OVER my football career I have played in many positions. From defence to forwards I have experienced playing in every position possible on the field. In later years, from U16 up to senior I played at midfield until I was 24 at which time a took a four-year sabbatical from football. When I returned to […]
IN a previous article, I have focused on how teams need to put more concerted efforts into providing adequate structures in place in regard to their goalkeepers and more specifically their youth goalkeepers. I have outlined the importance of getting the correct training methods specific to the position while also stressing the importance they have to […]
AT the weekend, my old Armagh teammate produced a kickout masterclass in their Ulster Championship semi-final against rivals Down. The level of consistency and efficiency in execution resulted in a ninety-five percentage kickout retention, 21 of 22 to be exact, on their own kickout. Kicking to this level is something that does not come with […]
THIS week’s title stokes memories of that famous 1990 number one single of the same name, from Irish singer Sinead O’Connor. The song, originally written and sung by Prince, depicts the emotions of a heartbroken lover going through a difficult break-up and for the purpose of this week’s article it is a very fitting analogy […]
With the football season in full swing at all levels of the game, goalkeepers the length and breadth of the country will be training hard trying to improve their competitive performance. Another part of their game they will be looking at, or should be at this stage, is their mindset and in particular how to deal […]
By Patrick Morrison WATCHING the provincial games over the weekend, I cannot help but notice how many kick-out options goalkeepers would have if they were truly able to kick with both feet comfortably. Those goalkeepers who can kick equally with both feet are at a definitive advantage as they are extremely hard to read and […]
By Patrick Morrison LAST weekend saw the culmination of the National Football Leagues with each of the divisional finals taking place. The four winners of Carlow (Division Four), Down (Division Three), Meath (Division Two) and Donegal (Division One) were all worthy winners overcoming Longford, Wexford, Cork and Kerry respectfully. Both of the Division Three and […]
By Patrick Morrison NOW that the round robin phases of the National Football Leagues have finished, we can concentrate on some fantastic finals in all four divisions. On Saturday, Carlow will play Longford in the Division Four final followed by Down v Wexford in the Division Three final. Then, on Sunday, we will be treated […]
By Patrick Morrison CHILDREN are curious and insightful individuals who explore and learn through the process of trial and error just as nature intended. Their world is loaded with all kinds of imaginary, games and toys. All a child wants to do is explore their world through the medium of play. And what child has […]
By Patrick Morrison A FEW weeks ago, Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney had been reported stating that how he understood that the current state of restarts involves an element of “piggery” in their application. Whether people want to accept that as fact is irrelevant because restarts have always an element of brutishness, ugliness and sheer will […]
