Coaches Corner
As the new season approaches there is a real buzz around the club, with all of the teams preparing hard to make sure that they are ready for the first kick off. Pre-season training began back at the start of July with an initial focus on improving handling skills and fitness through conditioned games, before moving on to specific individual and unit skills. Additional sprint training has been taking place at Charterhouse school on Sunday mornings, and there is a training weekend to Cirencester planned for the last weekend of August. Numbers at training have again been good, with several new faces, and competition for places in all teams should ensure that players do not become complacent in their performances.
Last season the 1st XV did well to maintain their position in Surrey 1 after a couple of downward years, and the other teams were also more competitive, but much more will be expected of the players this year to ensure that we take another step forwards in the rebuilding of the club. Crucially the players themselves need to take greater responsibility for their own conditioning as well as making the time to practise key individual skills such as place kicking, lineout throwing, etc.
The results from last season highlighted how well Farnham can play, but the coaching team will be expecting greater consistency this year to ensure that teams that have been well beaten at home don’t beat us away because of a lack of mental application. In closely contested matches fitness and calmness under pressure will be the difference between winning and losing, and it is important that the players take responsibility for different aspects of the game at different times during the match.
Behind the scenes the committee are working hard on our behalf to ensure that the move to Monkton Lane becomes a reality, and we are still optimistic that we can kick off the 2011 season on a fantastic new pitch, with quality training and playing facilities also in place. To help make this happen it is important that we support the many fund raising events that take place, with one of the easiest ways being to support the bar after training and matches.
Once again we want the opposition to fear playing us on the field, but to enjoy the camaraderie on offer at our club as soon as the final whistle blows, and most importantly we want you to enjoy all aspects of playing and being a member of Farnham RFC.
Have a great season!
The Coaching Team
