Structures, belief the key
Establishing team structures and plans to allow for an evolution in strength and competitiveness during the next two years underpins philosophies driving Pimpinio football coach Josh Beddison.
Beddison, in his first year at the helm of a senior team, was forthright in explaining what he wanted to achieve with a young Tigers list in 2017.
He said he was excited in taking on the challenge of leading Pimpinio in Horsham district league and was also determined to make sure the playing group understood a collective direction through an uncomplicated leadership approach.
He stressed a strong but simple direction based on straightforward messages and planning was paramount in measuring success.
He said the Tigers’ pre-season had started well and the aim was to build the group during the next two to three years.
“We’re going alright and the truth is a team of very young guys is where we are at,” he said.
“In all seriousness, we’re not out to recruit any stars, although we would like to boost our leadership group.
“We have a strong core group of 16 to 23-year-olds and would like to fill in the 23 to 30-year-olds making the finals.
“Although we haven’t been in a strong position, we’ve had 33 different players on the track and I’m more than happy with that so far. We definitely have a structure in place that can preserve the longevity of the club and know it will take more than 12 months to develop.
“But if we get things right structure-wise, on and off the field, things will turn around.”
Pimpinio resumed pre-season training four weeks ago and has shifted sessions from Horsham to Pimpinio to make the most of outstanding conditions at the club’s headquarters.
Beddison, who has been busy exploring recruiting opportunities, said the Tigers had picked up a couple of players but the biggest pre-season effort had gone into securing the club’s existing core group of players.
“We had good numbers last year and there was a need to concentrate on keeping what we had together,” he said.
“Hopefully by the end of this month we can add another three players, who are quite handy without being superstars, to our list to strengthen our midfield and provide leadership.”
Unlike most other clubs, Beddison has resisted the temptation to have assistant coach or coaches, preferring instead to ensure all direction on the field came from him.
“There will be a leadership playing group but I’m keeping it as uncomplicated as possible. All the direction will come from one source so it is all clear cut,” he said.
“If the blokes put faith in the system things will work.”
Beddison added planning would include trying to introduce set team plans and various goals, based on positions, into the young playing group.
“There will also be a promotion of positivity within the group. We need to have goals in place so if things aren’t going to plan we have fall-back positions,” he said.
“Strong sides will be hard to beat, but if we can put things in place where we can draw positives from, then we will be on the right track.
“In many ways it’s about getting back to square one, sorting it all out and moving on from there.”
The Tigers are planning to have a practice match close to the start of the season and Beddison hopes to organise a training camp later this month or in early March.
If desire is any gauge then Pimpinio might be on the right track in its appointment as Beddison as coach.
Beddison spoke with obvious passion about the Tigers as he broadly outlined plans to help resurrect his home club.