Felsted’s Director of Sport Blog ‘FortKnightley’ looks at sporting issues that are relevant today and will leave you all with something to think about. Follow on Twitter @dirfelstedsport 

Importance of Specifics

It seems an opportune time to look at the importance sport has in our lives as we all adapt to the current situation and the impact it has had on our sporting lives. It is clear that those involved in teams and clubs are certainly missing the fixtures, communities and comradeship this provides. This will return and I hope that the sports clubs are inundated with new members as we now have a new perspective on being able to be part of a community, team or are just grateful to have the free choice to exercise with others? 

Those who have made sport part of their lives will know that whether a professional or amateur, the time to work at your skills can be challenging with either a heavy fixture card or causing even more damage to time, family and a job. This can mean that ironing out technical issues during the season becomes tough, or actually spending enough time on the skills impossible. The impact is on the end result and performance and so although we often look to attribute the blame elsewhere on match day, the true attribution can often be a bit closer to home. 

Skills are not the only attribute of a high quality sportsperson, but as a nation we were certainly playing catch up to others in how we trained and how we practised. This was seen by the technical prowess of those overseas being superior compared to our own in most sports. It certainly could be argued that the weather in this country and lack of investment in high quality training facilities were factors, but we also put a high price tag on grit and determination being more important. The % of what is required can be argued by many and different sports and positions within a sport will have their own opinions. However there is no doubt the focus on skills in this country and in more recent years at the top end of the sports has had a positive impact on the results. 

So here we are in a position where we can’t invest any time into matches or playing any sport, but can work on fitness and individual skills. It does require intrinsic motivation, but most sports clubs at all levels recognise the value of working on the things that no-one sees. Whether it is footwork skills, coordination skills or technical skills it will be time well spent when we return to the cut and thrust of a competitive situation. Groove those skills, so your dominant response under pressure is correct and as a result you get more out of your performances. The fitness work will certainly help those skills as when fatigue sets in, skill often goes out the window!  

Many of you would have paused your sports package at this time, but would have also noticed that you also have time to re-live many past sporting contests from a variety of sports. We have less access to coaches at present, but don’t underestimate the importance of being your own coach and learning from watching these many events currently on. You have time to pause the play and analyse technically what has made someone successful. It can also be argued that if you work the issues out yourself it will help retention and motivation to revisit learning. It might also help if you are an older brother or sister to help coach a younger sibling, as by coaching you are again reinforcing those skills.. 

So these are not easy times for many who play sport, and as a school master, I really feel for those in their final term who are missing out on the sporting fixtures. However, when you leave school you are starting your sporting career, hopefully with the skills and passion needed, not finishing it! So use this unusual time to work at those skills. 

Charlie Knightley
Director of Sport