The u16A squad for 2012 have been hard at work for 9 weeks already with a core focus on conditioning and skills. This group have taken to training extremely well with good dedication and perseverance even though the 2012 Rugby season is still a while away.
Conditioning has been headed by Qualified Biokineticist, Lorando Ressou, who did a fantastic job with the u16A team of 2011. He has had them twice a week in the Rosedale gym working to get the boys strength levels increased with a focus on technique and correct gym practices. The boys have been tested twice, at the start and finish of this year’s training cycles.
Skills have been taken by Ross Williams who will again head up the u16A team together with Mr Jones. An emphasis has been placed on skills in this team since the beginning of the year where selected players were taken out during P.E lessons and taught the correct passing and catching mechanics. This strategy has already shown extremely positive results as almost all players now pass with good technique and accuracy over 10mtrs, this includes the tight forwards who traditionally do not do this type of work, but is deemed essential by the coaches.
Position specific coaching has also been a focus during this time with the scrumhalves being taken out for four weeks assisted by the ex-W.P u19/21, Griquas Currie Cup and now Ikey Tigers squad scrumhalf, Liam Slatem. The kickers have also received some work with a focus on technique and accuracy.
Looking forward to next year the team has a busy schedule of events already planned including a pre-season camp in Simonstown, a tour match in Johannesburg against Jeppe and the traditional Wynberg Festival all over and above the normal league fixtures.
Pre-season training starts for the selected squad as soon as school begins next year, with an emphasis on skills, conditioning and game plan. The first game for the final team is against Milnerton on the 17 March which leaves roughly around 18 practices between the start of pre-season and the 1st game – not much time to prepare the boys physically and with an engrained game plan.
On the coaching front the team can look forward to being mentored by the ever passionate red-headed Ikey Tigers Varsity Cup winning prop, Peter Olivier, and Ex-Maties 1st XV loose forward Kevin Dolley. Coaches already mentioned include Ross Williams, Chris Jones and Lorando Ressou.
The boys will get every available opportunity to succeed next year and from what the coaches have seen already this team will surprise the many that have followed them as well as themselves. They have the potential, the skill set and are really keen to show off their true talent. This will be no easy task. A very tough road lies ahead for this team next year and all team members will have to be 100% committed and focussed to make their final year together a memorable one.
I know the coaches are hugely excited about working with this new group of enthusiastic players, all that is required is a group of players who are prepared to put the hard work in themselves during the Summer months and during each and every minute of every practice and match. That will be the difference.