BARRIE LESTER COACHING CLINIC

We hosted former Jackaroo representative Barrie Lester with one of his famous coaching clinics. This was Barrie’s first time at the club and boy did he leave an impression with the full list of 50 members.

Barrie kicked things off by sharing highlights from his incredibly successful career. Having represented Australia over 250 times, his experience and achievements on the international stage were inspiring. From World Championships to Commonwealth Games, Barrie’s career has spanned over a decade, making him one of the most respected figures in the sport.

What made Barrie stand out was how relatable he was to everyone in the room. While his accolades are impressive, it was his ability to break down elite-level strategies and tips in an accessible way that really captivated our members. Barrie shared key points on attitude, goal setting, and mindset that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. His focus on the mental aspect of the game and staying calm under pressure gave members insights they could take straight onto the greens.

One of the most powerful lessons Barrie shared was the concept of “finding your happy place.” Borrowing from the film Happy Gilmore, Barrie emphasised the importance of shifting your mindset from the "red zone" (a negative, stressed-out frame of mind) to the "blue zone" (a calm, positive mindset). He shared that his own happy place is a rooftop in Spain, sitting with a cocktail in hand, enjoying a breath taking sunset. This personal visualisation helped him step out of stressful situations and refocus. It was a reminder to all our members to find their own mental escape, a place they could go in their mind to reset and regain control when pressure builds on the green.

To close out the session, Barrie emphasised the importance of controlling the big board, especially in Pennant play. He stressed that bowls is not just about individual performance but about playing as a cohesive unit across all three rinks. He shared examples from his own career where one rink picked up 3 points while another picked up 2, resulting in a positive 5 on the overall board. It was a reminder that sometimes playing it safe and securing second shot, instead of going for a risky play, can make a significant difference to the team’s overall score.

After wrapping up the classroom session, we headed out onto the greens for some practical drills. Barrie set up various drills across the green, many of which were the same ones he had used throughout his own career to sharpen his skills. These drills were designed to be challenging but incredibly rewarding, and they proved to be a fantastic learning experience for our members. From drawing to a specific target to improving accuracy under pressure, these exercises were vital in helping Barrie become the player he is today.

One standout activity was learning to block out distractions and focus solely on the game in front of you. Barrie explained the importance of maintaining concentration, no matter what is happening around you. Whether it’s noise from the crowd or internal stress, staying locked into the game is crucial for success. Members were able to apply these techniques right away, and the results on the green were remarkable.

To wrap up, it was an awesome day for our members. Barrie delivered a terrific coaching clinic that left a lasting impression on everyone at Castle Hill.