The Philippines has struggled against tougher Asian teams at the Jones Cup in Taipei, and a combination of factors has contributed to the disappointing performance. Of course, injuries are to be taken into account, and the constant change of line-up also has some effect, but there are also other considerations.
First of all, did the team practice enough? For the most part, practices were conducted once a week at The Arena in San Juan, usually every Monday. Is that really enough to prepare a team for this kind of challenge? Considering the fact that some of their opponents in the Jones Cup have been together for up to five years, playing together more would have paid big dividends. There’s no substitute for actual game experience, but practice definitely makes perfect.
Secondly, given the selection of players, were they of the proper disposition to carry out the job? With their attention divided by family and mother teams during most of the team’s preparation, how prepared were the players mentally? There are several techniques available for blocking out distractions, improving focus, and even increasing performance through meditation, visualization, and other techniques.How can the team make use of of them to get better in a short period of time before Tianjin?
Third, the team has to improve in the little things that pile up during a ball game. I’m talking about turnovers, missed free throws, blown lay-ups, and so on. These are signs that the team’s chemistry needs work, and brings up focus, once again. Perhaps the team can settle on certain combinations of players already, to improve their familiarity with each other.
Fourth, is there too much pressure on the team? Given all the distractions of the BAP, the long drought from Olympic play, criticism of the selection of players and supposed lack of shooters, do the players feel they can do the job? As professionals, they are used to going into battle because it is their job, but this is a different matter entirely. And the team will not discuss it openly, but they are being doubted, more so now, by their critics. Now is the time to pull together, suck it up, and play beyond their abilities.
Although the losses in Taipei are tough to swallow because we’ve been used to seeing our players succeed, it is still too early to pronounce doom upon the team. The real battle is yet to come. Our players have been prepared the best way we know how and with what was available. Let’s hope it’s good enough for what we need to accomplish.
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On a more positive note, Emman Portacio of the Philippines is the highest-finishing Asian at the World Bowls. Portacio, who has cracked the world standings in the past, has won eight of his ten matches, the latest beating Scotland and Japan to finish second in his table. Portacio even shared the lead after his first two games.
Lawn bowls is organized in no less than 46 member countries and governed by 52 national associations on six continents.Though originally a European sport, it has also been organized in Angeles, played mainly at the Angeles Sports Club in Pampanga.
There were originally some doubts that Portacio would even be able to go in the first place. The challenge of getting a visa and garnering support from the Philippine Sports Commission was a formidable one, and time was against Portacio going. But, in the end, thanks to the help of PSC Commissioner Eric Loretizo and some sponsors, Portacio made it, and is doing the country proud.
The 2012 World Bowls Championships will be held in Adelaide, Australia. By then, the Philippines hopes to send more athletes to compete.
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This writer would like to thank Toyota Motors Philippines for their invaluable assistance.