The Fiji Airways Fijiana sevens team is preparing for the highly anticipated Cape Town Sevens tournament, putting a strong emphasis on refining their tactics and execution. Following a disappointing fourth place finish at the recent Dubai tournament, head coach Richard Walker has adopted a flexible training approach that incorporates match analysis and detailed walkthroughs to enhance overall team performance.
Walker highlighted the significance of collaborative learning, stating, “For us it’s showing work-Ons but making sure that when we are showing work-Ons the individual clips that we show we tell them it’s for everybody.” He stressed the importance of group dynamics in mental preparation, indicating that individual-focused feedback could negatively impact players’ morale. This strategy promotes a supportive atmosphere where players are encouraged to learn from one another.
The team has also benefitted from video reviews with players actively providing feedback, notably regarding warm-up routines. “We are getting feedback from the players; they are giving us feedback around warm-ups, so we are keeping their bodies in good shape and not asking too much of them during those warm-ups,” Walker explained. This focus on adaptability demonstrates the coaching staff’s dedication to ensuring that athletes are both physically ready and mentally engaged.
As the squad heads into the Cape Town Sevens, they are faced with a challenging pool that includes formidable teams such as the USA, Great Britain, and New Zealand, the latter having recently triumphed in Dubai. Their opening match against the USA is scheduled for 8:44 PM tonight, marking an exciting start to the tournament. The Fijiana team’s determination to recover from their previous performance, coupled with their emphasis on teamwork, offers a positive outlook as they aim for success in Cape Town.