Paul Arden | Monday, 16 March 2026
What an incredible weekend of rugby. Just amazing and what a conclusion to perhaps the most fascinating Six Nations tournament ever!! That was worth staying up for. Even if the France-England kick-off for me was at 4.10am! Talk about stepping up for high pressure moments.
The final kick of the tournament… success wins the match and the tournament. Missing not only loses the match but also the tournament. Millions of people watching. And Ramos kicks the ball dead straight between the uprights. Brilliant. Just brilliant.
I coach quite a few fly casters at elite competition level. Achieving the right mind set during competition is so important. We undoubtedly have to embrace the moment. After all, this is actually why we compete in the first place.
Doing this ourselves one thing, coaching others is quite another. When I cast well I feel like I’m standing on top of the world and I own everything around me that I can see. This is my moment. After discussing pressure with Phil Blackmar I’ve realised that if you want to cast well, then you should get into that mind space first, and not only as a result of casting well.
It’s the same when taking shots. I have that very same feeling. Something to try next would be to remember how it feels to make a great shot. Replay it in your mind. And then step up and compete.
Finding out what works for others, and helping them find their process, is what I’m trying to learn to do better. I’m going to search for some podcasts on this subject. “With Winning in Mind” is a good one. But I’m sure that there are others. Listening to Jonny Wilkinson is always good. And I’ve shared a few of his clips to athletes.
It’s not just for competition of course, but it applies equally when a tarpon appears after searching for 3 hours, or when a Snakehead breathes. It’s all largely tied to managing what goes on through our minds when the opportunity appears. It’s not just about looking where you want to place the fly, although that matters too of course. It’s also about being able to see the shot and maybe even feel the shot before we execute.
Late front page this one. That’s what happens when you stay up all night watching rugby!!
Andy will be building the Sexyloops Tornado this week in Texas. Yay!
Have a great week!
Cheers,Paul