centre pass taker, they struggle to cross the line or get to the top of the circle or at times cant get to the circle edge. It's exciting to see a concept and thought that was newly learnt on Thursday, put into practice and nailed.
The cool stuff
Having the full 8 ready and locked in by 2.10pm. (Mihi to Noddy for supporting albeit against the advice to keep warm and rest 😊)
Seeing genuine excitement to get going and play a game you all love
Asking Lyn to cut top (1. Allow space in the circle for big passes, 2. Offer as an option for 2nd or 3rd phase) and she adjusted and offered as an option.
Asking Wiki to go from the bench, to GK and then to C – despite starting at GS. Accepted as part of her contribution to the team. Next level adjustments in my book.
Our measures and my observations
Locking in – Achieved
1st Phase – Well achieved
Wavell humbly owns this achievement. Next steps is C-WA and then give and get
2nd Phase – Work in progress
Both Bec and Wiki offered as a first option for the 2nd phase. Being prepared and deliberate in body position and space identity, sets the scene full of opportunities for 1st Phase players to make considered decisions. Nga mihi kōrua.
Drop (GD only) - Achieved
Block (WD only) - Achieved – awesome Bec and Dolls
GA to take backline circle throw ins – Achieved
Homework – what to look forward to on Thursday
Circle defense – sides
WA – Next steps: Turning in not away when taking a pass – What is the benefit of this? Catch, land on 1 foot and pass before the second foot lands, and, catch and pass before landing
Off the ball/player full court zone – Define what this means, what is the pros and cons and make a decision whether to add this to our growing list of tools for our took kit.
Key words
Prepare, Deliberate, Adjust, Lock in, Acceptance, Block
Åku mihimihi,
Rach