PREPARATION in the week leading up to a championship plays a crucial role in determining team performance on game day. Competitive teams invest countless hours in training with the goal of peaking at the right time for championship, which is the business end of the season. From a physiological standpoint, players can typically achieve two […]
SHANE RICE: How anaerobic speed reserve can get your team championship ready
July 10, 2024
THE ASR method is something I have researched over the past 18 to 24 months. Combining MAS and MSS is a much more accurate way of conditioning and profiling the players for the championship ahead. I would only use ASR for the summer, mainly because I find it difficult to find true MSS in the […]
SHANE RICE: The low block in modern football: Why are teams using it?
June 11, 2024
THE low block is a phrase that we are all now hearing but it has been around for the last number of years and it’s not just the Ulster teams using it. More recently, it’s Donegal that set up very defensively but does it have its place? A low block is a defensive strategy where […]
SHANE RICE: MAS appeal crucial for GAA fitness
May 13, 2024
MAXIMAL Aerobic Speed (MAS) stands as a cornerstone in the realm of GAA fitness, offering a pathway to peak performance for players. While commonly utilized in professional sports, MAS has now become a focal point in the pre-season regimens of GAA coaches, presenting a versatile tool for enhancing team fitness year-round. The significance of MAS […]
SHANE RICE: Maximising performance: recovery techniques
April 15, 2024
RECOVERY is a crucial aspect of athletic performance, especially for Gaelic footballers who endure intense physical demands on the field. In the modern era, there isn’t much between the intensity of high level club teams and inter-county setup. Implementing effective recovery techniques can not only accelerate post-match or post-training recovery but also enhance overall performance and […]
SHANE RICE: McGuinness coming out aggressive
February 1, 2024
IN a display that left spectators awestruck, Jim McGuinness showcased his aggressive coaching style as Donegal went head to head with Cork last weekend. The match, described by many as “men against boys,” unfolded as a tactical masterclass, with Donegal proving both physically and technically superior to their opponents. One of the key takeaways from […]
SHANE RICE: Building the perfect warm-up: Balancing preparation and efficiency
January 9, 2024
IN the world of sports, the pre-game ritual is a sacred time, a delicate balance between readiness and conservation of energy. As a coach, I’ve traversed the spectrum, from overzealous warm-ups to realising that less is often more when it comes to preparing players for the impending match. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for the ideal […]
SHANE RICE: Maximizing performance: The power of tactical and gym periodization in sports training
December 6, 2023
IN the realm of sports coaching, the concept of tactical and gym periodization stands as a strategic cornerstone for optimising team performance. As we gear up for the 2024 season, understanding and implementing this method can significantly elevate our club team’s prowess. Tactical and gym periodization revolves around finely dividing the season into distinct phases, […]
SHANE RICE: Mastering the art of Gaelic football preparation
November 6, 2023
GAELIC football, a sport rich in tradition and passion, demands more than just physical prowess on game day. Victory is not solely achieved through training and skills development; it’s the culmination of meticulous game day preparation that sets the stage for success. I will delve into the essential pre-game routines, strategies, and mental preparation that […]
SHANE RICE: Balancing act for championship finale
October 4, 2023
AS championship football at the club level continues to evolve, so does the relentless intensity that accompanies it. With each passing year, the demands on players reach new heights. They run more, at higher speeds, with increased accelerations, decelerations, frequent changes of direction, and endure physicality like never before. For coaches, the later stages of […]