Coaching Tip Number 1 - Drills v Games

As players develop, their technique improves more rapidly than any other part of their game. They can usually learn to kick, catch, fist, block, solo etc. with a fair degree of comfort. The better players often practise these skills at home and come on faster than those who only rely on drills in coaching sessions once or twice a week.

What they find more difficult is to develop the ability to make the right decision in a game - when to pass, who to pass to, where to run, how to pass.

A coach who prepares a squad through sessions filled with drills, is only working at one part of the game.

How can a drill solve problems like 'forwards bunching' or 'lack of midfield support' or 'no width' or 'poor use of quick frees'? The answer is...it CAN'T!

If a player is a poor kicker of the ball, there is work done to solve that problem. What are we doing to help the player who takes the wrong option more often than the right one in a game?
Get working at games. Remember...Games = Problems. Start solving the problems!

Coaching Tip Number 2 - From Technique to Team play

One of the more difficult things to coach to young players is the need to modify their individual styles for the good of the team.

If you have spent time ensuring that players are comfortable on the ball, it means you have worked on kicking, catching, lifting, blocking, tackling, shooting, evasion skills and solo running.

The most attractive of these skills to a young player is very often 'solo running'.

The feeling the player gets when he/she can run while making a ball spin from toe to hand is tremendous. Many players want to use this technique as often as possible.

So, when you step in to coach team play and take players to another level, some see it as a denial of the right to try out this great skill of solo running.

However, it has to be done. There are no easy answers, but if you explain that you recognise their position and, at the same time, remind them that your job is to take them to higher and higher levels of play [i.e. adding more skills to their repertoire] you may find it easier to introduce.
Conditions, limits, modifications....whatever you choose to call them, must be set for players to experience the beauty of good teamwork and to learn how passing, support running and shooting can bring as good a feeling as individual solo running.

Remember.....you may only have to limit a few players at a time, rather than impose a blanket ban on all solo running. One trick is to take a team aside [e.g. in a 9v9 game] and choose two of the players from one team who must play the ball immediately. Only inform their team-mates [not the opposition] and let them respond to this for a five or ten minute spell. The roles may be rotated among the team to let all practise.

This lets you see how well two players can change their games to benefit teamplay and how quickly their team-mates learn to make themselves available for passes from them.
Try it out - soon!

Coaching Tip Number 3 - Cut The Queues!

One of the most annoying sights in coaching is a long queue of players lining up to take part in a drill or an exercise.

Who can state a valid reason for a queue of 8, 9 or 10 players [or more], each waiting in turn for two seconds of action?

All coaches, when designing drills or exercises, should look carefully at how the WORK:REST RATIO pans out.

If an exercise means that a player has 2-3 seconds of movement for a ball, followed by 30-40 seconds of lining up for the next bus, there is something wrong with the drill set-up.

Think the exercise through and divide the group or increase the number of footballs being used - do anything except let the queue continue to form and the players continue to lose out!

If the drill involves jogging, a good rule of thumb is a work:rest ratio of 1:1. Should the emphasis be on speed, then set a ratio of 1:4 or 1:5.

In effect, this means that you simply include two players in a queue for the jogging exercise and five or six players maximum in the speed drill. The numbers used will determine the work:rest ratio.

Coaching Tip Number 10 - 'Increasing the Traffic'

Many drills and practice exercises on the pitch are excellent, but often they do not mirror reality.
For example: A coach may run two or three drills in different areas of the pitch, all involving passing or catching or solo running or lifting etc. and all happening at the same time.

Small groups of players take part in each and there is always plenty of space in which to work. This is fine up to a point.

If coaches took two different drills, let players get used to them first and then moved the cones to superimpose the exercises one on top of the other at different angles, this would allow players to practise skills and techniques while others moved among them and around the same area.
Players who can learn to cope with 'increased traffic' in a smaller area will be able to carry this through to a game, where there are team-mates and opponents getting in the way of passes etc.
Go on...try it!

Coaching Tip Number 14 - Caution - Ladders in Use!

A word of warning to all of those coaches who have been swept away by the craze that is 'Ladder Work'. Without doubt, ladders have their place in coaching.

They are useful tools to aid the development of fast footwork, balance and coordination.

However, such is the interest in this approach, that some coaches are overdoing ladder work. Will this lead to a generation of footballers who are both nimble and evasive, but have forgotten the absolute need to develop long strides instead of short ones in order to break a tackle, complete a good lift and make ground more efficiently?

Last year I watched a player jink his way about the pitch, looking busy at all times. It wasn't until I saw him up against a long-striding opponent or two that I realised he was busy going nowhere and that the speed of his footwork was doing nothing for his pace over the ground. Only sustained work on lengthening his stride improved his effectiveness.

Coaching Tip Number 15 - Your Session Checklist

Coaching Tip Number 22 - Think how you mark!

Teaching your players to think about how a direct opponent plays the game is a worthwhile thing to do, but a difficult one to practise. Here's one approach that helps players get used to reading other players. Who knows what advantages it may bring in a competitive match?

Pick two teams for a practice game during training. Before the throw-in, call aside one or two players who have been matched against good opponents. Ask each player to work out some things
about how his/her opponent likes to play the game.

Ask the players to focus only on one or two aspects e.g.
Does your opponent usually fist pass or kick pass the ball?
Does your opponent kick with his/her left foot, right foot or both feet?
Does your opponent usually pass the ball immediately, take a bounce or toe-tap before deciding or does he/she usually run with it?

As the game develops make a note of what your own answers are to these questions. Stop the game after 10 minutes and call both players over to check their answers. See if they match yours.
Now ask them to concentrate on one aspect of the opponent's game and do something to counter it.

Make no mistake, this is a long-term coaching strategy. Players will find it tough, but it will make them better footballers.

Coaching Tip Number 23 - 'Work to Rest' Ratios...a Vital Balance

Watch out for the danger of burnout for certain players. These players are often the better ones and, as a result, they are pulled every way by club, other sports and school demands. What goes unnoticed is the amount of work demanded of these players.

Take the case of a 17 year-old who plays Gaelic Football, Australian Rules, Soccer and Cricket. Which of his four coaches will be the first to contact the others to plan a common approach to training? Which coach will recognise that the player's health is at risk if he must play a full part in all training?

I suggest that all four will acknowledge the risk but few will be prepared to do anything about it!
The same experienced coaches are, no doubt, fully aware of the importance of WORK:REST RATIOS when running a coaching session. These same coaches know that if they work on stamina, they usually afford players a ratio of 1:1 [e.g. work for a minute, rest for a minute] to allow for proper recovery. Similarly, they know that if they work on speed, the ratio has to change to as much as 1:5 [e.g. work for 5 seconds, rest for 25 seconds].

So, how about planning for recovery in the 'bigger picture'? It's time coaches got together to find out what demands are being made of the top young players, made decisions for the players' good and reaped the benefits as a result.

Coaching Tip Number 24 - Off the Laces Please!

Whatever age group you coach, whatever standard your players have reached, I'll guess that you've seen many of them bear down on goal, reach 20m out and still screw the ball wide.

Let them practise at a coaching session and, odds are, many will continue to kick the ball wide from this position.

Shooting technique is vital for increasing a player's scoring average. The answer to this particular problem is quite simple - but it isn't stylish, so players don't like it.

Players love to get into this '20m from goal' position and do one of two things - play it off the instep [a la soccer free kick] or strike across the ball with the outside of the boot. Both look good, both make the ball swerve, both will get scores, but neither will ever beat "TOE DOWN, HEAD DOWN - OFF THE LACES!"

To practise this technique set out three or four lines of flexi markers that bear down on goal from different angles. Each line should be 10-15m long and finish approx. 20m from goal, pointing right at the centre spot on the bar.

Ask a player to run tight to a line and shoot "toe down, head down - off the laces" when he/she reaches the end. Make no mistake - if you start this with seniors, it will take them ages to change - but they can do, if they really want to. Start with U8s and U10s and you'll really reap the benefits.

Good Luck!

Coaching Tip Number 25 - Corners Don't Count

For all those players who win the ball in the midfield area and look up before delivering a telling pass, I have a message.... corners don't count and crosses don't work! Next time you see that forward scurrying towards the corner of the pitch, screaming at the top of their voice for a pass, ignore them.

Let them run...the team may need their run to take an opponent away and open up the opposition defence...but the team certainly doesn't need the ball to follow him/her. Should the passer give the ball into the corner, it usually takes at least two passes to get it out of there and into a scoring position. The time taken allows opponents to filter back and defend en masse.

Sometimes the player in the corner is bottled up and tries to manufacture a cross [get to the by-line and cross it!] which stuns everyone in the square, ends up missing them all and rolls harmlessly over the far touchline. The most successful attacks are still those where the ball is worked into the area between the stop-nets as quickly and accurately as possible. Play it wide, of course, but switch it back inside before the 20m line to increase your team's chances of scoring.

How do you work this into your drills and games at training?

Coaching tip Number 26 - They're fit...but not 'match fit'.

How many times have you heard someone say of a player.....They’re fit, but not match fit.?
What does it mean? How can we be sure that a player is match fit? What can we do to get players match fit?

Match fitness can only come through playing games. Unfortunately, some have taken this to mean that a player needs to wait for a competitive game against another team before he can work on his match fitness. This is not true.

As has been said already, the only way to get match fit is to play games. If the right game is played in training then the coach can not only bring a player up to speed in terms of match fitness but can also set the limits for all players.

You see, match fitness is about how quickly a player can make a decision, how well he can react to a situation, how aware he is of the play around him. It has to be founded on physical fitness [particularly sharpness] but it is a 'brain' thing more than anything else.

When you hear people say that a player can't cope with the speed of the game, it doesn't mean that he cannot run as fast as the other players. It means his/her thinking, his/her reactions and his/her awareness are not as sharp as they should be.

So.... what can coaches do?
The best games are based on the clock. Try playing a game, with normal rules except for the condition which allows each player a maximum of 3 seconds on the ball. Just count 1,2,3 when a player is in possession. This is better than calling for one toe-tap and/or one bounce. The best way to play this is to use one coach to referee and another to run the 3 second rule and blow only when this is broken.

If players really respond, cut it to 2 seconds. You will really only be able to do this after a number of weeks working on the former.

Another way to use the clock is to decide on a certain number of seconds during which a team may score. Imagine the keeper kicks the ball out and a player gathers the ball at midfield. The coach/referee calls out a countdown......10, 9, 8, 7 etc. The team must shoot for a score before 0 is reached. If the opposition wins the ball, the coach decides on the number from which to start the countdown [e.g. the opposition wins the ball only 45m from the goal. The coach needs to speed up their play, so he begins the countdown from 5.]

There are many modifications to such games...all based on working towards match fitness at speeds where opponents cannot hope to compete.

Coaching tip Number 27 - Freeze Frame

What are you doing to improve your forwards' concentration and ability to switch roles quickly and win the ball back when the ball is lost to the opposition?

Here's one to try. Imagine the situation in a game where forwards have been in possession and in
attack mode. Each forward is looking for space and trying to get away from defenders. Suddenly the ball is lost near the opposition goal and their backs can counter. Why are these backs usually able to build reasonably easily as they move out of defence? Answer - because the forwards find themselves in no man's land, are slow to react and tend to watch the ball.

Choose one half of the pitch. Set out 6-8 multimarkers, as if they were forwards in various attacking positions. Pair off defenders and attackers and ask each pair to stand at a marker. Then tell the defenders to take three big steps away from the multimarkers. Leave the forwards where they are. You now have a FREEZE-FRAME situation, a moment captured in time.

Start the ball in the goalkeeper's arms. To begin the play, let the goalkeeper throw the ball in the air and catch it. The game is now on.

Forwards must work out how best to close down defenders and win the ball back before the backs work it out and over the halfway line. Forwards must learn to switch from attacking mode to defending mode faster and faster until it becomes instinct. In other words, these mini-game situations will only work if you, the coach, are prepared to run twenty of them rather than just one or two.

Players can take up positions again in a few seconds and the exercise can be run again and again. Practice makes permanent.

Coaching tip Number 28 - The Plight of the Two-Footed Jumper

It sounds like the title of a weird Hollywood movie, but it's just another problem we have to address in coaching.

We've all seen them. The players who run to the point where the ball will drop from the sky, get there a second early, stand with both feet on the ground and jump straight up to make the catch.
Now let's get something clear. These players do catch the ball at times. However, they generally jump about six inches off the ground instead of sixteen inches and they make a vertical leap rather than one that takes them along a path to meet the ball in flight.

So...problem spotted..how can we fix it?

Here's one tried and tested way. If a player was faced with a leap across a stream or river, he/she would never run to the edge of the bank, stop briefly and take off two-footed. The jump is led by one leg, and the leap is not only across but also up, to gain extra distance.

Apply the same process to the high catch at midfield and you have the template. Set up the river, using two lines of multimarkers. Decide on a realistic width for the river [test the jump without the ball first].

Coach stands midstream and either holds the ball above head height [for younger children] or lobs the ball [for older players]. As the players get used to the exercise, the idea should be to widen the river and work on technique through HEAD, HANDS and FEET positions.

Head - Watching the flight of the ball
Hands - Reach long with the arms, W shape with hands to catch
Feet - Plant one foot and drive the opposite knee up to give the lift [a natural jumping action to cross a stream]. Land running with the ball.
And when players need reminding during games, tell them to 'JUMP THE RIVER'.

Coaching tip Number 29 - Tackling with your Feet!

A foul, I hear you say...and indeed a foot block or a sliding tackle or a foot in when someone is lifting the ball is a foul.

But we're looking at how few players use their feet properly to get in position for a successful tackle and dispossession.

You must have seen the player who makes ground to catch an opponent, only to lean forward from the waist [while still running] to reach for the ball.

You must also have witnessed the player who stands flat-footed in front of an oncoming opponent, only to be knocked off-balance at the first contact.

And finally...what about the player who rushes in to the tackle and is easily rounded by a deft side step or feint?

To remedy these situations a coach must look first at the footwork of the players who tackle poorly. Run tackle drills of course, but ask players to focus on staying balanced and flexible, to concentrate on good footwork to get them in position to win the ball back. What takes a boxer into position to throw a punch or to evade a punch...sharp footwork.

The four Ds in tackling.....DELAY [the player], DENY [him/her space], DISPOSSESS [him/her of the ball] and DEVELOP [the next move]. To do the first two, think FEET! They'll take you where you want to go.

Coaching tip Number 30 - Kicking the C or Kicking the J

Dave Alred is Johnny Wilkinson's Kicking Coach. The following are his thoughts directed at 'free' takers, be they from rugby or from Gaelic football.

He suggested that many players swing their kicking foot around in an arc after they have stuck the ball; or at least they think they do it AFTER they have kicked. In actual fact, the arc has started BEFORE the ball is struck and it can cause problems with the direction and flight of the ball.
Imagine a left-footer who has this problem. He will trace the letter C in the air with his foot. The bottom of the C is where the swing starts; the middle of the C is where contact is made and the top of the C is where his foot ends up; quite a definite arc.

Alred suggested that the best swing would trace the letter J in the air. Now for a left-footer you must imagine the J to be back to front. The swing starts at the hook of the J; contact is made as the J straightens and the foot ends up at the top of the J. This gives the kick a correct follow-through.

So, if you're a 'free' taker...try kicking the J rather than the C.

Coaching tip Number 31 - THE LAZY BALL

Into modern Gaelic football has come the scourge that is called the low ball. Don't get me wrong, now. I'm not advocating a return to the sky-high balloon kick that gives those at ground level ample opportunity to have a picnic before the ball re-enters the atmosphere.

I'm complaining about the grubber-style pass along the ground that a player uses to thread the ball through to a forward who has made a break towards him. The player who bursts out like a train [with defender in tow] is given a pass that is well nigh impossible to gather cleanly. It may have been tucked neatly under an opponent's block, but the receiver has to change pace, direction, stance and even his mind to collect such a pass.

This type of pass comes originally from rugby, where it is used to slip the ball between defenders for a teammate to run onto and score - and there lies the difference. The receiver in Rugby is moving with the ball player. Our forward is coming to meet the pass.

Enough of the complaining - what about a solution?

I call this pass 'The Lazy Ball', because the kicker is doing the minimum to evade his opponent and make space for a pass. Players must work hard on evasion skills that throw an opponent off balance enough to be able to get a good pass away to the runner.

If coaches made these demands and sought to cut out this lazy ball, we might get more fluid attacks and fewer blasts on the whistle.

Watch for the lazy ball in the next game and think about changing it!

Coaching tip Number 32 - KICK FOR POSITION

Here is a small-sided game to try. It is simple to set up, easy to run and with one slight modification, it can help young players [or older ones] learn the value of forwards playing deep and leaving space to run onto a pass from midfield or defence.

Choose two teams [6 players in each].
Each team will have 1 goalkeeper, 2 backs, 1 midfielder and 2 forwards.

Set out a pitch area to suit age/skill level [e.g. U12s might play on a pitch 60m x 30m whereas seniors might need an 80m x 45m one].

Use cones or poles for goals at either end.
The only scores that count are shots that beat the 'keeper when hit along or close to the ground.

Divide the pitch into two halves, using a line of flexi markers.
During the game backs and forwards may not cross this line. Only midfielders may cross [this helps them work on supporting runs].

Add one more rule before you start the game.
All passes across the line of markers must be PROPER KICK PASSES.

Coaches must insist that players do not simply work the ball close to the line and tap a five metre kick across the line].

How does this help? Forwards will no longer hug the halfway line waiting for backs to work the ball out and offer a short fist pass. Each team has only two forwards.
Running from deep allows the midfielder to get up in support. The game also forces forwards to make lateral and diagonal runs, watch the play closely and change pace to win the ball.

Without the line and the kicking rule, the players will bunch, forwards will run away from the pass [like wide receivers in American Football] and midfielders will not work as hard to support].

Try it, stick with it and rotate the positions to let everyone experience playing different roles.

Coaching tip Number 33 - HIT THE CROSSBAR!

If you coach our youngest players, those who play with a size 3 or size 4 football, you may have noticed that many tend to kick pass the ball anywhere between ground level and 10 metres high. Coaches will always try to reduce the number of low daisy-cutters or vertical bombs that these young players kick. We all want to see the perfect kick that is played over 20-30m, reaches no more than 3m at its highest point and can be caught by the receiver, either on the full or after one bounce.

But how can a coach get through to players who can't quite grasp the idea of 'head down, toe down' and can't execute or even begin to imagine that perfect kick pass?

One way that clicks with some of them is the idea of 'hit the crossbar'. Take aside a few players that are having difficulty and run a short, fun competition from the 13m line. Each should try to hit the crossbar of the main goals as many times as possible. Now remember, few will hit the bar more than once, but most will eventually strike a ball or two that gets close.

When these players return to drill work or even games, remind them that a good kick pass is like hitting the crossbar. The same technique that they use in the competition will enable them to hit better kick passes. All they have to do is be brave enough to try.

Coaching tip Number 34 - OPPORTUNITIES V TIME

A top coach who guided his club team to an All-Ireland championship in the early nineties, regularly switched or even substituted players during the early stages of games. When asked why he didn't let players have more time to settle before he acted, the coach answered: 'Time has little to do with it. I only count opportunities, not time.'

His idea was simple yet brilliant. If a player had four chances to win the ball and lost out on three, then he had to be changed before his confidence was shattered altogether. It didn't matter if these opportunities came in the first five minutes or over the period of one half of the game.

The same coach maintained that it was vital all players were aware of this practice. They had to know that a switch was not a way to say 'You're not good enough' , but a chance to remind them that 'this is not your day in that spot...let's start again somewhere else'.

So, if you are a coach who prefers to make changes based on 'time', think about looking for 'missed opportunities' instead. Remember to make sure your players know and understand the idea and see if your tactical work on the line improves.

Coaching tip Number 35 - SWITCH THE PLAY [GAME]

A game that only takes effect for one team when in the opposition half [or for forwards in a backs v forwards situation].

Set out two lines of flexi markers [not domes] running from the half-way line to the end line. Both should be approx. 20m in from each touchline

The lines create 3 channels [wide channels of 20m each and a centre channel of 35-40m on normal pitch].

The rules are simple. Should the attacking team have possession in any of the two 'wide' channels, the player on the ball must switch play into the middle channel rather than give a pass down the wing.

The game is designed to ensure that any attack does not end up in the corners and that the main thrust is through the centre. This does not mean that players should pack the centre channel. Players may move freely between channels to create space, but the ball should be played from wide to centre as much as possible.

Coaches should only inform the attacking team of the ploy so that defenders have to work it out and counter it. Coaches must also convince players of the need to make decoy runs into these wide channels in order to draw defenders out of the scoring zone.

Coaching tip Number 36 - THREE TO SCORE

One piece of Gaelic game analysis suggests that winning teams keep up an average of at least one score for every three times they take possession of the ball in the opposition half of the pitch. Anything less often spells defeat.

This game is designed to simulate such conditions and force players to work to keep up the scoring rate.

Set up a pitch to suit numbers on each team, and then run a line of flexi markers along the halfway line.

Play with normal rules.

Point out that each team STARTS with a score of 3.

For each time that a team attacks [i.e. takes possession in the opposition half] and does not score, 1 is taken off the starting score of 3.

The first team to have its score reduced to 0 loses that game [usually one of a series of games set by the coach].

If a team scores before the 3 becomes 0, the rate is maintained and a new ‘3’ is awarded.
e.g.Team A misses with its first shot and has its score reduced to ‘2’.
The next attack from Team A is turned over and the score is cut to ‘1’.
Team A now has one last chance to score.
Team A scores on the next attack. The team’s score is set at ‘3’ again and the game goes on.
So, each time a team scores, the score is reset at ‘3’.

Try this game and see how it focuses players. At first you may find it leads to a lot of tight fist passing as players attempt to keep possession. However, they should learn quickly that such a method of play will allow the opposition to regroup and spoil attacks more easily. Soon they’ll find that a more direct style of play [with quick support to front players] is best.

Coaching tip Number 37 - WIPEOUT GAME

A game to try as part of a series:

Choose two teams [e.g. 7v7 up to 15v15], bib them and adapt the size of the pitch to suit.
The game is normal Gaelic football with one twist. To win the game, a team must score 3 times consecutively [without their scores being interrupted by an opposition score]. Should the opposition score before 3 consecutive scores are taken, any scores earned are wiped out and the opposition are now deemed to be winning 1-0.
e.g. Team A scores a point and then a goal. They are now winning 2-0 in scores taken. Team B scores a point. Team A’s two scores are wiped out and Team B leads 1-0.

The first team to reach score consecutive times wins the game and goes 1-0 up in the series. Run the series to suit [e.g. series is over when one team wins five games].

A modification of this involves delaying the ‘wipeout’ element until a certain number of scores has been reached.
e.g. Teams play first to get five scores on the board, but ‘wipeout’ rules only apply after 4 scores.

So, both teams keep playing and scoring as normal until one reaches four scores. Should this team manage a fifth without the opposition scoring first, it wins the game. However, should the opposition score, the four scores are wiped out.

Why bother play this game? It focuses players much more and leads to a higher degree of intensity. Players are keener to defend, to find space, to shoot sooner and to turn the ball over.

Coaching tip Number 38 - SCORES AND TURNOVERS

Here’s a game to focus players on working harder to turnover the ball during play. It is particularly useful for coaches who are keen to improve forwards’ work rate when the opposition has the ball.
Play normal Gaelic rules. Set up a pitch to suit the number of players. Run a line of flexi markers across the halfway line.

To win one game in a mini-series [e.g. best of five] a team may either score four times or turn the ball over twice inside the opposition half.

A ‘turnover’ is only awarded for an interception during play, a tackle that wins possession or a block that leads to possession.

If a team manages to turn the ball over, play does not stop; rather it continues until the next break in the game [e.g. score, wide, free, sideline]

So, a team that finds itself 3-0 down in scores and with 1 turnover earned, may still win the game if one of its players forces one more turnover in the opposition half of the pitch.

Such a situation will also highlight the need for defenders to make sure the ball is not lost inside the defending half of the pitch.

If players respond by working a tight fist-passing game, they may find that this leads to even more opportunities for the opposition to turn the ball over.

If they decide to simply kick the ball into the other half to avoid the turnover, it invites another attack from the opposition team.

The right balance must be found between keeping possession and delivering a telling pass into the other half for a teammate.

To those who complain that the scoring team is being unduly punished, remember…the game is deliberately designed to force a higher work rate from attackers when opposing defenders have the ball. Forwards are being given an incentive to win the ball back.

Coaches are free to change the ratio of scores to turnovers [e.g. to win, a team needs 3 scores or 2 turnovers].

Coaching tip Number 39 - WHAT CAN YOU ADD?

When a manager or coach has to leave players out of a team and resign them to a spell on the bench, they often find it difficult to explain why they haven't made the team. Those players rarely find themselves in the mood to listen anyway, for most believe they should start.

Come the time for a substitution, a coach calls for the sub to warm up; then they generally give a few instructions before the player takes the field.

Should the change be one that is tactical rather than as the result of injury, the substitute might well be asked, "What can you add to this team, that the first-choice player could not?"
Such a question may not lend itself to an immediate answer, but it does focus the new player and remind him/her that they must not simply replace someone, but must work to retain their place by 'adding something to the team'.

Perhaps this little reminder will serve to motivate those who can't wait to get off the bench and onto the field.

Coaching tip Number 40 - DON’T DO DRILLS, TEACH SITUATIONS.

I picked this up from an Aussie Rules website - we can use it too.

Never underestimate the ability of young players to learn, especially if you as the coach have been able to convince them why this is the best choice. Don’t just tell them that they must make a specific choice because you as coach said so. Explain to them why it is best to make a certain choice. You as coach must be able to back it up with evidence.

This doesn’t imply that we complicate the game for young players. We set the range of options relevant to their age and technique level. We can stimulate and challenge young players especially those that have flaws in their technique that often detract from their enjoyment in performance.

Decision-making means relating to teammates, that is one of the primary reasons why we play a team sport like Gaelic Football.

Coaching tip Number 41 - FITNESS TESTING.
Before the new season, think about the types of fitness tests you use for your players. Remember, our games are 'multisprint'; therefore they call upon the anaerobic energy system more than on the aerobic system.

Put simply, this means they are not filled with long runs lasting several minutes; rather they are punctuated by runs of up to 20 seconds, short breaks [walking etc] and quick bursts of less than 6 seconds duration.

However, before you dispense with the longer runs, remember that they do have a role. The aerobic energy system [heart and lungs - using oxygen] is vital for recovery between these short bursts on the pitch - so it must be well developed.

The more developed and efficient the aerobic system is, the shorter a player's recovery time will be between bouts of hard work on the pitch.

So, do not dismiss the longer runs pre-season. Make sure they are done on grass [not on roads!], use a proper test to check fitness levels and tailor your training to suit the results.

Coaching tip Number 42 - POOR SHOOTING - A MATTER OF ANGLES AND PASSES

How many times have you watched a player run towards goal with the ball and, without pressure from an opponent, make the shooting angle narrower and narrower as he gets closer? {I have deliberately omitted ´she´ as girls tend not to make this mistake}.

The bad habit is borne out of the desire to clip the ball off the instep and curl it over the bar. It does work at times but, more often than not, such a kick ends up as a wide or a ball dropped into the goalkeeper’s hands.

Give footballs to players before a coaching session or a match and you’ll see plenty of these clipped, curling shots sail over the bar from different angles. So why the difference during the game proper?

Well, add pace and the pressure of time on the ball and the execution of this type of shot changes dramatically. Few players can maintain the necessary balance when in full flight, so very
often the result is a horrible slice or a skied shot that drops into the hands of the goalie.

Now for a possible solution to the problem; a solution that must be embedded in our youngest players, for trying to get senior footballers to change is like attempting to turn back time.

I mentioned earlier that girls tend not to make this mistake. So, what does a female footballer do rather than narrow the angle for shooting? She turns towards goal while still in possession {and breaks a tackle if necessary}, then she PASSES the ball over the bar. Quite literally, she will strike the ball off the laces while on the run; more often than not the ´pass will become a point.

The message is, then, if you want to increase your players shooting success, you must make sure your youngest footballers take a leaf out of the female book; and, during the exercise, as a sop to their masculinity, throw in a few tackle bags.

Coaching tip Number 43 - NO STRAIGHT BALL!

Try this game with your teams.

Only play it for about 10 minutes at a time and point out beforehand that your intention is to force players on the ball to look left and right for a pass and to encourage those who want the ball to move left and right to receive.

The ball must not be passed into the corners of the pitch [dead space] but players may make decoy runs into these areas.

So, a player in possession may not play the ball straight up or straight down the pitch. Every pass must be diagonal or lateral: All support runs likewise.

Played at its best, this game will lead to the ball ending up in front of goal, with players constantly running to support or to draw opponents away from the action.

It may be used with teams as young as your top U10s or as experienced as your seniors.

Coaching tip Number 44 - MAKE ROOM - MOVE THE BALL!

The 'average' player is identified by a number of traits; not least among these is his/her tendency to 'take too much out of the ball'.

Take a few minutes to watch the better footballers on your team [or on the opposition team]. They will often win the ball, make room and move it on.

Such players looked so composed, they exude confidence and yet they are often missed in favour of the mazy solo runner who contributes little to teamplay. This is especially prevalent at underage.

Work your players at each level to ensure they can use a variety of ways to make room [e.g. one sidestep, one feint, one swerve, one checked run, one break of a tackle etc.].

Bring the practice into games and reward those players who work hard to learn the skill of making room and then moving the ball on [be it as a pass or as a shot].. and say goodbye to the mazy solo artist!

Coaching tip Number 45 - STRIKING A BALANCE

Take time to watch some footballers as they strike the ball for a point. Those who score more often than miss from different positions are a rarity. What sets them apart from the rest? One of the secrets of success is balance. Each of these players is as balanced after the kick as before.

Rugby coaches always emphasise the need for good balance while kicking the ball. It should be the same for us in Gaelic football. Those who take 'frees' from the hand and have a poor scoring rate might want to follow one of the most successful tips from rugby:

" Before striking the ball imagine that after you have taken the kick, you must finish squarely on a gymnast's balance beam. The beam is only four inches across - just wide enough for your boot. This will keep your upper body from swaying or tilting and you will be less inclined to look up too soon. Your kicking contact and accuracy will improve with practice."

Go on, try it!

Coaching tip Number 46 - PROGRESS OR REGRESS

For those of you who coach our youngest players, think carefully before you break for the winter. For those playing a winter season calling time at the end of September and resuming again in March will mean for some, little or no activity for up to five months.

Granted, quite a few will fill the gap with other sports and activities, but few will hone their gaelic football or hurling skills during the close season.

If you're lucky enough to have access to a hall or gym or leisure centre, why not devise a weekly programme for players based on developing both sides?

There is no better way to work on left and right sides than to use a rebound wall in a hall. Coaches can spend time in a confined area and with smaller numbers, checking technique through the 'Head, Hands, Feet' method and preparing children for the forthcoming outdoor season.
The secret is to identify groups of no more than 20 and to ensure that the coach to player ratio is at no more than 1:5. And remember - it's a coaching group, not a crèche!

Coaching tip Number 47 - THE TWO T's OF POSSESSION.

At any one time in a gaelic football match, there is only one member of a team in possession of the ball. That player may have lots to focus on and little time to do so.

The onus is on the ball player to maintain good technique - catching, soloing, kick passing, fist passing, shooting etc.

Of course, the same player must develop good decision-making, but the best decisions are often the result of sharp thinking by his/her teammates. Each player 'off' the ball should be thinking and working on things like - Am I in the best place for a pass? How can I give my teammate an option? Can I create space for others? Am I calling for a 50/50 ball?

So, if you intend improving teamplay...push the two Ts at your players.... Technique ON the ball...Thinking OFF the ball.

Once players get the message and put it into practice, teamwork will be the winner!

Coaching tip Number 48 - ARE WE SELLING OUR U12 FOOTBALLERS SHORT?

As AGM time beckons, we have a unique opportunity to put structures in place that will take player development to new heights.

Such a move will demand bravery and farsightedness from committees and clubs, but the dividends for Club football are real.

Please consider the following questions before deciding upon structures for your next season:

* If our U10 format affords all children the chance to play meaningful games at suitable levels, can we justify continuing with the current U12 format?

* Are children being developed at U10 level, only to be ignored at U12 level?

* Is it also time to move age limits for U10, U12, U14 and U16 to match those operating in schools?

* Are there advantages? [e.g. fewer, if any, examples of cheating]

* Are there disadvantages? [e.g. current age limits for Feile]

Coaching tip Number 49 - ROAD RUNNER - WATCH OUT!

A couple of months ago a top athlete was sent by a television company to buy pairs of trainers from a variety of outlets.

The consumer protection angle was simply to find out if shops would give conflicting advice when the athlete asked for a shoe suited to running on roads in order to improve aerobic fitness.

The results were startling and must serve as a warning to all GAA coaches who insist their players train pre-season by running on roads.

Of the 19 pairs sold to him, leading orthopaedic consultants stated only 3 afforded suitable protection for ankles and knees, given the constant pounding as feet hit tarmac.

Furthermore, these only worked if the athlete had been properly trained up on running techniques that reduced the foot to ground impact.

If you coach, get them to run on grass. If not, why not?

Coaching tip Number 50 - KICKING THROUGH THE TACKLE

Next time you go to a club game, be it at youth or adult level, look out for the player who seems to carry the ball up to an opponent and rather than break through the tackle, tries to kick through it. His/her thought process is simple; the space was there to carry the ball and the player fully intended to move the ball on when they had made some ground; however, their opponent had closed the gap quicker than anticipated and the carrier, having earlier made up their mind to pass, went ahead with the kick and was easily blocked down; spectators can't believe he/she didn't see the tackler coming and that's where they're wrong - they did, but their mind was already made up and they couldn't change it.

Coaches must make players aware that this can happen in a match and set up drills or exercises to put players in this very situation; allow a solo run, demand a pass at some point along that run and let an opponent close the carrier down. The carrier learns to decide on an earlier pass or, more often than not, learns to hold tight, break the tackle and deliver a pass from a much better position.

Remember, telling him/her will not work - practise is vital.

Coaching tip Number 51 - SPEED SHOOTING

Take a look at some of the shooting drills you run. Many are probably unopposed and are designed to allow players to develop better technical skills.

However, one of the characteristics of unopposed shooting is 1/2 pace or 3/4 pace running that does not reflect match situations. No matter how many times a coach asks players to work at full pace, most will not because there is nothing physical to force them to do so.

To solve the problem, use runners to work alongside the ball carrier/shooter. The runner is really more of a pace-setter rather than a shadow runner and may even be the person who delivers a fist pass and then tries to chase the carrier or even beat the carrier in a short race to the point where the shot is taken.

Demand honesty from the pacesetters by convincing them of the importance of their task - they are helping prepare a teammate for a similar situation in a real game.

So, cut down the unopposed drills, think of different ways to use pacesetters and help your shot takers to work at match speed!

Good luck.

Coaching tip Number 52 - FUEL UP
Would you plan a long journey in your car without putting fuel in it?  If you did you would not get very far.  You always hear coaches say ‘empty the tank’ to get their players to give their all?  How do we ‘fill the tank’ in the first place? 
Gaelic players, like all athletes must hydrate themselves on a regular basis.  It is important to drink enough of the right type of fluid at a pre match/session meal. One of the main problems that dehydration causes players is a loss of concentration and that’s what can cause basic errors in performance.
Often games are won and lost in the closing stages, with the opposition dropping the ball or making a sloppy pass.  Proper hydration can help to eliminate these problems. In conjunction with a balanced healthy diet, all players should be taking the proper fluids. 
This can be in the form of water, dilute squash or sports drink.
Most players will require between 2 and 3 litres a day, which does not include the fluid lost as sweat during exercise. Remember to take your water bottle to all coaching sessions and games. 
At the break in play or a change in training activity, you should drink as much as possible. 
Remember thirst is a late sign of de-hydration, so get into the habit of taking fluid even if not thirsty. Within 20 minutes of the session, the bottle should be refilled with water and consumed along with a light snack. 
Also, remember to get fluid on board 1-2 hours before the game/session along with the pre activity meal.  You can sip fluid at regular intervals until exercise begins.

Coaching tip Number 53 -ARE WE RESTRICTIVE?

Your team is two points behind, time is almost up.  You are looking around for that spark that cannot be found.  All the players are cancelling each other out and there isn’t a match winner to be found.   
Since all our coaches are following the same steps, preaching the same things it is very often the team with the talented performer that comes though.  We call him the match winner.  One example was in an Australasian final in Perth.  Scores were level, John Farrelly from NSW lined up a sideline kick off the ground from at least 50 metres and curled it over.
Our goal in coaching is that we will develop players who will play on our club senior teams and maybe go on to play for the State.  We want them to be able to be fit enough to last the game, we want them to take the ball first time and break a tackle.  They will also be taught about diet and preventing injury. 
Why not dedicate some time in your coaching sessions for players to express themselves.  In the dying moment of a final you may want your wing forward to drive forward evading opponents and kick over the bar, so we need to give them a chance to practice. 

It is very important that we promote team play but there will always be the day when a bit of individual brilliance will be required.

 Coaching tip Number 54 - Back To Basics

In the past children played in the playground at school.  They played, tag, hide ‘n’ seek etc and got all the exercise they needed.  Times have changed. 
So in an era where the internet, TV and video games are highly accessible, youth officers and coaches need to have very well structured coaching schemes to teach kids basic movement and exercise skills.
However there is another worrying trend creeping into our game.  How many players can kick a long pass accurately?  How many players can catch a high ball in a ruck of players?  Can they put the ball over the bar on a regular basis?
Coaches/Managers are tending to place tall players at full forward.  However, for this to happen you need two things…..a strong target man who can win his own ball and players who can direct a good pass into the full forward line.
In your club team do you have players who can pass the ball accurately?  How many forwards in your can score regularly from play?  Can your midfielders, full back and full forward win a high ball against their opponent?
There are so many other things creeping into our game.  Third midfielder, two man full forward line, blanket defence, breaking ball and turnovers.  The list could go on. 
These can all be very useful additions to a team’s armoury if they are looking for success or trying to play against a difficult opponent.  But are we neglecting the basic skills of our game? 
Consider the advantages of improving your long kicking; can your passes unlock a defence? 
Consider the advantages of increasing your scoring rate; can you be another source of scores for your team? 
Consider improving your overhead catch.  Can you win more kick outs or make a match winning catch at the edge of the square?
Just something for us to think about.

New series of Coaching tips, this time for Hurling/Camogie.

Tip 1 - Grip, size and weight of hurley

Length and weight of hurley have a tremendous effect on the user. The traditional method of gauging the length of the hurley by matching it to a player’s hip has proved inaccurate and unsuitable. Two players of the same height can have a difference of 10 centimetres in hip height.
Children and beginners are inclined to go for a longer hurley, the perception being that “the longer the hurley the longer the puck.” The truth is quite the opposite “long hurleys equals no puck” Correct length and weight are more important than previously thought. Top players are now using hurleys 3 inches shorter than their counterparts of the 1960s and 1970s. Time and space are very much reduced, tackling skills are improved; opportunities are lost in a split second if the hurley is not completely maneuverable. The game is faster; there are less man to man contests of strength. The hurley that suited those clashes has no bearing on today’s game.
Young children’s wrists and arms are light and fragile. They can only use hurleys that are light and short.

To assess the correct length, a child should stand straight, hands by side, shoulders square, place the hurley (base on the ground) by child’s side, grasp the hurley in the dominant hand, the distance from tip of base to child’s hand position is the correct length for that child. If the child can use the hurley like a sword with one hand, it is about the right weight. It is agreed now that most of the trouble with the unorthodox grip comes from starting with hurleys that are too long and too heavy.
Approximately 87% of the population are dominant right with only one per thousand having equal dominance. A player’s development will be severely impeded if he/she starts with non-dominant hand on top. Some respected coaches say there is up to 50% loss in potential. Starting players correctly then is of utmost importance to the player’s development and enjoyment as well as a club’s ability to raise playing standards.  

Changing a player’s grip is difficult for player and coach but where both parties are willing it is certainly possible and very rewarding. Babs Keating and John Fenton, both supreme stylists and legends of the game, changed from unorthodox to orthodox grip.

Left-handed players need good models and sensitive coaches because they are the minority. A coach should learn how to demonstrate left-handed for the two or three players in every panel Nowadays every player will write with their dominant hand, this is nearly the only safe way of determining hand dominance. Very small hurleys used in a one-handed game with light air balls will help guarantee dominant hand on top.

Change:
It takes 3 weeks to change an old habit.
It takes 3 more weeks to learn the new skill.
It takes 3 further weeks for the new skill to become a habit.
It would take 9 weeks for the player to experience the full advantage of changing.
9 weeks seems forever to a child but in overall career, it’s a small price to pay for years of enjoyment

Tip 2 - Hurling/Camogie Coaching

The previous tip stressed the importance of young players using the dominant hand.
A number of methods can be adapted to encourage children to change to the dominant hand
1. Use very small hurleys in one handed games with light balls to guarantee dominant hand on top.
2. The glove hurley – Superglue a right-handed football glove to the top of a light short hurley. The player puts the dominant hand into the glove. Now he/she can only take the ball in the left hand. When the ball is thrown up, the free hand must grip the hurley below thus becoming a habit and then permanent.
3. The sword grip – This attachment works very similarly to the glove. It is attached onto the hurley and can be taken off when needed. The Cumas hurling website (www.cumashurling.com) has a custom made corrector for this purpose. The under-eight coach’s most important job is to ensure that every player is using dominant hand on top, thus allowing mastery of hurley stroke.
It is certain that once a player has orthodox grip and correct length hurley, he/she can advance technical skills very quickly and it can be done in their own time.
Players with unorthodox grip suffer a lot of frustration, expend more energy for less return, have a huge reduction in choice and find their development stalled at a vital stage. A few really determined players have learned to use their weak side but these are not to be taken as models. They would have had much more satisfaction if they had changed but such is the power of habit. It is better to start the right way.
Some right-handed players may initially favour striking on their left side. This is perfectly normal and acceptable. With good practice of shooting and pulling on both sides they will achieve equal dominance and as only children can put it “my weak side is my strong side now”. Similarly, some left handed players may favour striking right-sided.
Ultimately we want all players to have full choice when faced with an opponent. One choice is no choice. If I can only strike on one side, I can easily be stopped. Being able to strike right and left keeps the defender guessing and gives more options.

Tip 3 - How to develop a swing

Safety is a huge factor in hurling for beginners. If children are exposed to danger too early, it will stunt their development. The use of hurling aids at this stage is vital. Tyres, footballs, hurling ropes, rubber base hurleys will all help bring young players through the various stages and develop good technique and confidence. It is very important that the swing or pull is started from the ready position not the lock position. The coach’s ability to observe each child and give accurate, relevant and positive feedback will be crucial.
Once the child has learned the mechanics of the swing, he/she must do it
(a) walking
(b) jogging
(c) running
left and right sides.
Weak side swing is more difficult for beginners and needs a lot of attention (without reducing motivation). Players must be matched evenly in strength, size and speed to get the most out of the routine.
Go Games with a first touch ball will give every player ample opportunity to become proficient in the swing. Older players might use a bigger ball (e.g. small basketball or replica football). This will ensure better footwork, better body shape, more engagement and better connection. The player will be rewarded when the ball becomes airborne and thus increase motivation.

Tip 4 -Activities suitable for underage players

The following activities can be used depending on the level of development of the children in the group.
It is much more productive to have the children working with bean bags until they build up the physical literacy skills to cope with a ball. It is important that the children experience a sense of achievement and fun and that they are running, jumping, side-stepping etc at full pace with a bean bag with the sense that they are playing the “real” game rather than performing some chaotic activity where balls are all over the place and children lack the ability to control their own environment.
When balls are introduced, suitable balls (e.g. the soft size 3) which can be manipulated by small fingers should be introduced when the group is competent at catching and solo running with the bean bags. 
Catching1
    

        
This activity engages all the aspects of the FUNdamentals programme while at the same time it is a learning process for real hurling game skills. It should be performed in a 20 m square with about 30 children but can easily be adapted in a smaller space for indoor activity.
 
Bean bag (ball) for every 2 children.
Hurley held short in strong hand.
Catching done with the non dominant hand.
Children running around and throwing within the square.
 
Emphasis –
Encourage youngsters to throw the bean bag underarm but to catch down – the eagle’s claw. This is a fundamentally important concept which encourages a pro active learning mode as opposed to the ‘victim’ stance of catching underhand and using the body for comfort. Bean bag (ball) should be caught high with the fingers.
 
Learning objectives –
Mobility
ABCs  – running backwards, forwards, sideways, jumping, throwing, evasion skills etc
Co-operation (the only way I can make my partner look good is to deliver the proper throw; to win a catching contest (pair with highest total) against the clock, both partners need to deliver good throws)
Peripheral vision (we can’t teach peripheral vision – it must be learned in the context of suitable activities how many coaches do we hear roaring “find or get into the space!”),
Concentration (important for any team game so this activity should be done in 1 minute bursts – that’s about the limited concentration span of young children)
Enjoyment – by far the most important by product – if they don’t enjoy it, they won’t come back so what’s the point of it all.
 
In addition to the above, you are creating a psychological climate where children are living the real game and are lost in their minds.
 
The other plus in this activity is the risk versus caution factor as the youngsters move about the floor avoiding bumping etc. That’s the excitement of it – you older peers got this climbing walls, trees and gates but modern children can get this physical exercise buzz too without resorting to moving their fingers across the playstation.
 

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