Chad Townsend keeps NFL-style playbook to learn attacking structure at Cronulla Sharks
CHAD Townsend has adopted the mentality of an NFL quarterback memorising his team’s 30 set moves and attacking plays by carrying a notepad and pen.
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MOMENTS before Sunday’s clash with the Gold Coast, Chad Townsend will flick through his playbook for one final review.
The Cronulla Sharks halfback has adopted the mentality of an NFL quarterback, memorising his team’s 30 set moves and attacking plays by carrying a notepad and pen to every video session and match this season.
Such is the dedication Townsend has for his pre and post-game homework, the self-confessed student of the game says it has been a major catalyst towards his near-flawless return to the club after spending the previous two seasons with the New Zealand Warriors.
“I know a lot of NFL players do it as well,’’ Townsend told The Sunday Telegraph.
“I’m a big NFL fan and they say that the quarterback has to remember the whole playbook and there’s a very big similarity ... a halfback is like a quarterback. You’ve got to remember all the plays, the position calls, what the coach wants, it’s up to you to get it on the field and that’s the way I’ve approached it.
“It’s part of my kit bag and if there’s a certain thing that I’m doing this weekend different compared to previous weeks, I make sure I’ve read over my notes and I’m ready for it.’’
Townsend’s attention to detail is born from several motivating and contributing factors.
At 25, the Yarrawarrah Tigers local junior has returned to his home of the Shire with both self-belief and added maturity, which he says was exposed by living on his own across the Tasman. “The two years in New Zealand were really good for my football career and its probably the best decision I’ve made in my career,’’ Townsend said.
“It made me grow up on and off the field, that was something I really enjoyed about New Zealand — it made me become more mature.
“I came back here having played with a whole different team and different structures.
“But coming back, my only focus was that I wanted the No.7 (halfback) jersey.
“That was my main focus all pre-season, do everything you can to get that seven jersey, don’t let anyone take it — it’s your jersey.”
So with his notepad, Townsend went back to school. And so far, his report card has been exemplary, having scored more tries (three) in five games with the Sharks than he did in his 22 games (two) for the Warriors last year.
“I came here and it was like being at a new club again, having to learn a new playbook of plays and positions and set calls, I approached it like homework,’’ Townsend said.
“In every video session I took my book and I wrote stuff down. The best way for me to remember things is to write things down and that’s what I did. When I watch film or when I watch clips to learn calls, I write it down. Then when I get home and I have a bit of spare time, I read over it.
“This team is about ownership and I’m just really enjoying my time, it’s a special group and one I want to be a part of for as long as I can.’’
Originally published as Chad Townsend keeps NFL-style playbook to learn attacking structure at Cronulla Sharks
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