Whilst not playing badly, it's no surprise Watmough's name is not getting mentioned in rep team selections. I think he'll run into some form later in the season. He was unlucky not to score three time yesterday, and with a bit more confidence may well have done.
But they are two areas where he needs help ridding himself of technical deficiencies:
1. Catching
When catching a kick he looks like he's going to knock on - and he too often does. Two reasons. Firstly he only uses his hands and a puffed-up chest, and not his arms to catch the ball. His elbows are wide apart when he takes the ball to his chest. This leaves no room for error. The ball pops out. He should be taught to hold his elbows together when chest marking and take the ball in lower. This creates a large bucket that captures the ball and makes it very difficult for it to escape. Still use your hands and chest but use your arms too, and bring the ball in lower as you cup your chest and bend your head down. It's a cradle effect. Second, he catches the ball front-on so if it spills it can only be knocked forward. He should turn side on and have his body sway backwards with the ball on receipt. This has 2 effects. It creates a soft intake which increases the chances of catching it. And it virtually guarantees that if it is spilt, it goes backwards. The late Bob Batty was a master at these techniques. I can't remember ever seeing him knock on a chest mark - and as a fullback in the days of kicking duels, he took plenty.
2 Defence
Watmough's defence was found wanting again yesterday. Widders got past him with relative easy and very nearly scored. The impression I have is that Watmough is grabbing at players rather than driving into them with his shoulder. He has the speed to not be beaten, but his technique is awry.
But they are two areas where he needs help ridding himself of technical deficiencies:
1. Catching
When catching a kick he looks like he's going to knock on - and he too often does. Two reasons. Firstly he only uses his hands and a puffed-up chest, and not his arms to catch the ball. His elbows are wide apart when he takes the ball to his chest. This leaves no room for error. The ball pops out. He should be taught to hold his elbows together when chest marking and take the ball in lower. This creates a large bucket that captures the ball and makes it very difficult for it to escape. Still use your hands and chest but use your arms too, and bring the ball in lower as you cup your chest and bend your head down. It's a cradle effect. Second, he catches the ball front-on so if it spills it can only be knocked forward. He should turn side on and have his body sway backwards with the ball on receipt. This has 2 effects. It creates a soft intake which increases the chances of catching it. And it virtually guarantees that if it is spilt, it goes backwards. The late Bob Batty was a master at these techniques. I can't remember ever seeing him knock on a chest mark - and as a fullback in the days of kicking duels, he took plenty.
2 Defence
Watmough's defence was found wanting again yesterday. Widders got past him with relative easy and very nearly scored. The impression I have is that Watmough is grabbing at players rather than driving into them with his shoulder. He has the speed to not be beaten, but his technique is awry.
