IN a sport that demands high intensity, resilience, and consistency, the mental side of performance can be just as important as strength, speed or fitness. At the core of this is something called psychological safety. In simple terms, this means creating an environment where players feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions and even making mistakes without […]
By Patrick Morrison NOW that the round robin phases of the National Football Leagues have finished, we can concentrate on some fantastic finals in all four divisions. On Saturday, Carlow will play Longford in the Division Four final followed by Down v Wexford in the Division Three final. Then, on Sunday, we will be treated […]
By Patrick Morrison CHILDREN are curious and insightful individuals who explore and learn through the process of trial and error just as nature intended. Their world is loaded with all kinds of imaginary, games and toys. All a child wants to do is explore their world through the medium of play. And what child has […]
EVER wondered how much time a ‘modern’ GAA player dictates to their sport? The time they invest to be at the top of their game? Below I have outlined some of these demands our GAA players face and the time they invest. I believe it’s worth reminding ourselves and be mindful of the commitment and sacrifice […]
THE ‘Code’ (GAA Child Safeguarding Policy) is a policy document developed and agreed by the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Camogie Association, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, GAA Handball Ireland and the Rounders Council of Ireland to assist all units of the Associations to create and maintain an enjoyable and the safest possible environment in which […]
MODERN Gaelic football is faster, more physical and more demanding than ever. Between league, championship, travel, work and training, players need a strong engine just to cope with the season. And from a coaching point of view, nothing matters more than availability. A team only has real options on match day when the best players are healthy, fit and […]
By Patrick Morrison AS a coach, our top motivation will always be to pass on our coaching knowledge to help improve our players. Our players trust us to have the knowledge they need as well as the systems and methods to help and implement that knowledge. Gaelic games are constantly evolving both internally and externally […]
By Patrick Morrison DURING the Korean War in November 1950, the 1st Marine Division of the US Army were surrounded by 120,000 soldiers of the Chinese Army at the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. They were led by Major General O.P. Smith, a native of Texas with 33 years’ experience in military combat. The Battle […]
AS a former PE teacher, youth development has always been both an area of interest and vast experience. Youth athletic development is now common practice across many clubs and county set-ups. However, my observations do raise concerns for me. Below are some fundamental key considerations when working with youth athletes. Youth athletes are at a […]
By Patrick Morrison WITH the inter-county season in full flow but breaking for two weeks and the club season drawing ever closer, it may be prudent for goalkeepers to focus their attentions on what areas of their game they may or wish to improve upon for the coming season. Breaking them down into three main […]
