The Top Two Inches-this is a relatively recent phrase that has permeated the sporting vernacular in recent times without ever gained true definition or thorough understanding

Firstly what does it mean? What does it do? How do I improve it? How do I practice it?

I like to think of the the top two inches as the control panel of the brain, the dashboard of the vehicle. It works best when fed facts and achievements, elements with a basis in proof.

A great sportsman’s control panel uses:

• experiences to break the game down into small, individual bite size process segments
• facts and achievements underpin reference points to know that success is more than just a hope, in fact the deeper the practice the more the result becomes an expectation.

Think of it like this; Usain Bolt has a  100m world record time of 9.58s. His achievement proves he can run the same time again. If he studies the mechanics and details of that sprint, and practices it in meaningful situations, he will know exactly what to replicate to do it again. Both  of these are proven facts. Knowing that is the case, the control panel simply focuses on the detail of the process, not the end goal. The destination is unimportant, but following the process sequence in the most efficient manner is essential.

Key to this is practicing under pressure; look to replicate pressured micro-tasks. A simple example of replicated pressure in rugby skills coaching would be to form a tight triangle of 3 players with another player in the middle. Players have to offload or hold around the triangle with perfect execution whilst the player in the middle tries to slap, intercept or grab the ball. In this is example, your aim is completion. Your ultimate aim is to go for the maximum number of consecutive completions of the same task under pressure. It is these facts (achievements) which grows confidence and at the same time hones technique. It does not matter if you choose to hold on to the ball- if you cannot see your target, don’t pass it- you are aiming for clean secure completion.

The other part of the Control Panel mechanism is your emotional side. This is understanding yourself and your ‘game persona’. Rarely are sportsmen the same person on-field as they are off field. Danny Grewcock is a great example; a very hard aggressive man on the field, and a quiet, laid back polite individual off field. Danny knows he needs an on field persona to be effective as a world class front five player. Most goal kickers I encourage an amount of aggression and ‘mean it’ to enable them to kick under pressure and block out the occasion often players like the ‘assassin’ mindset.

I hope this helps you understand how your brain controls your game (the mental side of your game).

In summary these are the things to remember:

1. Remember it’s your achievements, and facts of your performance that gives you confidence and expectation
2. Break the game down into its process parts and execute those components perfectly
3. Practice the process parts, and practice under relevant game situations (pressure)
4. Understand the game persona that will help you play your game within the team.

Enjoy getting better,

Dave Alred.