Comhairle Uladh : Ulster Club Coaching and Games Underage Development Programme How to Plan and Implement an Efficient and Effective Club Coaching Structure Tutor: Terence McWilliams: Ulster Games Development Manager

Comhairle Uladh Aim To help coaches plan and implement a sustainable, effective and efficient Coaching and Games Development Structure with in their club.

3 Outcome At the end of this session you should be able to go back to your club and implement a Coaching and Games Structure. You will know how to…… 1.Use the right ingredients at the right time. 2.Help coaches select the right ‘Menu’ for a specific age group. 3.Put the whole programme together in an annual plan.

Comhairle Uladh 20064

5 GAA Games Development Strategy

Comhairle Uladh SKILL DEVELOPMENT MODEL 3 T’s 3 P’s The Body follows where the Mind goes J. Morrison

Comhairle Uladh A. Gaining Possession: Non Possession – Defence Non Possession – Defence B. Exploiting Possession: Possession - Attack Possession - Attack To help coaches plan their programme these may be sub divided into four components: 1. Receiving Skills: a.Catching:- b. Low, Bounce (Half-Volley), Tummy, Head-High, Overhead, One-Handed b.The Lift: Crouch (Stationary and Rolling) Jab Lift, Chip & Assist 2. Playing Skills: Possession Skills, Passing, Breaking Ball a. Kicking: Ground – Short & Long Volleying & Half Volleying Punt – Drive (Front of in step) Hook (Inside of in step) - Swerve (Outside of in step) Drop, Overhead, Tap-on b. Handling –Hand/Fist Pass c. Travelling Skills: The Solo – Hand To Toe & The Bounce d. Evasion Skills: Dodging, Side-Step, Feint and Side Step, Swerve, The Roll, Ball Feints (Hand and Feet) e. Scoring Skills: Direct – Feet, Fist - Deflected – Hands ETC. - Free Kicks & Penalties 3. Defending Skills: a. Tackling: Side – Near Hand Tackle Front – ‘The Fencer Tackle’ b. Blocking – From the Feet & The Dive Block c. Interceptions d. Man To Man Marking e. Marking Space f. 3 D’s - Delay, Deny & Dispossess 4. Non Playing Skills: a. Spatial Awareness: Scanning: On/Off The Ball b. Running Off The Ball: Calling The Play c. Marshalling Your Defence KILLS of Gaelic Football Technical …The SKILLS of Gaelic Football

Comhairle Uladh The Skills of Camogie & Hurling: Introduction: The Skills of Camogie & Hurling: A. Gaining Possession: Non Possession - Defence B. Exploiting Possession: Possession - Attack To help coaches plan their programme these may be sub divided into four components: 1. Receiving Skills: Ready, Lock & Lifting Positions a.Catching:- b. Chest, Low, Head-High, Overhead, One-Handed b.The Lift: Roll: Stationary and Rolling Jab Lift, Chip & Assist 2 Playing Skills: Possession Skills. Striking: Grip & Swing a. Ground: Stationary & Moving Ball Passer: Stationary & Moving to strike - Both sides Doubling Back – Striking moving ball Doubling Forward – Striking on ground (Both sides) b. Airborne: Both Sides Batting a ball overhead Sideline Cut The Puck Out c. Hand Pass/Palming d. Travelling Skills: Dribbling The Solo: Balance ball on hurley & Ball hopping e. Evasion Skills: Dodging, Side-Step, Feint and Side Step, Swerve, The Roll, Ball Feints (Hand and Feet) f. Scoring Skills: Direct: Hurl/Foot/Hand / Deflected – Hurl, Hands Frees & Penalties / Drop Shot 3. Defending Skills: a. Tackling: The Clash: 1. Ground : Side 2. Frontal b. Blocking: Ground/Above Ground ( Below Head Level & Above the head c. Hooking d. Interceptions e. Man To Man Marking f. Marking Space g. 3 D’s - Delay, Deny & Dispossess 4. Non Playing Skills: a. Spatial Awareness Scanning: On/Off the ball b. Running Off The Ball Calling The Play c. Marshalling Your Defence

Comhairle Uladh A Plan Never Goes To Plan Unless… You set Long, Medium, and Short term GOALS DirectionTarget Goals provide the Direction and a Target to focus your efforts and measure your success Goals let you: Make the most of your talents Get more out of your time Get better results

Comhairle Uladh Club Audit? SWOT Analysis? We need to know were we currently are before we can plan for the future ! Where do we start?

Comhairle Uladh Club Audit - Where Are We Now? What factors would you consider in carrying out an audit in your club? Current status of club Time Scales – Who Leads The Process? Where are we Heading – Where would you like to be in 10/20 yrs.? How will we get there? How do we develop sustainable structures?

Comhairle Uladh Club Audit - Where Are We Now? What do we do to make it happen? Where do we start and finish? Key issues that need to be addressed What do we coach them? Where do we coach? When do we coach the ‘What’? What do we Need to coach the ‘What’?

Comhairle Uladh Club Coaching & Games Structure Children’s Officer

Comhairle Uladh MENU – Building Your Programme 1.The Physical Stuff – 5’s 2.The Technical Stuff – ‘The How’ 3.The Tactical Stuff – ‘When to use the How’. 4.The ‘Thinking Bits’ – Decision Making 5.Putting all the bits together in an annual programme.

Comhairle Uladh MENU 1. The Physical Stuff – 5’s

Comhairle Uladh Group Work 1.In Groups of 3/4 discuss each area and select what activities you feel are appropriate to your age group. 2. From the following menu select and rank the parts you feel are appropriate to your age group.

Comhairle Uladh Group Work 1.U. 6’s 2.U.8 3.U.10 4.U.12 5.U.14 6.U.16 7.U.18

Comhairle Uladh Discuss the words, interpret them and rank their importance when working with Children, Youths or Teenagers - No 1 most important – Discuss:

Comhairle Uladh Ranking: Children

Comhairle Uladh Ranking: Youths

Comhairle Uladh Ranking: Teenagers

Comhairle Uladh MENU 2. The Technical Stuff – ‘The How’

Comhairle Uladh Discuss the words, interpret them and rank their importance when working with Children, Youths or Teenagers - No 1 most important – Discuss:

Comhairle Uladh The Technical Stuff: Children

Comhairle Uladh The Technical Stuff: Youths

Comhairle Uladh The Technical Stuff: Teenagers

Comhairle Uladh MENU 3. The Tactical Stuff – ‘When to use the How’.

Comhairle Uladh Discuss the words, interpret them and rank their importance when working with Children, Youths or Teenagers - No 1 most important – Discuss:

Comhairle Uladh Ranking Tactical: Children

Comhairle Uladh Ranking Tactical: Youths

Comhairle Uladh Ranking Tactical: Teenagers

Comhairle Uladh MENU 4. The ‘Thinking Bits’ – Decision Making

Comhairle Uladh GAMES = PROBLEMS EYES SEE THE PROBLEM VISION BRAIN SOLVES THE PROBLEM DECISION BODY ACCOMPLISHES THE TASK PRECISION Passing = A visual agreement between the Passer and the Receiver. Vision with Decision and then Precision

Principles of Play in Invasion Games – ATTACK: Problem Solving For The Attack: Attacking Play Skills Required Problem Problem Solution Solution On The Ball On The Ball Off The Ball Off The Ball 1. How might we Keep possession? 2. How can we invade territory? 3. How can we score? PROBLEM SOLVING GAMES..ATTACK TACTICAL AWARENESS …PROBLEM SOLVING GAMES..ATTACK

Comhairle Uladh Hold the ball 2. Pass the ball 1. Solo 2. Select Receiver 3. Pass: Short/Long 4. Practice Deception Learn all evasive techniques 1. Make yourself available: Move laterally to the sides, in front or behind 2. Practice deception e.g. ‘Cut’ i.e. pretend to go one way and then suddenly go the other. 1.Penetrate the defence 2.Spread the attack 3.Support the attack 1. To pass diagonal 2. To pass forward 3. To move forward 1. Move to the sides 2. Move behind the defence 3. Move in front of opponents 4. ‘Dummy Run’ Run from one space to create space for a team mate. 1. Create a scoring space 2. Exploit a shooting space 3. Attack the target 1. Evade a defender 2. To pass or shoot 3. Decide when and where to Shoot and Score. 1.Pull defenders from the shooting zone 2. Provide support 3. Present options for passer.

Principles of Play in Invasion Games – ATTACK: Problem Solving For The Attack: Attacking Play Skills Required Problem Problem Solution Solution On The Ball On The Ball Off The Ball Off The Ball 1. How might we Keep possession? 1. Hold the ball 2. Pass the ball 1. Solo 2. Select Receiver 3. Pass: Short/Long 4. Practice Deception Learn all evasive techniques 1. Make yourself available: Move laterally to the sides, in front or behind 2. Practice deception e.g. ‘Cut’ i.e. pretend to go one way and then suddenly go the other 2. How can we invade territory? 1. Penetrate the defence 2. Spread the attack 3. Support the attack 1. To pass diagonal 2. To pass forward 3. To move forward 1. Move to the sides 2. Move behind the defence 3. Move in front of opponents 4. ‘Dummy Run’ Run from one space to create space for a team mate. 3. How can we score? 1. Create a scoring space 2. Exploit a shooting space 3. Attack the target 1. Evade a defender 2. To pass or shoot 3. Decide when and where to Shoot and Score 1.Pull defenders from the shooting zone 2. Provide support 3. Present options for passer PROBLEM SOLVING GAMES..ATTACK TACTICAL AWARENESS …PROBLEM SOLVING GAMES..ATTACK

Comhairle Uladh Principles of Play in Invasion Games – DEFENCE: Problem Solving For The Defence: Defending Play Skills Required Problem Problem Solution Solution Near The Ball Near The Ball Off The Ball Off The Ball 1. How can we regain possession? 2. How can we stop the invasion? 3. How can we stop the opposition scoring? ROBLEM SOLVING GAMES..DEFENCE TACTICAL AWARENESS…. ROBLEM SOLVING GAMES..DEFENCE

Comhairle Uladh Dispossess the attack 1. Stay arms length from attacker 2. Anticipate the pass or move 1. Know when to tackle 2. Know where to tackle 3. Know how to tackle 1. Get behind the ball 2. Close down the spaces 3. Man to Man marking 4. Double mark gifted player 1. Stop forward passes 2. Block forward movement 3. Close down the ball carrier 4. Mark the ‘nearest pass’ 1. Build numbers in support 2. Don’t rush into the tackle 3. Stay ball and goal side 1. Close down shooting space 2. Defend the target 3. Get your players behind the ball 1. Stay goal side 2. Block the pass 3. Know where the ball and your ‘marker’ are at all times 1. Don’t be pulled out of position 2. Anticipate the pass or run 3. Support the ‘Nose Defender’ i.e. nearest defender to the ball 4. ‘Cover’ defender – anticipate through passes

Comhairle Uladh Principles of Play in Invasion Games – DEFENCE: Problem Solving For The Defence: Defending Play Skills Required Problem Problem Solution Solution Near The Ball Near The Ball Off The Ball Off The Ball 1. How can we regain possession? 1. Dispossess the attack1. Stay arms length from attacker 2. Anticipate the pass or move 1. Know when to tackle 2. Know where to tackle 3. Know how to tackle 2. How can we stop the invasion? 1. Get behind the ball 2. Close down the spaces 3. Man to Man marking 4. Double mark gifted player 1. Stop forward passes 2. Block forward movement 3. Close down the ball carrier 4. Mark the ‘nearest pass’ 1. Build numbers in support 2. Don’t rush into the tackle 3. Stay ball and goal side 3. How can we stop the opposition scoring? 1. Close down shooting space 2. Defend the target 3. Get your players behind the ball 1. Stay goal side 2. Block the pass 3. Know where the ball and your ‘marker’ are at all times 1. Don’t be pulled out of position 2. Anticipate the pass or run 3. Support the ‘Nose Defender’ i.e. nearest defender to the ball 4. ‘Cover’ defender – anticipate through passes ROBLEM SOLVING GAMES..DEFENCE TACTICAL AWARENESS…. ROBLEM SOLVING GAMES..DEFENCE

Comhairle Uladh Lesson Planning 1.Warm Up - ABC’S/RJ 2. Appropriate Game Form 3. Individual or Small Group Practices CPK’s 4. Appropriate Game Form Adapt or Modify to reinforce skill 5. Warm Down (Home Work)

Comhairle Uladh A Sample Session Part 1 Warm Up: A. Pulse Raisers – Agility (+ Ball-100/200 Touches) Balance – Strength – Partner Resistance – Power Bags Coordination – Ladder Work/Poles/Hurdles B. Mobilising C. Dynamic Mobilising & Stretches (Esp. Hamstrings & Groins) Part 2: Technical Skills (Part/Whole) or Games (Whole/Part) Recap & Introduce New Skill Basic Drills, Intermediate to Advanced drills Lead to… Part 3: a. Target Games, Court to Field Games lead to…… b. Non Invasion, Part Invasion to Full Invasion lead to….. c. Conditioned Games to Full Games

Comhairle Uladh Underage Sample Session: PartContentKey Points 1. Warm Up a.Agility – Mine Field b.Balance – ‘Show me…. c.Coordination – Ladder… d.Speed - 2’s tag Head: Watch ball into hands… Keep head down…. Hands: Use ‘Big’ hands.. Feet: Use ‘hard’ foot – Toes pointed down… 2. Development a.Basic Drill – 2’s Passing: Situ b.Intermediate Drill – Pass & Move c.Advanced Drill – 3 v 1 Passer & Receiver both Static Passer moves after passing Both Passer & Receiver Moving 3. Game a.Grid Game – Rotate The Defender b.Conditioned Game – 30m Pass c.Full Game – 7 v 7 4 Attackers outside a grid 4 v 1 Defender in the grid 3 v 3 – 30m x 45m

Comhairle Uladh Planning Games: 6 Week Programme Small sided games Week 1Team Ball Pass (4 v 0) Aim: Pass and Move to a space Week 2Tower Ball (3 v 1) Scoring Game Aim: How to attack a goal and How to defend a goal? Week 3Rotate The Defender (3 v 1) Aim: Support off the ball The angle of the pass. Week 4Space Invaders (4 v 1 v 1) Aim: To retain possession while invading territory. Week 5 End Zone (4 v 2) Aim: Same as above except defenders may move anywhere. Week 6 Wide Man (4 v wide players) Aim: To keep possession and invade territory using the principle of width.

Comhairle Uladh Yearly Programme Planning Pre-SeasonPlaying SeasonOff-Season Post ChristmasPlaying Season Leagues Championship Pre Christmas Christmas Break Rest Swimming Basketball 8 weeks General Speed Endurance 16 weeks Specific Speed Endurance 6 weeks Speed 6 weeks Strength & Conditioning Circuits 4 weeks Swimming Basketball

Comhairle Uladh Season Planning: For Different Age Groups Age U.6/8’s U.10’s U.12’s U.14’s U.16’s Minors Technical: Skill Development General Sport Skills Learn Sport Skills All Sport Skills should be developed. Sport skills incorporated into games. Skills developed under match conditions. Tactical: Activities Games Simple attacking & defending principals Develop game plays in match situations Develop game plays in match situations Physical: Aerobic Seed Endurance Speed Strength Play daily activities involving lots of running, jumping, handling, kicking and hitting Play 4/5 different sports. Develop speed through relay races. Develop strength through body weights Introduce weight Use weights to training through develop strength brush shafts and light weights MentalLearn fair play – when to take turns etc. Introduce visualisation Introduce imagery skills Introduce mental training skills

Comhairle Uladh Season Planning: Physical U. 18’s Month 1 Nov./Dec. 2 Jan./Feb. 3 Mar./April 4 May/June5 July/Aug.Sept. Week PhaseGeneral preparation Pre SeasonEarly SeasonMain Competitive Season FinalRest Recovery PhysicalConditioning New Weights Aerobic Conditioning Improve Strength Improve Speed & Power Maintain Aerobic Fitness & Power Speed 1,000m 10m/35m 5 Sets x 5 Reps. TechnicalE.g. Lifting Techniques Basic Skills: Endurance Advanced Skills; Speed End. Speed MentalGoal SettingDealing with success and failure Motivation and Mental Training Skills Arousal and stress management Concentration EventsBasketballChallenge Games LeagueChampionship Reverse Planning

Comhairle Uladh (Moderation 15 – 16yrs) Stamina - Prolonged Effort (15 – 30 minutes) Speed Endurance Method A: Prolonged Effort –As children move into their teens their aerobic capacity decreases. –There is a need to develop this in a FUN way using the ball where possible Activity –Volume: build from a suitable base 1400m to 2500m using pitch markings (20, 30 & 50m sprints) –Intensity: Medium pace to fast running –Type: Running with or without the ball individually and in groups of two or more –Time: for approximately 25 – 30 minutes twice a week in pre season. The FUN (Solo) Run –GAA is a multi sprint event – but it requires a good aerobic base on which to build. –Pitch marking allow coach to mix the length of runs and the pace to replicate game conditions. 30m 40m 50m 40m 80m

Comhairle Uladh (Sample speed endurance session for 15 – 16yrs) Stamina - Prolonged Effort (15 – 30 minutes) Week Distance Reps. Volume Recovery Intensity 1300m (30 x 10) sec. Reps. 60% 2min. Sets ,750 70% 3400 (40m x10)62,400 75% 4350 (35m x 10) N.B. Rest Week 51,750 80% 5500 (50m x 10) N.B. Build up to week 2 etc. 63,00010 secs. Reps. 90% 40secs. Sets.

Comhairle Uladh % 85 + % Intensity 40% 60% (Moderation 13 – 14yrs: Optimal 15 – 16yrs) Stamina- Shorter and Sharper (10 – 15 minutes) : Speed Endurance Periodisation Step Loading Speed Endurance Speed Early season there will be an emphasis on the speed endurance (60%) but this should be supported with speed work (40%). As the season progresses the focus changes to 15% speed endurance and 85% speed. Championship Start of Season

Comhairle Uladh Specialised v Multilateral development Vary the training Load by manipulating the: Volume…..500m to 8,000m Intensity….70% - 95% Frequency…1 Session – 4/9Sessions - Week Duration of Sessions….15min. – 90mins. Number of Exercises….5/ Weeks of Training……1 – 16 Weeks max. Months of Training…… 4/ Years of Training (10 year rule) Step Loading…..3 Week Cycles – 3 yr. Cycles Stamina- Shorter and Sharper (10 – 15 minutes) Periodisation Step Loading

Comhairle Uladh Game related and skills based activities can raise the heart rate into the training zone. To keep the heart rate in or close to the training zone it is necessary to have active rest between activities. The game related activity (7v7) shows that the heart rate is at 86% of maximum for about 20 minutes. Increasing the numbers (11 v 11) reduced the heart rate to 83% maximum but still in the training zone. Stamina - Shorter and Sharper (10 – 15 minutes) : with ball & game related 2 V 2 Blocking Drill (3min) 2 V 2 Hand Passing Activity (3min) 8 V 8 Small sided game (15 min) 2 V 2 Kick Passing & Follow Ball (3 min) 2 V 2 Agility work Ladders and Hurdles (3min) Stamina GAA Circuit - 30 minutes, 1 minute for switching between activities Group A’s in corners and Group B in the game. Group A rotates every 3 min Group B in middle for 15 min - then switches with Group A’s A A A A B

Comhairle Uladh Sample Yearly Plan: U. 8/10 & 12’s Week Out Door Activity SessionsKey Dates 1Start-Up MeetingMarch 2Parent/Coach Orientation Training DayApril 3Parent & Child MentoringApril 4Session 1 Fun Day – Come and TryApril 5Session 2 Go GamesApril 6Session 3 Inter Club BlitzMay 7Session 4 U-Can AwardsMay 8Session 5 Multi –Sports DayMay 9Session 6 4- Club BlitzMay 10Session 7 Inter Parish BlitzJune 11Session 8 Trip To Croke ParkJune 12Session 9 End Of Season U-Can TestsJune 13Session 10 Wind Up Day BBJune

Comhairle Uladh Weekly Planning: Elite Player Personal Training Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 6Day 7 Strength Training Interval Training Day Off relaxing activity mins. Strength Training Interval Training Day Off low- intensity, moderate volume circuits 30-60mins. Strength Training Interval Training Day Off Bodyweight dumbbell exercises 30-60mins. Day Off relaxing activity 30-60mins. Team Training Match/ Team Training RecoveryPersonal Training Team Training RecoveryPersonal Training Day Off Recovery – Rehabilitation Light Run Cross training / Swim Jog Light Skills mins intensive and Competitive Rest Specialist Training 60-70mins Skills and Team Play RestGame / Match Day

Comhairle Uladh Monthly Team Training Planner MonthPositionName Week 1 MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday Week 2 MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday Week 3 MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday Week 4Reassessment/ Testing and Reset Week MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday Notes:

Comhairle Uladh Self Monitoring Daily Record MonthClub/ CountyName DayDate Training Time (mins) Game Fatigue IndexHealth & Well-being Heart Rate (bpm) Weight (kgs) Nutrition 3= Good 2= Okay 1= Poor Hydration TeamOwn+=-SickInj Worn out QualityQuantity Intake (lit) Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Weekly Total Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Weekly Total Notes: Must be completed around 9pm every night

Comhairle Uladh Name ExerciseResistanceRepsSetsRest Warm Up Work out Super Set Super Set Super Set Interval Training Individual Strength Training Programme

Comhairle Uladh Coaching Session Planner TeamDate:Start:Finish:Venue Time BreakdownWarm UpWarm DownBall WorkStaminaSet Pieces Min’sPartExerciseDiagram Notes:

Comhairle Uladh Long-Term Player Development For Playing Gaelic Games Long-Term Development Pathway for Playing Gaelic Games Stage 1 Age / Class Group Emphasis Game Specifics 1. Active Start 3-5 Yrs. Nursery P.1 & 2 Pre School Infants & Higher Infants U.5’s This stage gives children an Active Start linking basic movement skills to form play. ABC Nursery Programme Resources: Fundamentals Book Fun Do Pack Unstructured Play leading to Guided Play. Target Games leading to trio tasks invented by children themselves. Individual and Partner Tasks leading from cooperative play to competitive play. Trio activities leading to Group Tasks. All children should be active for 60 minutes every day in an unstructured play situation.

Comhairle Uladh Active Start – Active Start – 4 yr. olds Physical: Agility – Walks a straight line Balance – Big Body Parts Co-ordination – runs, jumps, hops & skips around obstacles Speed-Tag Games (First Speed Window) Running – Short distances – 10/20m Jumping – 2 feet – 2 feet Can jump over obstacles 15 – 18cmTechnical: Play Through lots Of involvement in: CPKS:-Play Through lots Of involvement in: CPKS:- Body & Equipment stationary initiallyBody & Equipment stationary initially Catch- Roll/bounce to air borne Pass – Roll/Bounce Kick – Ground to punt Strike – Hand/Bat/Stick: Through individual, partner tasks Tactical: Unstructured play to Guided discoveryUnstructured play to Guided discovery Experimentation and FamiliarisationExperimentation and Familiarisation Spatial awareness Co-operation – Individual before partner Target Games – Aiming at/through/under/over onto various pieces of equipment Make up own rules to suit as they go alongMental: Little attention span secs.Little attention span secs. Develop self confidence Physical – provide 1 Hour per dayPhysical – provide 1 Hour per day Own body strength exercises Competition V SelfCompetition V Self FUN and Participation Physical Literacy through unstructured playful movement involving:

Comhairle Uladh Active Start - Active Start - 5 yr. olds Physical: Agility Balance – On either foot for 5/10secs. Co-ordination – Learns to skip & capable of learning complex body coordination skills like swimming & riding a bike Speed - Tag Games Running – Can skip run on tip-toes Jumping – Combinations of take offs & landingsTechnical: Play Through lots Of involvement in: CPKS:- Play Through lots Of involvement in: CPKS:- Catch- Roll/bounce/airborne – bean bag Pass – Roll/Bounce – Throw overhead Kick – Ground/punt out of hands Strike – Hand/Bat/Stick in a: Multi Sport Environment Link travelling with the ball Left & Right hand dominance can be established Tactical: Experimentation and Familiarisation Experimentation and Familiarisation Spatial awareness Co-operation involving partner and trios Target Games – Invents games with Simple rules Likes to test muscular strength and motor skills * Not ready for competitionMental: Little attention spanLittle attention span Develop self confidence Physical – provide 1 Hour per dayPhysical – provide 1 Hour per day Embarrassed by mistakesEmbarrassed by mistakes Plays without constant supervisionPlays without constant supervision FUN and Participation Physical Literacy through playful movement involving:

Comhairle Uladh Long-Term Player Development For Playing Gaelic Games Long-Term Development Pathway for Playing Gaelic Games Stage 2 Age / Class Group Emphasis Game Specifics 2. FUN dament als 6-8 Yrs. P. 3 & 4 First & Second Class U.8 Overall Development Learn all fundamental skills and build overall Motor Skills. It should be well structured, positive and FUN. By passing this stage is detrimental to their future engagement in sport. Build the Fundamentals into: Generic Sport Skills for use in All Sports. More advance Court Games. Build from Non Invasive games to Part Invasion. Build from 3v3 to First Touch 7v7 with 3 Zones. They should play a wide variety of sports. Perform Physical Activity 5/6 times per week Introduce simple rules and ethics.

Comhairle Uladh Active Start – Active Start – 6yr. olds Refine: Agility Balance – Good sense of balance Co-ordination Speed - Tag Games Running – 20 to 30m Jumping – over various obstacles Strength – Use body weight - enjoys testing muscle strength & skillsTechnical: Play Through lots Of involvement in: CPKS:- Catch- Can catch small balls Pass & Catch – Partners – involve pass & move Kick – Ground/punt Strike – Hand/Bat/Stick in a: Multi Sport Environment Through individual, partner and group relays Tactical: Spatial awareness –in simple target & court games Progress through non invasion to part invasion and 2 v 2 – 3 v 3 Develop a sense of team play *Simple rules and ethics become importantMental: Longer attention span More decision making Develop self confidence Can learn difference between right & left Gains sense of security from organised play and club identity Becomes more confident FUN and Participation Physical Literacy through playful movement involving:

Comhairle Uladh FUNdamentals FUNdamentals Under 8’s Physical: Agility/Balance Improved coordination & Reaction Time Speed – First Speed Window Running – 30 to 45m Jumping Strength using own body weight Technical: Increased hand/feet/stick dexterity especially least preferred sideIncreased hand/feet/stick dexterity especially least preferred side Can judge the flight of a ballCan judge the flight of a ball Better anticipationBetter anticipation Tactical: Capable of taking instructions Spatial awareness Co-operation through Court and then Non invasive games Develop Part Invasion when ready Progress to Go Games First Touch – 5 v 5 to 7 v 7 No hard physical contact They will want to play a game at every opportunity so use ‘whole part whole’ method of coaching Simple rules and ethicsMental: Positive Attitude to Sport Develop self confidence Seeks a sense of security in groups & organised play * Enjoys being asked questions through problem solving tasksPhysical: Own body strength exercises Well structured programmes Coaching / Competition Ratios 75: 25 Mini Blitzes Learn all the Fundamental skills before moving to the next stage Develop Generic Movement Skills through FUN and Participation involving:

Comhairle Uladh Long-Term Player Development For Playing Gaelic Games Long-Term Development Pathway for Playing Gaelic Games Stage 3 Age / Class Group Emphasis Game Specifics 3. Learning To Train 1 U. 10’s 8-10 Yrs. P. 5 & 6 Third & Fourth Class U.10 Refine the Fundamental skills Learning overall sport specific skills to be able to play our Gaelic games. Players must Learn to Play before they Play To Win. Modify and Condition games to suit Ability Levels. Build from 5v5 to Quick Touch 9 a- side 70:30 Ratio of Training To Competition. Play 3/4 other sports plus all Gaelic sports i.e. Hurling/Camogie/Gaelic Football/Handball Introduce and learn some of the rules and ethics

Comhairle Uladh Tactical Spatial awareness – Better Scanning Ability – On & Off the Ball Simple Attack & Defence – Support Play Non invasive/Invasive games Go Games – 9 V 9 Quick Touch Simple rules and ethics Play 4/5 sports Coaching / Competition Ratios 75: 25 Mini BlitzesMental Positive Attitude to Sport Develop self confidence Perception of worth vital – Drop out See effort = Success Learn To Train 1: Learn To Train 1: Under 10’s Physical Literacy – Refine:Physical Literacy – Refine: Use Warm up: Use Warm up: Athleticism Agility Balance Co-ordination Speed Athletics: Running Jumping Strength: Own body strength exercises Technical – Motor Development Window Continue bilateral development through this stage Link ball into all physical skills

Comhairle Uladh Stage 3 Age/ Class Group Emphasis Game Specifics Learn To Train 2 U.12’s Yrs. P.7 & Yr.8 Fifth & Sixth Class U.12 Build the General Sport Skills through playing Modified Gaelic games to progress team play in fun blitz competitions. The emphasis must be on individual performance in a team environment and not winning. Winning is not everything at this age but striving to win is. Cognitive and Emotional Development are central Build from 7v7 to Smart Touch 11 a-side. 70:30 Ratio of Training To Competition. Basic Fundamental Tactics – Offence and Defence Structure competition to address differences in training age and abilities. Focus on 3 sports. Learn new rules and study others N.B. All the basic sport specific skills should be established before they leave this stage.

Comhairle Uladh Learning To Train 2: Learning To Train 2: Under 12 Technical Major skill learning phase All basic sports skills should be learnt before entering next phase Develop individual team play in a team performance rather than winning at all costs Ancillary Capacities Hydration practices - Nutrition Tactical Spatial Awareness-Creating & Exploiting Space Develop ‘Game Sense’ through ‘Problem Solving’ Go Games: 11v11 ( Smart Touch) Coaching / Competition Ratios 70: 30 Mini BlitzesMental Introduction to mental preparation Cognitive Development Emotional development Winning V DevelopmentPhysical Medicine ball, Swiss ball, Own body strength exercises Speed & Agility development  Advanced Physical Literacy (PL)  Incorporate the ball into the key PL components: ABC’S, RJTS, CPKS into Gaelic Games  Refine: ABC’S, RJTS, CPKS into Gaelic Games

Comhairle Uladh Stage 4 Age/ Class Group Emphasis Game Specifics Train To Train 1 U.14’s Yrs. Yr.9-10 U.14 Consolidate Sport Specific Skills by Progressing to the full Gaelic game to perform as a team player in formal competitions. Performance and Development should be the Focus rather than Winning. This and the previous stage are the most important in a player’s Development. During these stages we Make or Break a Player. Mental Preparation and Life Skills are Vital Build from 9v9 to15 a-side depending on skill ability. Learn to cope with the physical and mental challenge of competition. Tactical Awareness – ‘Reading The Game’ Decision Making 60:40 Ratio of Training To Competition Structure competition to address differences in training age and abilities. Use PHV as an indicator Know most of the rules

Comhairle Uladh Train To Train 1: Train To Train 1: Under 14 Technical: Major skill learning phase All basic sports skills should be learnt before entering next phase Develop unit team play (half forwards) in a team performance rather than winning at all costsPhysical: PHV will determine strength programme PHV will determine strength programme Medicine ball, Swiss ball, Own body strength exercises Speed & Agility development Ancillary Capacities Hydration practices – Nutrition Tactical: Spatial Awareness-Creating & Exploiting Space Develop ‘Game Sense’ through ‘ Problem Solving’Mental: Introduction to mental preparation Cognitive Development Emotional development Winning V Development Learn to cope with the physical and mental challenge of competition.

Comhairle Uladh Stage 4 Age/ Class Group Emphasis Game Specifics Train To Train 2 U.16’s Yrs. Yr.11 & Yr.12 U. 16 Performing additional tasks in order to achieve more as a player. Year - round training e.g. weight training, lifestyle management, nutrition etc. Although players do their best to win the major Focus is on learning the basics as opposed to Competing to win at all costs. Full rules,15 a-side. 60:40 Ratio of Training To Competition Structure competition to address differences in training age and abilities. Use PHV as an indicator Too much competition wastes valuable training time and conversely not enough inhibits the practice of technical and tactical and decision making skills. Learn to cope with the physical and mental challenge of Competition. Know all the rules to be able to play the game fairly

Comhairle Uladh Train To Train 2: Under 16 Physical: Year round training Year round training Development of Strength: Introduce lifts Fitness within the games Speed & Speed Endurance Flexibility Ancillary Capacities: Monitor PHV - posture Nutritional Awareness Video FeedbackPeriodisation: Single or Double Training / Competition Ratios 60: 40 Technical: Advanced Technical Skill development Skills developed under pressure Fitness within skills drillsTactical: Understanding of Principles of Play in grids and small-sided games. Application of skills in gameMental: Understand the use of psychology Use skills based goal setting Use mental imagery training Broad base skills & sport specific skills- Major fitness development phase - Anaerobic and Strength, (PHV is the reference point)

Comhairle Uladh Stage 5Age/Class Group Emphasis Game Specific Train To Compete U.18’s Yrs. Yr.13 & Yr.14 U.18 Achieving potential in order to succeed* others at a higher level e.g. senior club, minor, county etc. Change the training to competition and competition- specific to 40:60. Devote 40% to the development of technical and tactical skills and improving fitness and 60% of training to competition and competition-specific training. Succeed = Take over From, Follow On from previous levels Advanced Mental Practice Coach players how to perform under a variety of competitive conditions in training. Place special emphasis on optimum preparation by ‘modelling’ high competition training. Optimise fitness preparation and sport – individual, and position specific skills as well as performance. Study and interpret all the rules

Comhairle Uladh Training to Compete Under 18 Technical Position specific technical playing skills preparation Skill development within small sided games leading to full gamesTactical Position specific tactical and playing skills under competitive conditions Refining Games SENSE Model high performance in trainingMental Mental rehearsal Focusing and refocusing Relaxation techniques Advanced mental preparation Physical Specific physical conditioning Light weights Flexibility Core Stability Ancillary Capacities Optimise Ancillary capacities Hydration and Nutrition Managing training loads Managing Competition load Performance Analysis Recovery methodsPeriodisation Double/ Triple Periodisation Training / Competition Ratios 40: 60 Sports position specific skills

Comhairle Uladh Stage 6Age/Class Group Emphasis Game Specific Train To Win Seniors 18 + Yrs. This is the final stage of player performance Maximise fitness performance: All of the player’s physical, mental and lifestyle capacities are fully established. All training is of high intensity and relatively high volume. Individual and position- specific skills as well as team performance. The focus of training is now shifted to maximisation of performance. Change Training to Competition Ratios to 25:75, with the competition percentage including competition- specific training activities.

Comhairle Uladh Training To Win U21 to Senior Technical: Further refinement of technical skills Development within full gamesTactical: Further refinement of position specific tactical and playing skills in full games Video AnalysisMental: Modelling all possible aspects of training and performance Physical: Maximise Fitness PerformanceMaximise Fitness Performance Majority of training should be high intensity to represent match conditionsMajority of training should be high intensity to represent match conditions Weights program Core Stability Flexibility Build rest into the program Ancillary Capacities: Training diary Food diaries Heart rate monitoring Fatigue monitoring Recovery Strategies Hot and cold / pool Health CheckPeriodisation: Double, triple or multiple Training / Competition Ratios 20: 80 Position specific and team play skills

Comhairle Uladh Stage 7Age/Class Group Emphasis Game Specific Active For Life This can occur at any age AIM: The age of transition from competitive sport to lifelong physical activity. Move from competitive sport to volunteering as coaches, referees or administrators. A positive experience in sport is the key to retaining players after they leave the competitive stream. All sports must make a paradigm shift from ‘cutting’ players to re- directing them to other activities where they might find lifelong enjoyment. Footballers/Hurlers/Camogs could be re-directed to rounders, hand ball or Master’s Games (Over 40’s). Jogging clubs at various age groups should be set up at all clubs. N.B. You don’t stop playing games because you grow old. You grow old because you stop playing games.

Comhairle Uladh Conclusion: Schools, Clubs and County Boards must work in unison and not separately as is the case at present Implications for all future coaches – LTPD Training etc. Coaches of the future will be central to the sporting ambitions of all players The best coaches must be selected to coach the appropriate programmes at the right stage i.e. LTPDP must be aliened to our coaching courses Most players now need remedial action to improve their performance because of a lack of proper coaching at the appropriate stage

Comhairle Uladh The most talented performers are not always being identified or identified too early Over-competing and under-training – not reaching potential by peaking too early Damage done between age 6-12 cannot be fully corrected Big drop out if children lack these fundamental skills Age appropriate competition with emphasis on development not winning Motto: Children First Winning Second