PATRICK MORRISON: Restarts are a team thing


THE kickout has changed so much tactically over the past 30 years. So much so, that the name has been changed along with it. From punting the ball out to the midfield areas where players would compete for the ball in 50/50 challenges to try and catch, break or attain possession; they have now evolved into […]


JOHN McMAHON: The secret of the 24 hours before a big game


THE club championships are in full flow now & most counties are entering the knockout stages. Preparing for the ‘big game’ can be a very stressful time for both players and management. Firstly, it is completely normal for the anxiety to intensify especially on the day before the event. Below I have outlined some mental and […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Effective communication a key for goalkeepers


WHAT is Effective Communication? Communication is any form of information that is relayed between two interfacing entities. Whether it be audible, visual, hand signals or even just body language if it sends a message to be received it is deemed as communication. Goalkeepers are in that precarious position of play developing in front of them […]


SHANE RICE: A well-planned taper is vital on the week of championship


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 […]


PATRICK MORRISON: The play-off push


IN American sports, they split their competitions into two parts with the first part being called the regular season and the second part called the post-season, more affectionately known as the Playoffs. Every team in each sport (baseball, basketball or gridiron) will have realistic and attainable goals for their franchise. The better teams, as well […]


DECLAN McCOY: Rip it and run


By Declan McCoy THERE’S only one place to start this week’s article and that is to say a massive well done to Armagh on reaching the All-Ireland final. Whilst we haven’t yet got over the line, we sometimes take for granted the brilliant days out Geezer and the players have given us over the last […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Be coachable


“The best skill that I ever had was that I was coachable. I was like a sponge, and aggressive to learn. Being ‘coachable’ means being humble and vulnerable enough to know you’re not perfect. It means being open to honest and constructive feedback, even if it is tough to take. Being ‘uncoachable’ includes behaviours such […]