FOR most clubs their players they are now finished all competitions and their seasons have now ended. What should the GAA player focus be now? The off-season brings a welcome rest from the demands of a long competitive season in GAA. It’s a time to recover from a tough and long season, allow the body and mind […]
THE club championships are in full flow now & most counties are entering the knockout stages. Preparing for the ‘big game’ can be a very stressful time for both players and management. Firstly, it is completely normal for the anxiety to intensify especially on the day before the event. Below I have outlined some mental and […]
OVER the last 10 years, the development and growth of club facilities around the country has exploded. The addition of new gym facilities for most clubs now has become the norm with state-of-the-art equipment, layout and buildings. Serious investment, time and expertise has been utilised within clubs to deliver these high-quality facilities for their teams […]
YOUR league season is well underway and as a GAA athlete you’ are trying to plan and structure your weekly training. But are you planning your recovery? Just as hard as our bodies work during exercises in the gym or training on the pitch, players need to work equally as hard to help their bodies […]
EVER wondered how much time a ‘modern’ GAA player dictates to their sport? The time they invest to be at the top of their game? Below I have outlined some of these demands our GAA players face and the time they invest. I believe it’s worth reminding ourselves & be mindful of the commitment & sacrifice our […]
IN the last 10 years the evolution of sports science and information in Gaelic games and how teams prepare and recover has improved greatly. However, with all this information available for coaches and players on this can in fact be sometimes very overwhelming. The consultation work I do with clubs and organisations helping them to fit the […]
THE majority of GAA clubs are now starting to formulate plans for their pre-season. Coaches and players are looking forward to the season ahead and planning is in full flow. Here are five key considerations for players and coaches as they approach their preseason planning: Increasing training load too early The number one mistake I […]
THE GAA athlete, I’m sure, is very familiar with recovery strategies from ice baths, compression, massage, foam rolling ete, but the importance of sleep in your recovery is key. There are many examples of recovery pyramids outlining the main recovery strategies currently being used in high-performance sport. However, all the best examples have sleep as […]
If a Gaelic athlete is not ready for training, there is no point in putting the athlete through a workout session. NONE! This statement is not a popular stance to take with both players and coaches, indeed in this situation as a Strength & Conditioning Coach you can find yourself as a lone voice. However, […]
By John McMahon THE business end of the Gaelic club season is reaching the pinnacle with county finals fast approaching. For those clubs that have exited the championship and their seasons have now ended, what should their focus be? The off-season brings a welcome rest from the demands of a long competitive season in GAA. […]
