OVER the past 20 years we have really seen the evolution of the goalkeeping position in Gaelic football. We have seen possibly the greatest ever in Stephen Cluxton to the newest modern phenomenon of ‘keepers joining the fray. Over the past 20 years, and even before then, we have seen a dramatic increase in the […]
By Patrick MorrisoN IN late summer 2013, I returned to play for Armagh Harps after a four-year sabbatical. Before then I had been utilised as a midfield or full-forward type player but for a number of reasons I had decided to step away from the game. Once I returned, I had been asked to provide […]
WHENEVER I am coaching, one of the most common questions I am asked is ‘what is the most important aspect of being a goalkeeper?’ My answer is always the same. There is no one aspect that is more significant than any other as mastery of the position needs a competent level of ability in all goalkeeping […]
RECENTLY I had a discussion with a young goalkeeper I am currently coaching. They have been called into the setup within the past few weeks and have been progressing very well so far. There are three other goalkeepers within the team which means the opportunities for this goalkeeper are limited at present. As we chatted, […]
Two former net-minders examine Ethan Rafferty’s role as Armagh’s fly-goalkeeper. Shaun Casey writes… THE role of the goalkeeper is constantly evolving and in the modern game of tactical innovation, systems and patterns of play, Ethan Rafferty has taken the netminder’s job to another level. The sharpshooter turned shot stopper has been a huge asset for […]
EVERYWHERE I go whenever I am coaching goalkeepers; I am always asked about what gloves I think are the best to use. What is the best make, the best cut or what is the best fit. In reality there is no perfect pair of gloves that is best for everyone. Just like every goalkeeper is different, […]
By Patrick Morrison PART two of the levelled progression series, following on from last week’s opening. Level 5 – PERFORM THE SKILLS VERY WELL, AT SPEED, UNDER FATIGUE, UNDER PRESSURE, CONSISTENTLY [17-21yrs] This level is seen as a transitional level as the goalkeeper moves through both minor and u-21 grades where there is more emphasis […]
By Patrick Morrison OVER the coming two articles, I will delve deep into the various developmental stages of goalkeeping. These stages can help both goalkeepers and coaches in their continuing quest for progression. They can be used as a kind of map or set of signposts to show where exactly they or their goalkeepers stand […]
By Patrick Morrison NEW Year Resolutions have been around for millennia. Many religions around the globe would practice this custom as a completion of one year and the commencement of the next. In fact, it is believed that 4,000 years ago it was the ancient Babylonians who were the first people to use New Year’s […]
By Patrick Morrison IN 2015, my first year with the Armagh team, we played a challenge game against Dublin down in the DCU sports complex. This was the first year of their five in-a-row dominance. We had started with a strong team with a handful of our regular starters rested. Dublin on the other hand, […]
