What is my role as a skip?

Responsibility The skip carries the responsibilities and duties and therefore must be supported by the team.

To be in charge of the team, delegate duties and notify opponent when necessary,

• As applicable instruct the team members which shot to play,
• Make decisions with the opponent to comply with the laws the game and conditions of play,
• Ensure that the score card is returned to the second.

Strengths & Weaknesses It is imperative when building the head for the skip to know his players strengths and weaknesses and the bias dimensions of their bowls. Many skips are prone to call for a shot or shots based on their own ability and the track of their bowls.

The Accruing Score In Pennants the skip should be aware of the accruing score on the main scoring board, remembering that the team has a responsibility to the side and therefore should not adopt an over zealous attitude to the situation that will endanger the sides result.

Encouragement – The skip should endeavour not to display disappointment if a player performs a bad shot, but should always commend a player who plays a good shot. Try not to look worried in trying situations.

Qualities Expected Be in control of the team and process the following;

Communication Have good communication with the team by;

• Ensuring the team understands the game plan,
• Carrying out debriefings and constructing the game plan,
• Ascertaining appropriate hand signals with the team,
• Being positive with instructions,
• Keeping directions short, simple and indicate correctly.

Tactics Being ingenious contrive and instigate tactical know how by;

• Constructing a game plan before the game
• Knowing and being able to read the head,
• Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the team,
• Ensuring you have control over mat placement and jack length,
• Knowing and employing the tactics of the game,
• Knowing when to play the opposition hand or shot,
• Observing and where possible counter the tactical moves of the opposition.

Skills Improving your own ability to enable you when required to play;

• Any of the shots of the game e.g. draw shot, on-shots, running and drive shots.

Avoid Detract yourself from being the main distraction to your team;

• By raising your voice aggressively,
• Moving around at the head when a player is on the mat,
• Casting shade over the head.