Trying to get performance feedback and appraisals from junior athletes about their performance can sometimes be a likened to getting blood out of a stone. ..
Almost impossible at times….
Yet its ironic that some of the best athletes I’ve ever coached are extremely humble, quietly spoken but doggedly determined…they just get on with the job….minimal fuss…. minimal fanfare…ready for the next challenge…
I remember asking Sydney Swans superstar, Kurt Tippett about his first state game for QLD in the U/18’s national carnival.
In true Tippo fashion with minimal fuss he said he did “alright”.
A few days later I found out through another source “alright” meant kicking a bag of 6 goals in a dominant best on ground performance.
Jack Taylor is another PIT athlete following in the mold of Kurt Tippett…..
He’ll kick a bag of goals or pick up 50 possessions or shut down the oppositions key player and will say he did “OK”.
Sometimes you have to go through other means to get the information about your athletes performance…
“Jack’s been invited to go and do some modeling work in Milan…he’s playing for the GC Suns Reserves and is playing for QLD U/18 state team as well…I couldn’t be more proud of his efforts!” said his father Darren after I enquired as to how Jack was progressing.
Rewind the clock back 18 months and the scenario was vastly different….and the outlook for Jack certainly was not as bright!!!
Jack had barely been able to play any sport to due to being struck down by Osgood Schlatters….
In a last ditch effort to get Jack back on track, a recruiting scout from the Geelong Cats suggested “Jack meet up with Joey Hayes to see if he could get Jack injury free and bullet proof firing at the levels we know he can play at”!! (Insert Jack Taylor Screening Picture June 2011)
And the rest they say, is history….
The plan was simple make Jack Bullet Proof-get him flexible, get him bigger, faster, stronger and mentally tougher than ever before!
Within 3 months he was back playing footy at local level and starting to find his touch….with each game came more confidence and improved performance…..
A premiership with his junior team, selection in QLD U/18 team, playing for the suns reserves and a call to go to Milan for a fashion shoot…
Jack Taylor is a perfect example of what is possible with persistence, work ethic and positive parental support….he did everything that was required both during his sessions and away from THE PIT! Regular massages, pilates and yoga sessions and precision nutrition.
Since Jack began training in THE PIT and at Strongman he has not missed a single game with injury….(insert JT working on his handball skills at strongman camp 2013)
He’s put on more than 10kg in lean muscle and improved all his physical performance tests…
Is running 20m in sub 2.9 secs
Is jumping 80cm+ for in his Vertical Jump
Is almost sub 11mins for his 3km time trial…
He has perfect skills, is hard at it and can turn a game on its ear!!
Enough to make any AFL scouts mouths water….
The scary thing is he’s barely 17 and is nowhere near hitting his full potential….
JT from everyone in THE PIT congratulations,
All the best,
Joey Hayes
