Reflection and hindsight is often a great viewpoint and taking the time to decompress after a difficult loss is where the greatest lessons often hide. Starting with the difficult loss. I was playing in the triples and we lost semi final to the current UK world championship squad. We went ahead and were in control but I missed 4 shots in the middle to let them slowly get back into the game. My pointing, normally a great and solid part of my game was lacking on such difficult terrains which exposed us more and led to a lack of belief in my ability to perform. I struggled with the communication issues and the fact that I thrive on positive communication and encouragement but this isn’t part of the French way. So my No.1 lesson is I have to be my own cheerleader and not get discouraged if I’m not getting the appropriate support I am used to. I also have to work on my lob and believe that I am capable of playing that shot as when I executed under duress I did play good points. Today’s singles was a different matter as singles can be an evil game. I won against the young Manche shooter who is like a machine and topped the league with 3 wins. I went into the main and played a 95% perfect game with every shot a perfect carreau and sublime pointing. Win that game 13/1 to go into the last 8. Then got out on the most difficult piste against a former partner from Algeria and an outstanding player. I lost to the terrain first and then the player. This is where my game needs LOTS of work to be able to compete on awful terrain and with confidence. In general I was happy but there are always lessons and to go from playing world class boule to a huge disappointment and loss is difficult and will need work.

I’m returning to the UK this weekend for one of my favourite tournaments, the Worthing weekend which has a singles, doubles and triples for cash. I’m VERY interested in how my game will be after a month of playing in France every day. I will have to adjust tactics accordingly to the English game and I’m playing with a future French Junior Champion in the triples so I’m excited to see how I play in the middle .

Can any of you recommend where I should head out to play? Where are those must go to melee/ low key rock up and play competitions for the average Joe? where is that must go to piste?

You can add the specific model in the comments

I did this video a while ago with Steve as it works wonders when you don’t have much time to practice before a tournament but need to get your mind and arm ready for battle. Mixing it up constantly to create different shooting or pointing scenarios to remove any thoughts, worries and to focus on ONLY the shot at that moment. These are the sort of private things I do when coaching others https://youtu.be/Yaqi_q98yTU?si=bxkt9CtIWdMIqrhx