SHANE RICE: Why jump performance matters
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IN the GAA, we all notice the obvious moments: winning a high catch, exploding out of a tackle, rising for a block or getting that first step to break a line. Underneath all of that is one big physical quality: how well an athlete can produce force fast. That’s why many strength and conditioning coaches, especially in […]


JOHN McMAHON: How to plan effectively for your team
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DO you know how to plan effectively for your GAA teams? The High Low System Popularized by Sprint Coach Charlie Francis, the terms “High” and “Low” refer to the intensity of demand on the nervous system from the training done. The HighLow Model is a way to organize the stress and demand of the training to […]


JOHN McMAHON: Are your players recovered?
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IN the athletic population and sports coaching world doing more & more is right? This couldn’t be more wrong!! From Hyrox to CrossFit to the coach in the middle of the field ‘beasting’ a team the more is better approach is here. If a Gaelic athlete is not ready for training, there is no point in putting […]


PATRICK MORRISON: The goalkeeping arc
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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 […]


JOHN McMAHON: Maximising your pre-season
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THE GAA off-season is a crucial period for players, coaches, and teams. It offers an opportunity to recharge, reflect, and prepare for the upcoming season. Here are some valuable tips to make the most of your off-season. 1. Rest and Recovery After a demanding season, it’s essential to prioritize rest. Allow your body and mind to […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Time to grow
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ALL over Ireland, county championships will be winding down to their final climactic games. This means that for most players, the season has ended and their so called off season begins, going from training three to five sessions per week down to one to two sessions and in some cases zero sessions per week. Most […]


PATRICK MORRISON: Becoming a stormbreaker
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By Patrick Morrison THE English word ‘storm’ comes from the Proto-Germanic ‘sturmaz’ which means noise or tumult (mayhem/chaos). Whenever we understand the origins of the word we can fully relate to the significance of its meaning. Being true to its name, storms are of course chaotic in nature while also having the ability to create […]


PATRICK MORRISON: The young goalkeeper
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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 […]


PATRICK MORRISON: The gloves are off
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By Patrick Morrison EVERYWHERE I go whenever I am coaching goalkeepers; I am always asked about what gloves I think are the best to use. What is the best make, the best cut, what is the best fit. The lot. In reality there is no perfect pair of gloves that is best for everyone. Just […]