IN Gaelic football, speed is a critical factor that can often be the difference between winning and losing. The greatest gains in speed performance come from high-quality training that emphasizes technical precision, high-intensity efforts, and long recovery periods. Essentially, speed training must be focused on quality over quantity. When it comes to sprinting, a player’s […]
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 […]
SHANE RICE: How anaerobic speed reserve can get your team championship ready
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?
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
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: Mastering the art of Gaelic football preparation
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
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 […]
SHANE RICE: The layers of coaching wisdom
STEPPING into the world of coaching after returning from Toronto, Canada in 2020 has marked a journey of transformation in both language and methods. While I wouldn’t claim to have it all figured out, each passing year has added to my coaching evolution, making the learning curve an indispensable part of my development in this […]
SHANE RICE: Dublin’s relentless pressure seals victory
LAST Saturday evening, Dublin showcased their championship pedigree as they overcame a determined Monaghan side by a margin of seven points in a rain-soaked battle at Croke Park. Despite the challenging conditions, Monaghan fans turned out in full force, with unwavering support for their team throughout the intense contest. Monaghan exhibited commendable fight throughout the […]
SHANE RICE: Armagh’s intensity and determination paid off
LAST Sunday, Armagh displayed their mettle as they triumphed over Galway, securing a coveted spot in the All-Ireland quarter-finals. The atmosphere in Carrick-on-Shannon was electric, with fans contributing to the vibrant ambiance that accompanied this crucial clash. Right from the opening whistle, Armagh showcased their hunger and determination, exuding an unmistakable bite. In the first half, […]