Steven Poacher – Teach your players to adapt

LOOK, NO BALL – Possession is important, but being able to adapt in a game is more important

In the current issue of Gaelic Life, Steven Poacher talks about decision making within matches.

He says that Gaelic Football has evolved into a game in which possession is king. However, he says that players must be able to adapt.

“Gaelic Football and most other invasion games have now evolved to the extent that in all of them possession of the ball is now looked upon as being critical, even to the extent that kick outs have been labelleed ‘possession-restarts’ – another indication of a team’s obsession to retain the ball.

“I feel that it is important for a team to be able to adapt and change their style during a game. It needs to be coached in training in order for players to become accustomed to it.

“Of course having good players and smart players can help too as their ability to change their style of play during a game at half time can reap rewards, and a more direct approch can pay off.”

He goes on to explain a drill to use to help develop your players’ ability to adapt mid-game.

Read the full article in the current issue of Gaelic Life. Click here to buy the digital edition.