Patrick Morrison: Critical non-essentials


“The area of immense interest to me was the importance of detail, not just any kind of detail but the development of things that would and could set us apart from any other team in the world. We had to assume that our main competitors would also have the same quality of players, the same […]


Patrick Morrison: Stop shot-stopping


WHENEVER I am coaching goalkeepers around the country, there are eight main goalkeeping areas that I will coach them in. These eight areas are, in my opinion, the main areas involved within the goalkeeping position and incorporate every possibility that a goalkeeper may face during competitive games. My eight goalkeeping areas are technical, activation, goalkeeping conditioning, […]


John McMahon: Six ways to prepare for the big game


As all GAA athletes know, a balanced diet, a good training regime, and mental preparation are crucial for success in competitions. Yet years of daily sporting routines, hours spent honing your training programme, and a considered nutritional intake count for little if you’re not in the right frame of mind before a big game. Many […]


Patrick Morrison: Practice deliberately


MY Levelled Progression Model is an excellent framework to use when looking to know what skills to introduce and when to introduce them. It deals with the different developmental stages of a goalkeeper in the context of their age and used correctly can massively improve the performances of any goalkeeper. In the sixth level of my progression model, it […]


JOHN McMAHON: Tactical periodisation coaching


SO, what is this? Let’s think back to our younger days playing Gaelic Games. I often recall having a warmup to start the session. It was usually a couple of laps around the pitch followed by stretches. We would then perform a few drills for the main body of the session, with a match at […]


John McMahon: A week inside the life of a ‘modern’ GAA player


EVER wondered how much time a ‘modern’ GAA player dictates to their sport? The time they invest to be at the top of their game? Below I have outlined some of these demands our GAA players face and the time they invest. I believe it’s worth reminding ourselves and be mindful of the commitment and sacrifice […]


PATRICK MORRISON: One on one – what do I do?


By Patrick Morrison IN Gaelic football, the situation that possibly has the highest amount of pressure for the goalkeeper would be that of the one v one situation. In this event you are in direct combat with a goal-bound opponent and there can only be one winner. Them or you. During this situation, time can […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Make sure you deliver


By Patrick Morrison SUNDAY, June 1 1997, the Chicago Bulls are hosting the Utah Jazz in Game One of the NBA Finals. The Jazz are appearing in their first ever NBA finals whereas the Bulls are going for their fifth title in seven years. Game one is a pivotal game especially for the team that […]


PATRICK MORRISON: The fountain of youth


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 not been given a […]


PATRICK MORRISON: The goalkeeping arc


By Patrick Morrison ONE of the most important aspects of goalkeeping in Gaelic football is being able to position oneself effectively in and around the crease, that is the area in front of the goals. Paradoxically, although it may be an important area, it is very rarely covered properly, if at all. Having a good starting […]