MOOD WORD DRILL


AIM:  

To teach surfers how to use “mood” words when performing their surfing manoeuvres.


PREPARATION:  

The surfers should be informed about “mood” words and their effect on surfing performances.

“Mood” words are words that a surfer can say to themselves as they perform an action.

For example, when they hit the lip they can say to themselves “smack” to make the hit more crisp, followed by “stick” as they descend to help maintain balance.

The use of “mood” words has a positive effect on a surfer’s commitment, focus during a manoeuvre, and the correct timing involved in the successful completion of the manoeuvre.


DRILL: 

  • Ask the surfers to surf for twenty minutes or a required number of waves. 
  • The coach can allocate a target manoeuvre to be performed, and the surfer is instructed to use a “mood” word during its execution.

NOTES TO THE COACH

“Mood” words can be used in all aspects of a surfer’s performance.

As a surfer is paddling for the peak they can remind themselves to take off deep by saying “deep”.

  • As a surfer is paddling for the peak they can remind themselves to take off deep by saying “deep”.
  • On the bottom turn, “low-low”.
  • As they hit the lip,“smack”. As they perform a snap, “whip”.
  • As they start the cutback, “hold”. As they hit the foam, “whack”.
  • As they perform the final manoeuvre, “stick” to maintain balance.

Word list:

  • Power: smash, snap, rip, blast, explode, bang
  • Persistence: crowd, hustle, smother, worry
  • Speed: jab, smack, flick, whip, fling, quick
  • Balance: solid, firm, centre, stick, glue foot

Note: Words that have the most effect on performance are those ones that you feel are most appropriate to you. 

What works well for you may not be good for other surfers.

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