All the Right Skills

A unique skills and training guide for the game of hurling

Willie Coogan • Gerard O’Connor

Dublin GAA Coaching Department Parnell Park, Donnycarney, Dublin 5 www.dublingaagamesdevelopment.ie All The Right Skills Š 2013

Written by: Willie Coogan & Gerard O Connor Photography: Kyran O Brien Illustration and typesetting: Cormac Ryan Design and print: Genprint ISBN: 978-0-9557650-4-9

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ALL THE RIGHT SKILLS | CONTENTS

CONTENTS GAINING POSSESSION

CONTESTING POSSESSION

Involves gaining possession and control of the sliotar. Skills such as catching, and lifting are included along with skills involved in getting control of the sliotar using the hurley.

Involves many of the skills used to tackle an opponent in possession, or to contest for possession when neither player is in possession of the sliotar.

CHEST CATCH LOW CATCH OVER HEAD CATCH FIRST TOUCH JAB LIFT ROLL LIFT

BATTING BLOCKING HOOKING

2 3 4 6 8 10

MAINTAINING POSSESSION Once the sliotar is under the control of the player, there are a number of skills which help the player to maintain possession.

These skills encompass ground skills, handling skills and evasion skills.

SOLO RUN

11

RELEASING POSSESSION Involves striking the sliotar, with either the hand or the hurley. Many of these skills can be performed with a stationary sliotar or a moving sliotar, while the player is stationary or while the player is moving.

FLICK PASS HAND PASS STRIKING A GROUND BALL STRIKING FROM THE HAND STRIKING ON THE RUN

13 15 17 19 21

23 24 26

EXTRA SKILLS GOALKEEPING

28

GAMES BASED ACTIVITIES

30

2

GAINING POSSESSION | CHEST CATCH

CHEST CATCH 1

TEACHING POINTS • Mostly used by goalkeepers.

• Cup hand under chest. As the ball approaches catch it between your chest and catching hand.

DRILL 1. Throw a ball to each other landing on the other players chest. Coach corrects any mistakes DRILL 2. 2 players throwing and catching to each other DRILL 3. Strike the ball against the wall and chest catch the returning ball DRILL 4. In pairs striking to each other for chest catch DRILL 5. Hand pass game. Chest catch only allowed as a score

2

Drill 1

DRILL 6. Conditioned game. Points for successful chest catching during the game

Drill 3

KEY FOCUS: Rest your arm in close to your chest to form a cup with your hand.

3

GAINING POSSESSION | LOW CATCH

LOW CATCH TEACHING POINT • Fingers pointing towards the ground ‘Sweeping the grass’.

DRILL 1. Roll the ball in pairs over and back along the ground.Cupping the hand as the ball approaches. Catch with the fingers. Play a possession game with a low catch only.

DRILL 2. Strike against wall gently and catch on the way back or throw against the wall and catch.

DRILL 4. Drill with 2 players facing 2 players 20 metres apart. One player in each pair is out in front trying to do a low catch. Other players are applying token pressure.

DRILL 5. Same except both players compete for low catch (no hurley allowed to be used) as the ball approaches.

DRILL 6. Conditioned game, points awarded for low catch, game situation.

KEY FOCUS: Fingers pointing towards the ground ‘Sweeping the grass’

Drill 4

DRILL 3. Strike gently in pairs over and back to each other. Ball should be bobbling along the ground. Catching low and return. ‘Timing the dip is the hard part’

4

GAINING POSSESSION | OVER HEAD CATCH

OVER HEAD CATCH TEACHING POINTS • Dominant hand holds the hurley.

• Catching hand-fingers pointing towards the sky (not straight) • Cup hand like a mit so the ball will sit in the fingers. Catch with fingers.

• Common mistakes are pushing hand into the air against oncoming ball, not catching with fingers.

DRILL 1. Player throwing beanbag/ball over their head and catching it themselves. Coach corrects any mistakes

Drill 3

• For catching a ball from distance the hand needs to go with the flow of the ball on impact with the effect of killing the ball

DRILL 3. As like 2 only strike against wall and catch rebound.

DRILL 4. Throw the ball to each other in pairs for overhead catch.

Drill 4

DRILL 2. Player throws ball against a wall and catches overhead

5

GAINING POSSESSION | OVER HEAD CATCH

DRILL 5. Once catching technique is mastered introduce protecting the hand from in front and behind using their own hurley. NB: Toe of hurley pointing down to the ground. Stress not to keep hurley too close to their catching hand as it will hit their hand if an opponent tries to bat (from behind) or volley (from in front)

DRILL 7. 2 players facing 2. Front person in each pair throwing ball to each other for overhead catch and protecting their hand from behind. Players behind are applying token pressure (tap the hurley)

Drill 7

DRILL 6. In pairs throwing to each other and protecting their hand from in front/behind in alternate goes

DRILL 8. As above except, the players behind are now catching and protecting their hand from the front. Players in front are applying token pressure (tap the hurley) DRILL 9. As like previous two except full pressure. Proper bat and swings.

DRILL 10. Competing for high catch only, hurleys not allowed to be used to contest the ball. Attempt to catch only. Introduce using hurley carrying arm to muscle opponent out of the way during catching process.

DRILL 12. Full competition including hurleys as the one above DRILL 13. Conditioned game-all passes must go into air above heads. Points for overhead catches.

No hurley allowed in air competition for the ball.

DRILL 14. As above except full competition including use of hurleys to compete.

DRILL 15. Match – 2 points for successful overhead catch.

KEY FOCUS: Cup hand like a mit so the ball will sit in the fingers. Catch with fingers.

Drill 13

DRILL 11. As above except ball is struck across the field between two players for overhead catch only. No hurley allowed. 30-40m apart. Stress body position before catching.

Awareness of possible tacklers essential.

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GAINING POSSESSION | FIRST TOUCH

1

FIRST TOUCH TEACHING POINTS • Toe of the hurley away from the body when controlling the ball. Get players in pairs striking low to each other. Encourage them to attack the ball and to try and control it on the move.

• Key to control is soft hands on the point of impact with the ball and hurley.

• Allow a ‘bit of give’ in the hurley to kill the ball on the point of impact. This is done by relaxing the grip on the top of the hurley to go with ball.

• Hands positioned comfortably.

• Normally: Dominant hand on top. Weaker/ball carrying hand just above halfway on the hurley.

DRILL 1. 3 players in a line. Player 1 in the middle and players 2 and 3 at either end.

• Player 2 strikes low to player 1 • Player 1 tries to control the ball while moving towards player 2. Once controlled he hand passes to player 2.

• Player 1 runs around the back of player 2 and player 3 strikes low to players 1.

Player 1 controls and hand passes to player 3. Player 1 runs around player 3.

• Player 2 strikes low to player 1 who controls the ball and takes player 2s place.

2 • Change after every 3 balls.

DRILL 2. Strike against a wall low and hard and attempt to control the ball on the wayback. For a slower ball coming back, hit it higher or easier against the wall.

Alternatively stand closer/further to the wall.

DRILL 3. How many balls can they strike against the wall and control it with their fist touch in one minute. How many times can they hit the ball against the wall from their hand in one minute.

Drill 1

FIRST TOUCH DRILLS

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GAINING POSSESSION | FIRST TOUCH

Drill 5

Drill 4

DRILL 4. Working the man in the middle. Low ball hit to player 2 from one side then the next. Player in the middle attempts to control the ball with his first touch every time and returns the ball to the passers hand. NB: Strike can be straight to the hand if coach sees fit. Distance between players 10-15 metres. Shorten grip on hurley DRILL 5. Hitting every 2nd ball low across the field to each other. Each player runs at the ball when it’s their turn and attempts to control it with their first touch then sends it back across the field low.

DRILL 6. As above except token pressure on the person controlling the ball.

DRILL 7. As in drill 5, except full competition for the ball between the two players.

Drill 8

DRILL 8. Three cones laid out in a line from end line.One 7m out. One 15m out. And one 25m out. 3 people in the group. Player 1 runs to the first cone,turns and hand passes to the next player who does the same. When the ball gets back to player one again, he this time runs to the second cone, turns and strikes back to the hand of the next player who again does the same. When the ball gets back to player 1, he then goes to the third cone, turns and strikes the ball back low and hard to the next player who controls and then does the same.

Go through two full rounds and time each group. On the second attempt encourage each group to beat their time from the first attempt.

DRILL 9. Both players striking to each other at the same time. Timing and first touch under pressure.

DRILL 10. 4 players. 2 sliotars. Player 1 stands facing the other 3 players. Ball is hit low to player one and he then returns the ball to the person without one. This keeps on going continuously.

KEY FOCUS: Relax grip on the hurley.

8

GAINING POSSESSION | JAB LIFT

JAB LIFT

1

TEACHING POINTS • Dominant hand on top, weaker hand half way down the hurley at least.

• Stress: Hand lowest down the hurley/nearest the bas catches the ball.

2

• Regardless of what hand the player has on top, make sure the toe of the hurley is pointing away from the body.

• Have a ball for each player to practice.

• Feet: If right hand is dominant, left foot beside the ball. If left hand is dominant,right foot beside the ball.

• Hands in a rocking motion with the hurley. Gently push the toe of the hurley under the ball. Balance the ball on the hurley and catch with the hand that is closest the ball.

KEY FOCUS: Hurley position parallel to the ground

3

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GAINING POSSESSION | JAB LIFT

JAB LIFT DRILLS

DRILL 3. Pick up and drop at the cone • Teams of three even ability • Relay: Run to the cone, jab lift and drop • Race each other one player after another • Race the clock, beat their own time.

DRILL 4. Player 1 is rising the ball. Player 2 is shadowing him. Just token pressure, not competing.

• Starting, players 1 and 2 hold their hurleys at full length and touch leaving player 2, two hurley lengths behind player 1.

• On the coaches whistle player 1 runs ahead of player 2 and attempts to jab lift the ball.

Drill 3

DRILL 2. Jab lift in a circle

Drill 2

DRILL 1. One ball per player. Individual practice.

Introduce how many in 40 seconds.

DRILL 7. Can be done in 1 grid or ability based grids.

• Have one fewer sliotar than players • Jab lift different ball each time • When a player has made 5 jab lifts he leaves the grid with the sliotar he rose last.

DRILL 8. Conditioned game, all rises to be jab lifts.

Drill 7

DRILL 6. Player 1 and 2 start shoulder to shoulder. They both are trying to jab lift the ball. No roll lifts allowed.

Tussle for the ball. Winner is the one that jab lifts the ball successfully.

Keep score. Best of 7-10 balls.

Drill 4

DRILL 5. As per number 4, player 2 is trying to legally stop player 1 from jab lifting the ball.

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GAINING POSSESSION | ROLL LIFT

ROLL LIFT TEACHING POINTS

1

• Dominant hand on top of the hurley (Picture 1).

• Hand at the bottom of the hurley catches the ball (Picture 2).

• Make sure toe of the hurley is pointing away from the body.

• Feet: If right hand dominant, left foot beside ball.

If left hand dominant, right foot beside the ball.

• Ball under the centre of the bas. Gently roll back the ball and push the toe of the hurley under the ball. Catch the ball with the hand that is closest to it as you rose the ball.

2

ROLL LIFT DRILLS DRILL 1. One ball per player. Individual practice.

Individual practice against the clock (40 seconds) DRILL 2. Roll lift in a circle Follow the same drill formation as drills 4,5,6,7 in jab lift for roll lift.

KEY FOCUS: Hurl parallel to the ground

11

MAINTAINING POSSESSION | SOLO RUN

SOLO RUN TEACHING POINTS • Hurley in dominant hand.

1

• If necessary catch the hurley at the bottom of the grip.It reduces the weight of the hurley.

• Toe of the hurley pointing away from the body.

• NB Thumb pointing up the hurley.

Gives greater control.

• Balance hurley almost at parallel to the ground. Slight slope towards the body.

KEY FOCUS: The thumb should point towards the bas of the hurley to give greater control

12

MAINTAINING POSSESSION | SOLO RUN

SOLO RUN DRILLS Drill 3

DRILL 1. Solo to a cone balancing ball/bean bag.

DRILL 2. Same as 1 only running DRILL 3. Solo in around cones and back to start using ball instead of beanbag. Add in relays, hand pass at the end, strike at the end etc.

Drill 4

DRILL 4.

• Player 1 is two hurley lengths ahead of player 2.

• Player 1 soloing to the cone. Player 2 shadows.

• Change roles at cone.

DRILL 5. As above only the player without the ball is trying to dispossess the player soloing the ball legally

2

Drill 6

DRILL 6.

• Players fight for the ball in the middle.

Start by racing from cone to ball.

• Once the ball is won it must be soloed to designated cone to get a point.

• Person who wins is the person with the most points at the end.

3

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RELEASING POSSESSION | FLICK PASS

FLICK PASS TEACHING POINTS 1

• For all drills it is key that the two end players feed the ball properly to the middle players-not too hard and with an accurate pass.

One handed Flick Pass

FLICK PASS DRILLS DRILL 1. Flick To Your Partner 10m apart, short grip.

Use the flick to pass the sliotar to your partner.

Drill 1

Move towards the ball to gather it.

Flick it back and retreat to the starting cone.

KEY FOCUS: Shorten your grip and keep your thumb strong on the hurley.

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RELEASING POSSESSION | FLICK PASS

DRILL 2. Flick and Run Receiving player moves towards the ball, catches it and flicks it before the cone and continues to the rear of the opposite line.

DRILL 3. Flick and Retreat Move towards the ball, catch it and flick it (on the move) before reaching the cone and then retreat.

DRILL 4. Control and Return Flick End player rolls sliotar with pace to middle player, who moves and meets it, controls into hand and flicks it back.

Drill 4

Drill 3

Drill 2

As this player in the middle turns the other end player rolls sliotar to the player in the middle.

2 Two handed Flick Pass

15

RELEASING POSSESSION | HAND PASS

HAND PASS

1

TEACHING POINTS • Double movement is essential.

• Stress gentle pop and follow through.

• Fingers pointing in the direction of where you want the ball to go.

HAND PASS DRILLS DRILL 1. Practice in pairs or against the wall. How many in 40 seconds?

Drill 2

DRILL 2. 4 players in a grid • The player with the ball can only pass left or right, not across the diagonal • The player in the middle tries to intercept the pass • If he does, he takes the place of the passer • Change the man in the middle after 40 seconds

KEY FOCUS: Stress gentle pop and follow through

16

RELEASING POSSESSION | HAND PASS

DRILL 3. Piggie in the middle with handpass Drill 3

• Skew the numbers so that there are two more players on the team that starts with the ball. Eg 3v1, 4v2 etc • Handpass to keep possession inside the grid, • Change the team after one minute.

Drill 4

DRILL 4. Possession games, handpass only, even teams. Score after 5 successive handpasses DRILL 5. Handpass game • Even teams • Whoever gives the scoring pass takes their place in goal until the next score for their team DRILL 6. Conditioned Game

2

• Has to be a handpass before a clearance/score • Ball is moved up the field between the shooting zones with handpass

Drill 6

Drill 5

• Once inside shooting zone hurley can be used

RELEASING POSSESSION | STRIKING A GROUND BALL

STRIKING A GROUND BALL Hands on the hurley and size of hurley (up to the pocket of trousers right size) need to be addressed first.

TEACHING POINTS • Hands Ready position: Dominant hand on top, ball carrying hand about 2/3 of way down the hurley. Toe of the hurley pointing towards the sky.

• Lock: Ball carrying hand slides up the hurley and meets the dominant hand at the top of the hurley. Ensure that there is no gap between the hands.

• Hurley is raised up above the shoulder before the start of the swing. Keep eyes focussed on the ball and swing. Follow through after contact with the ball and finish the swing.

• Footwork-walking sideways 1. Leading foot steps forward and to the side 2. Back foot steps in behind front foot. At this stage of the swing the hands are locked at the top of the hurley and are beginning to swing the hurley 3. Leading foot steps forward and to the side again. As the foot is being planted on the ground, the hurley should be making contact with the sliotar

KEY FOCUS: Dominant hand on top. Weaker hand sliding up to meet (no gap)

17

RELEASING POSSESSION | STRIKING A GROUND BALL

DRILL 1. To get the players striking off both sides-ball on rope. Come up one side and down striking on the other.

Drill 1

GROUND STRIKE DRILLS

DRILL 3. Divide into the two even teams.

Play ground tennis across the halfway line. When you blow the whistle the game stops. The team with the least number of sliotars in their half are the winners

Drill 3

DRILL 2. Strike over and back on the ground in pairs

• Run and strike off right to score a goal • Run and strike off left to score a goal

Drill 4

DRILL 4. Ground shot at goal on the run

• To make more difficult, roll the ball to the striker DRILL 5. Double on the ball as it comes back from the wall. 1 minute intervals DRILL 6. Working the player in the middle.

Start at the side with two sliotars. Player in the middle tries to double on the ball in the centre. Players on the end hit the spare ball each time and collect the ball from the centre after striking the spare ball. 40 second intervals x3. Each player gets 3 goes in the centre DRILL 7. Same as above only 2 players in the middle. 40 second intervals x2. Each player gets 3 goes in the middle.

Drill 6

18

RELEASING POSSESSION | STRIKING FROM THE HAND

STRIKING FROM THE HAND Process: Front foot: Step forward and to the side.

Back foot steps in behind. At this point the ball is thrown up no higher than the nose. Ball carrying hand is quickly transferred to the hurley joining the dominant hand on the hurley. (No gap between the hands). Front foot steps forward and to the side. As it is planted on the ground the player should be completing the swing and making contact with the ball.

TEACHING POINTS • Hurley held in dominant hand at the top.

Hurley up at shoulder.

• Ball in weaker hand.

• Practice throwing the ball up (no higher than your nose) and at the same time locking weaker hand in second on the hurley below the dominant hand.

• Make sure to be watching the ball as it falls while locking weaker hand in.

• Once the locked position is being reached consistently, encourage players to make a swing at the ball.

Common mistakes: Ball is thrown too high.Ball is thrown too far away. Hands are not locked before swinging. Swinging too early/late. Not keeping eye on the ball all through. Correct these mistakes as necessary.

KEY FOCUS: Watch the ball as it falls while locking weaker hand

19

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RELEASING POSSESSION | STRIKING FROM THE HAND

STRIKING FROM THE HAND DRILLS DRILL 1. One ball per child. Striking against a wall. Coach correcting any of the above mistakes.

DRILL 2. One ball striking in pairs. Height of strike adjusted by slightly tilting the hurley on the point of impact with the ball. Note: Ideal striking point for distance/power is at hip height.

DRILL 3. Target at different heights on the wall. Aim for them with each strike and try to control the ball coming back.

NB: Point your shoulder at the target.

When striking from backhand side it is easier to learn with a shortened hurley.

Key difference: • Throwing ball up underneath hurley • Hurley is across the body • Footwork the same 1. Front foot steps forward 2. Back foot steps in behind-ball is released 3. As the front foot is being planted on the ground the swing is making contact with the ball.

When players are comfortable with striking from hip height, introduce: • Low strike from knee height • Striking from shoulder (shorten grip on hurley and flick with a wristy action) • Striking on the back foot (shown here)

21

RELEASING POSSESSION | STRIKING ON THE RUN

STRIKING ON THE RUN TEACHING POINTS • When a player is running, his/her hips are higher from the ground, therefore the ball needs to be thrown a little higher and in front of the player. Using a shorter grip on the hurley helps to make performing the skill easier.

• Balance is critical.

If striking with open side in the run: • Right hand-left foot acts as balance • Left hand-right foot acts as balance If striking with backhand side on the run: • On left side right hand dominant-right foot acts as balance • On right side-left hand dominant-left foot acts as balance

1

2

KEY FOCUS: Moving in a straight line without adjusting your feet as you strike the ball.

3

RELEASING POSSESSION | STRIKING ON THE RUN

DRILL 1. Player 1 starts at a cone to the side of the goal. Running in field in the direction of another cone the player must attempt to score a point. Change sides of the field to work on other side.

Drill 1

STRIKING ON THE RUN DRILLS

DRILL 2. Players running parallel to each other strike on the run over and back to each other.

When they reach the end of the field turn and come back up striking on their other side.

DRILL 3. Three starting points: A,B, C. Players running at the goal.

• A strike off their left • C strike off their right • B step left/right before striking Have another group working behind the goals if space allows so there can be a constant flow of sliotars.

Drills from hooking and blocking section can be used to put pressure on striking on the run.

SKILL TEST FOR POWER SHOT: Player stands 20-30m out from goal.

Player must strike the ball between the crossbar and the goal line without the ball bouncing using strong/weak side Improve distance of striking by getting footwork righttransferring bodyweight into the strike

Drill 3

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CONTESTING POSSESSION | BATTING

BATTING TEACHING POINTS • • • • • •

Start in ready position.

Slide weaker hand up hurley to rest beside dominant hand.

Point the thumbs up the hurley.

Keep eye on the ball.

Arms up in front of the nose over the head.

No swinging motion,gentle movement of the wrists.

1. Coach shows hand position from ready to batting position.

2. Batting without the ball, correct any errors.

3. Player throws ball over head and bats it away.

4. Individual practice against a wall. Throw the ball high against the wall and bat it as it comes back.

BATTING DRILLS DRILL 1. In pairs: one throwing and the other batting, swap roles.

Distance depends on players ability DRILL 2. Strike to each other a high ball, player receiving the ball bats it first. Then sends it back to partner.

g

g Drill 1

DRILL 4. Combined skills. Player 1 strikes high to player 4 and takes player 3’s place. As the ball goes over player 3’s head he runs towards player 4 who bats it into his direction. Player 3 collects the sliotar and strikes to the hand of player 5. The drill continues up and down the field. Note: Drill can be changed to first touch by changing the strike to feet making the player in the middle control the ball before handpassing to the support player.

Use a wristy action to bat the ball.

Drill 4

DRILL 3. Conditioned game: points for successful bats during the game

KEY FOCUS:

24

CONTESTING POSSESSION | BLOCKING

BLOCKING TEACHING POINTS • • • • • •

KEY FOCUS: Focus on safety at all times when teaching the block

Head lower than the hurley.

Lean into blocking position.

Focus on sandwiching the ball between the hurleys (bas on bas).

Push the hurley in rather than swinging the hurley down.

Hold the hurley in both hands, thumbs down pointing up the hurley. Joined hands.

Timing, timing, timing.

N.B When proficient at the two handed block encourage the use of the one handed block.

BLOCKING DRILLS DRILL 1. Practice hurley position first without the ball. Body position: • Lean into the block • 2 hands on the hurley • Push hurley into position to make contact with the bas of other players hurley DRILL 2. Coach throws up ball and attempts to strike. Player blocks, correct any mistakes.

CONTESTING POSSESSION | BLOCKING

25

DRILL 3. In pairs players practice blocking without the ball

DRILL 5. Player 1 hand passes to player 2.

• Player 2 tries to score while player 1 tries to block • Starting off player 2 can only strike off side selected by coach • Then allow to strike off both sides

Drill 5

DRILL 4. Practice with the ball in pairs. Have the striker confined to either right or left side. Have striker aiming at a target e.g. goal. Swap over after 5 blocks.

DRILL 6. Increase the distance between starting points up to 7 metres

DRILL 10. Ball is pucked from the sides into the centre. Whichever team in the centre wins the ball have to give a pass before the ball is cleared out of the centre back to where it came from. Can be changed to 3v3 in middle switch after 1 minute.

DRILL 11. Conditioned game • Points to team whose players make a successful block DRILL 12. Player 2 carries the ball into grid and attempts to score. Player 1 is trying to prevent a score

Drill 10

DRILL 9. Same as above except players are competing for the ball at all times. For high catch whoever wins the ball, the other player is trying to block.

Drill 12

DRILL 8. Player 1 pucks to player 4 and players 2 and 3 are attempting to block.

After 1 minute, swap roles.

• Focus on uncontested high catch and long strike with players 1 and 4 • Focus on blocking with players 2 and 3.

Drill 8

DRILL 7. Once a player is proficient push them to block from distance by blocking the flight path of the ball. This can be done by increasing the starting distance.

26

CONTESTING POSSESSION | HOOKING

HOOKING TEACHING POINTS • Hooking is done holding the hurley in the dominant hand.

• Hurley flat in hand.

• The earlier on the opponents swing that contact is made with the opponents hurley, the more likely it is that the hook will be successful.

• Note the different positions of the opponents hurley while hooking:In open side hooking, the opponents hurley is at arms length away from his/her body. In back hand side hooking, the opponents hurley is closer to the players body.

• Let strikers hurley hit hookers.

1. Coach shows position of dominant hand on the top of the hurley.

2. Show body position of hooker behind the striker with hurley raised in the path of the swing. Standing strike (no ball). Correct errors.

3. Same as 2 only using ground strike on the ball. Correct errors.

KEY FOCUS: Hooking using one hand (dominant hand)

CONTESTING POSSESSION | HOOKING

27

DRILL 3. Striking from the hand and hooking • Player 1 and 2 touch hurleys full length.

Player 2 tells player 1 ‘go’ • Player 1 is trying to score a point, player 2 hooking • Player 1 must hit the ball before the second cone off selected side. In this e.g. player 1 must strike off his right side to score • Change sides of the field to work on left hand side

Drill 2

DRILL 2. Running ground strike to score a goal.

Player 1 striking, player 2 hooking. Player has to strike from selected side.

Drill 3

DRILL 1. Player 1 tries to hit the ball while player 2 tries to hook • Ball on a rope can be used for this drill at the start.

• Use both sides when striking • Start off walking • Then into jogging • Then into running

Drill 1

HOOKING DRILLS

DRILL 6. Same as above. Competition for the ball that is hit across. Whoever wins tries to clear it back to other side of the field. Other player hooking/blocking to get the ball back.

DRILL 7. Battle in the middle for the ball. Team that wins must make a successful pass before hitting it out of the centre. Opposing team in the centre trying to win it back DRILL 8. Player 2 starts with the ball. He must go past player 1 inside the grid (make bigger/smaller) and shoot for a point.

Drill 5

DRILL 5. Player 2 and 3 striking to each other (either side) • Player 1 and 4 trying to hook

Drill 4

DRILL 4. Player 1 starts with the ball after player 2 says ‘go’.

• Player 1 may strike off either side to score • Player 2 attempting to hook

EXTRA SKILLS | GOALKEEPING

GOALKEEPING GOALKEEPING DRILLS DRILL 1. Side shuffle across the line to stop a ball rolled by a player standing 5/6 yards out. Start at the post each time.

DRILL 2. Same as above except the ball is being hit at the goal.

DRILL 4. As 3 above except goalkeeper is facing away from the players. The player calls ‘turn’before striking at the goal.

Drill 1

DRILL 3. Works reactions. Goalkeeper is saving 3 shots from 3 players. One after the other. Then random order.

DRILL 6. Same as 5 except goalkeeper starts by lying on the ground.

Drill 3

DRILL 5. Player about 20m out. Player on end line rolls it to him and he then tries to score on goalkeeper, rebounds too.

Drill 5

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DRILL 7. In pairs. Forward and a back. Forward is trying to score. Back starts a step or two behind and is trying to stop him. Ball is in play till wide/score

29

Drill 7

EXTRA SKILLS | GOALKEEPING

DRILL 10. 5V5. All against the goalkeeper. If a team has the ball they attack. If a team is without the ball they defend. If a team wins the ball back inside the 14m line they must come back outside it before they start attacking.

DRILL 11. Coach stands about 10m out, throws and goalkeeper bats to the side.

Drill 9

DRILL 9. 2V2 attack first then defend. After defending, 2 players leave the grid and 2 new people come in and attack the goal at either end. After attacking they defend.

Drill 8

DRILL 8. Two groups on either side of the D. Two groups on either side of goal. Group at one side of goal strikes ball diagonally across to opposite group. Player receives ball and shoots. Alternate sides.

DRILL 13. Ball hit from distance and goalkeeper bats under token pressure.

DRILL 14. Hit from distance and full competition between goalkeeper and forward OR goalkeeper, back and forward. High catching: As above for batting except change all to catching.

PUCK OUTS • As long as possible. Focus on proper footwork to transfer weight into strike.

• Through gates/grid/poles/cones • Different distances, 20m, 30m, 40m etc • To a player/coach standing still.

And then moving various distances.

• To a player full contest/match situation moving target.

Drill 10

DRILL 12. Ball hit from distance and goalkeeper bats.

GAMES BASED ACTIVITIES

GAMES BASED ACTIVITIES Games of backs v forwards (3v3, 4v4, 5v5 etc).

Forwards start with the ball. Must be at least one pass before a shot.

Combining all skills

1. COMBINING ALL SKILLS

5V5. Played in full length of pitch.

20m no-mans land area in middle.

If the ball lands in no-mans land it’s dead. Start with a puck out. All clearances and puck out must clear no-mans land or the ball is dead.

No-mans land

2. NO-MANS LAND

3. THREE SECONDS AND COUNTING… Backs vs Forwards. Maximum of 3 secs on the ball. Coach calls 1,2,3. Player should play ball before count of three. Same three count on frees. Counting to three forces players to scan the field to give a pass and make other players make more runs.

4. WE’RE IN THE ZONE Using small pitch and juvenile goals. Set up three zones, marked out with cones. Play 8 or 10 players outfield, shoot for points only, no soloing, ball must be played into forwards before score is attempted.

Forwards and backs must stay in their own zones during play. Midfielders allowed support forwards & score. Puck outs only to backs or midfield. Enforce 3 second rule after period of time. Change positions of players every 7 mins.

Encourages forwards not to come out the field, midfield to move the ball quickly and backs to look for the puck out.

We’re in the zone

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GAMES BASED ACTIVITIES

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Coach lobs ball into playing area. Team that wins possession must work the ball out of playing area past poles on half way line/55 line then turn to attack goal and other team defends to win ball back. If ball goes dead coach plays in new ball.

Who’s attacking?

5. WHO’S ATTACKING?

If defending team dispossesses the attacking team they must work the ball out in similar fashion then turn to attack. No attack can be mounted without working ball out past poles. Game designed to force players to change quickly from defensive mode to attacking mode etc

Set out two teams as is shown and with 6 sliotars. There are 6 designated positions for the sliotars. Play begins with the referee calling a position (1-6) and the nearest player to the ball gets the game going with a line ball. When the ball goes out of play the referee calls another number. This game allows for 6 consecutive plays. It encourages quick reactions and decision making for the player who receives the ball. When all balls are used up the players must reset the balls.

Line ball game

6. LINE BALL GAME

Teams line out in backs vs forwards – use bibs.

Goalkeeper pucks out the balls. When ball goes dead goalkeeper starts play again.

Attackers get 1pt for point/2pts for goal. Defenders get 1pt for getting ball through goals/2pts to carry ball though poles. Don’t tell any tactics, just let them work it out!

We can work it out!

7. WE CAN WORK IT OUT!

8. HANDPASSING TEAMPLAY GAME Two teams – 6/7 aside. Must carry balls through the poles to score. This game is all about supporting the man in possession and breaking through or rolling off the tackle.

Handpassing teamplay game

GAMES BASED ACTIVITIES

Objective is to carry ball over the end lines. Teams retain possession by soloing, carrying, strike passing and handpassing. Once team loses possession they retreat to defend their end line. Players breaking the tackle. Introduce 3 sec rule and/or three passes rule before scoring.

To the end line!

9. TO THE END LINE!

Size of pitch determined by no. of players – ideally not too big or with too many players. Zones marked by soft caps. Players divided onto two teams – all players in middle area. Score got by handpassing from middle area to team mate in zone A or B. Once a score is got, the same team attempt to work ball down to other scoring area for another score. If ball intercepted or hits ground it’s a turnover. Only handpass allowed. It’s all about supporting the player and putting man in possession under pressure. Keep team scores.

Scoring zones

10. SCORING ZONES

11. GO FOR GOAL! Players in groups of three/two, one team defends/attacks. Coach plays in ball to forwards who attempt to work ball in to score goal or take shot on goalkeeper. Defenders attempt to work any ball out to the coach. Play ends when ball goes dead.

Defenders step off the field so attackers now become defenders & new group on are the forwards.

Go for goal!

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GAMES BASED ACTIVITIES

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Player A advances at speed around cone where Player B feeds ball and takes shot before reaching blue cone – follows ball to join group C. Player B joins rear of group A. Group C retrieve balls and carry them out to group B. Increase/decrease shooting distance and side of pitch.

Shooting drill 1

12. SHOOTING DRILL 1

13. FREE TAKING DUEL! Arrange 8 cones at random between 21m and 55m lines with pairs waiting behind goals to strike balls out into field. Players in pairs take two frees at each cone, starting closest to goals. Keep your score.

14. SIDELINE CUT DUEL Cones along both sidelines from 13m to 45m lines. Players in pairs take two sideline cuts from each cone.

2 feeders in area A. They strike balls in over heads of players at B. Defenders must clear the ball to wing players at C, while forwards at B attempt to block and take their score.

If defenders at C win ball they pass back to players at A, if forwards win at C they play ball back into Players at B. If ball goes dead feeders at A start game again. Players at C must show for the clearance.

Clearance to the wings

15. CLEARANCE TO THE WINGS

Players in pairs. One player lays off ball to partner at A, B & C. Shoot from each inner and outer cones.

Switch players shooting after 5mins.

A

B

C

17. SHOOTING DRILL 3 Player A strikes to Player B who controls and shoots. Player C attempts to block/hook player in possession.

C B A

Change players after 1min.

Shooting drill 3

16. SHOOTING DRILL 2

Shooting drill 2

GAMES BASED ACTIVITIES

Set up a pitch as shown. Two teams in bibs (at most 8 v 8) & let them play, points only or goals only or both, whatever you wish to work with them. Ensure they stay out of the restricted zone.

100 metres

Scoring game

18. SCORING GAME

19. TEN SECOND TOUCH DOWN Each team starts in end zone. Team without ball starts with one less player, other team must touch ball down by hand in the other end zone in 10secs. Teaches handling ball at speed and using an extra player.

Players take turn leaving the playing area.

Ten second touch down

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GAMES BASED ACTIVITIES

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Divide the players into groups of 3 positioned 40m from the goal. Players move toward the goal, weaving in and out of each other, hand passing between each other.

When the players reach the shooting cone (10m out) the player in possession strikes for goal. Rotate the positions after each attempt.

Weave and pass

20. WEAVE AND PASS

Divide the players into groups of 4 lined up across the field. The distance between players depends on age and ability level. On a signal player A strikes the ball to player B. Player C attempts to block Player B from striking the ball to player D at the far cone. Player D continues the drill by striking to player C as player B attempts to block and so on.

Blocking counts

21. BLOCKING COUNTS

Position the players as normal using one goalpost with 6 defenders, 6 attackers and 4 midfielders. Nominate the remaining players as feeder players. Nominate two defenders who are not permitted to clear the ball and two forwards who are no permitted to score. Use bibs to identify the supporting defenders and forwards.

All supporting

22. ALL SUPPORTING

Divide the players into groups of 5. Using poles or cones mark out goals, approximately 7m wide. Nominate one player as the goalkeeper. Position two groups of two players about 20m from the goals. The outfield players move across the goal and attempt to score a goal. Once they cross the goal they go to the back of the line at that side and attempt to score from the opposite side.

Goals, goals, goals

23. GOALS, GOALS, GOALS

GAMES BASED ACTIVITIES

Divide the players into groups of 3. Using poles or cones mark out goals, approximately 3m wide.

Nominate one player as the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper pucks the ball out for the 2 outfield players to contest. The outfield players contest possession and attempt to score a goal. Once one player has scored 3 goals they swap positions with the goalkeeper.

3 goals and in

24. 3 GOALS AND IN

Divide the players into groups of 4.

Player 1 is positioned in one goal. Player 2 is positioned on the 45m line, player 3 at the opposite 45m line and player 4 in the opposite goal. On a signal player 1 strikes the ball to player 2 who is on the move. Player 2 must look up and find player 3 who has moved into space.

Player 3 collects possession and strikes for a score. Player 4 immediately strikes another ball out for player 3 to gather and strike to player 2 and the game continues.

Rotate the roles.

26. PASS, SUPPORT AND SHOOT Divide the players into 3 lines. Two lines are positioned 40m from goal, either side of the goalpost. The 3rd line is positioned on the endline.

Nominate one player from this line as the goalkeeper and one as the centre half back.

The front player from one of the outer lines is positioned as the centre half forward. The front player from the outer lines strikes the ball to his centre half forward. Both front players from the outer lines move forward in support. The centre half back tackles the centre forward who lays the ball off to one of the support runners to take on and either pass to the other support runner or score himself. Rotate the positions after each attempt.

Shooting for a point

25. SHOOTING FOR A POINT

Pass, support and shoot

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Hurling is a game that requires constant individual practice, for players to perform the skills at a high level daily practice is an integral part of becoming a hurler. Only when you master the basic handling skills comfortably on both sides with the sliotar and hurley can you call yourself a hurler.

There are so many different skills in hurling, knowing the right skills that will improve your game can be difficult to figure out.

The role of the coach is to provide situations in training that mirror the game for the players; this should be done through activities that are games based.

All The Right Skills is a book designed to assist coaches in team preparation and it focuses on the key skills which are broadly broken down into the following:

• • • • •

Gaining possession Maintaining possession Releasing possession Contesting possession Extra Skills

There are practical examples of all these skills, with key teaching points and tips as well as games based activities that can help improve your players.