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Home , Ball (Gaelic football), Caid (sport), Gaelic football, Hurling

PEAI CONFERENCE OCT 2011

TGfU AND GAELIC

SKILL CARDS

LIAM O REILLY

2011

-The following is a brief introduction and outline of the history of the Gaelic Athletic Association (G.A.A.) and the rules and regulations governing how the of is played. Also included is a breakdown of the various individual skills of the sport that should be taught to the young player so as to allow the learning athlete the best opportunity to perform the skills aptly in a match situation through teaching games for understanding. These skill cards are to be used by the teacher with an interest in teaching Gaelic Football. They offer clear instruction and easy to use diagrams that can be used or even adapted to be very effective in teaching pupils the fundamental skills required for effective participation and inclusion in Gaelic Football.

SKILL CARDS SHOULD B E USED WITH THE LESS O N P L A N S (MY THANKS TO D AVID O ’ D ONOVAN ) GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly

Gaelic folklore: Cuchulainn with his . (Caman) Introduction precedes the introduction of football with tales of the first hurling match in 8th century The following Gaelic Football skills cards are prepared for teachers and coaches to assist in the preparation, planning and implementating of the skills. Each skill is presented to inform the teacher/coach of the components of the skill and is broken down in a manner to follow the sequence of each movement. The visual aspect-using colour will cater for all abilities and the pupils will engage with the skill guided by the steps outlined in the cue cards. The history of Gaelic Football along with the ancient and modern rules may be used to examine the pupils in a fun way to assess their knowledge of the origins of this Irish traditional game. Gaelic football dates back to the earliest record of a recognised forerunner to modern Gaelic football from a game in Meath in 1670, in which catching and kicking the was permitted. The first All-Ireland football final took place in 1887 in Clonskeagh between and Louth. Limerick won the game by 1-4 to 0-3.

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly

HISTORY OF THE SPORT:

Gaelic football (Irish: peil ghaelach), commonly referred to as "football", "Gaelic" or "GAA ('gah')", is a form of football played mainly in Ireland. Teams of 15 players or hand pass a ball around a grass pitch towards opposing goals to either a point over the bar or a . Gaelic football is one of four Gaelic run by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). The others include Hurling, and . The game is believed to have descended from ancient Irish football dating back to 1537. The modern game however has its origins dating to 1887 after the foundation of the GAA in 1884. The Tailteann Games, which was an ancient Celtic festival, took place annually during the feast of Lunagsha (August 1th) and began in 1829 BC (Oregan 2006). There are historical references to a form of Irish or Gaelic football being played in Ireland as far back as the 14th century. It appears that Gaelic football games were cross-country marathons involving hundreds of players, and violent exchanges were acceptable. This cross-country football was called ‘ in , taking its name from the ball of horsehide or oxhide which had an inflated natural bladder inside it (Healy, 1998). These events that did not have the defined rules of the modern game and could continue over a of weeks. They were not confined to one field or even on parish. The ball could be carried from one parish to another where on completion a social event would take place. History contrived to challenge the survival of this native game. In 1695, the Sunday observance Act banned hurling, communing (support) and football on Sundays and imposed 12 pence or the equivalent or 12 pennies penalty for each offense (Tierney, 1972 cited in Oregan 2006). The in 1845 saw depletion in the Irish population and a sea change in sporting participation.

National pride and a desire for self identity led to the formation of the Gaelic Athletic Association (Cumann Luthchleas Gael) on All Saints Day the 1th November 1884. The founding members included, Michael Cusack, who attended a meeting at Hayes’s Hotel

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly

THE RULES OF THE GAME:

The rules of specification outline certain factors relating to the playing set up of . They specify limitations relating to:

1. The Field of Play. 2. The Players. 3. Time. 4. Equipment.

FIELD OF PLAY Pitch Dimensions

The field of play for Gaelic Games is rectangular and its dimensions are as follows: Length - 130m minimum to 145m maximum. Width - 80m minimum to 90m maximum.

Pitch Markings

At distances of 13m, 20m, 45m (football) and 65m (hurling), lines are marked parallel to the end lines. The intersection of these lines and the end lines with the sidelines are marked with . The midline of the field is marked parallel to the end lines and has a maximum length of 10m (Note: the dimensions may be reduced by local -laws for U15 or younger grades).

THE PLAYERS: A team consists of 15 players. These are made up of one , six defenders, two and six attackers. (Note: the positional line up is as below, but no player is restricted in his movement around the field. A team may commence a game with 13 players, but must have fielded 15 players (inclusive of any players ordered off or retired injured) by the start of the second half. A maximum of five substitutes are allowed. A substitution is not allowed in the case of a player ordered off (Note: in the case of extra time, an additional three substitutes are allowed. A player ordered off, in any circumstances, during normal time may not play in extra-time, but may be replaced). Substitutions/temporary replacements may only be made during a break in play.

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly

Before all official games, the must be given a list of players. The first 15 names on the list indicate those players constituting the actual team, unless otherwise clearly indicated.

TIME: The playing time consists of two periods of 30 minutes each, but time is added on in each period for incidental or deliberate delays at the discretion of the referee. In Senior Inter-county Championship and National League games, the playing time consists of two periods of 35 minutes each. Playing time may be reduced for U15 or younger grades. A team must take the field not later than 10 minutes before the appointed starting time for Senior Inter-county Championship and other selected games. In all other cases, a team must take the field not later than 5 minutes before the appointed starting time.

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly Some Basic Rules In the Game of Gaelic football:

When the ball is on the ground, it may be played by any part of the body except the hand(s). It may be lifted off the ground with the feet.

Exceptions

(i) The goalkeeper may play the ball on the ground with his hand(s) inside his own small rectangle.

(ii) Any player who falls or is knocked to the ground while in possession of the ball may fist or palm the ball away on the ground, and may score by so doing.

(iii) The ball may not be lifted off the ground with the knees.

When a player is in possession of the ball, it may be: - (a) carried for a maximum of four consecutive steps or held in the hand(s) for no longer than the time needed to take four steps;

(b) Played from the foot to the hand(s) -toe tapped ;( Solo)

(c) Bounced once, and once after each toe tap;

(d) Changed from one hand to the other once, with the original holding hand-maintaining contact until the change is completed;

(e) Played away with: (i) a fist (ii) an open hand-in which instance there shall be a definite underhand striking action

(f) Released for a kick, a toe-tap or a pass with a fist or an open hand. The ball may be knocked from an opponent’s hand(s) by flicking it with the open hand.

When a ball has not been caught directly it can be bounced more than once in succession.

The Referee, facing the players, starts the game and restarts it after half-time, by throwing in the ball between two players from each team, who shall stand one behind the other in their own defensive sides of the half-way line. All other players shall be in their respective positions behind the 45m lines. http://www.gaa.ie/coaching-and-games-development/resources-and-publications/ this site is an excellent resource.

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly

THE SKILLS OF GAELIC FOOTBALL

Gaining Possession Maintaining Possession Releasing Possession Contesting Possession

The Crouch Lift The Bounce The Fist Pass Side to Side Charge

The High Catch The Toe Tap/solo The Hand Pass Checking/Shadowing

The Body Catch The Feint/Side step The Punt Kick The Near /Hand

The Low Catch Evasion/Roll off The Hook Kick The Block Down

The Reach Catch The Penalty Kick

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly

CARD 1 CROUCH LIFT

AIM: Is to teach the crouch lift, which is one of the primary methods of gaining possession in the game of Gaelic football. This can be conducted in a progressive way, as many young children do not possess the fundamental coordination motor skills to execute the skill competently. Familiarisation with the football is essential to develop confidence to advance to the more difficult football skills. The major advantage of learning this skill is that it can performed by the individual or in a group. It can be taught without major resources. Rolling the ball against a wall using a larger size soft ball can be introduced until familiarisation is evident and confidence is displayed.

EQUIPMENT: In the event that a hall or a field is not available use the gable end of a building or the schoolyard. Cones/ Whistle.

PICTURE: Sequence of Photographs demonstrates the Crouch Lift. Pictures from gaa.ie

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly

CARD 1(a)

HOW TO PLAY TEACHING POINTS SAFETY POINTS Use the wall by rolling the ball against it and crouch lift on the return. Move towards the ball bending forward placing the supporting foot beside the ball. The only major safety concern is to

Place both hands in front of the ball make sure that sufficient space is spreading the fingers. available as the footballs will not

travel in the direction intended and Bring the lifting leg forward and assist the lifting of the ball into the hands. pupils may run across one another.

Bring the ball close to the body. This will protect the player from dispossessed when in Check for loose clothing particularly a game situation. laces as the execution of the skill

Allow time for adaptation to increase the could lead to falling over if a pupil number of touches and the speed. stands on an untied shoe lace.

Step into the ball each time.

VARIATIONS: Use competition to encourage participation. Place a number of cones in a circle with a football at each one. Time the pupils while running to crouch lift at each cone and place the ball back down. Vary it further by asking them to use both feet. To accommodate aerobic fitness have the pupils run to a designated cone and crouch lift the ball again.

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly

CARD 2 THE BOUNCE

AIM: Progressing from the crouch lift to the bounce is an integral part in the game of football. Pupils will learn how to control the bounce and Execute the bounce at varying speeds to improve spatial awareness, coordination and multi directional movement. Symmetrical movement should be encouraged to develop balance. EQUIPMENT: Cones, Bibs varying colours, whistle,

After receiving the ball bring it close to the body for Note the position of the players hand for executing For younger players it is especially important to protection. the bounce. Fingers extended pushing to the ground extend the fingers in both arms to receive the ball.

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly CARD 2(a) BOUNCE

HOW TO PLAY TEACHING POINTS SAFETY Skill Introduction is important however it is the combination of skills which promotes TGfU Keep eyes on the ball Run through the cones bouncing with left & right Hold the ball firmly in both hands Keeping control using either left or right hands. Make sure that the grids are sufficiently hand extend the arm and push the ball large enough into the ground. Extend both arms to receive the ball as This will ensure that a pupil is not it bounces back from the ground. knocked out immediately Collect the ball and protect it.

Cones should be collapsible The Bounce is used by the player to

keep Observe from a distance to make certain Possession without fouling the ball. that the pupils are not totally TRY & BOUNCE THE OTHER PLAYERS BALL When in possession it is possible to concentrating on the skill without AWAY. take a maximum of 4 steps without awareness of the space around them. having to play the ball.

After 4 steps the player must either toe tap, or play the ball away to players standing around grid, collect a hand pass & continue. After a toe tap the player can bounce the ball again

It is not permitted to bounce the ball more than once in succession.

20 x 20m NB: Reaffirm eyes up, Hands ready, Feet balance VARIATIONS: BOUNCE OUT: The progression for this skill is only limited to the imagination of the teacher/coach. This drill is fun for the pupils and requires the use of both hands in an area determined by the teacher. The object of the game is to have only one player left in the grid.

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly SKILL CARD 3: FIST PASS

AIM: The fist- pass is a skill which a young player will use more often than most other skills to keep possession and to score a point by fist- passing the ball over the ball. The aim should be to teach the pupils the fist- pass and then challenge them to a fun game of possession and scoring. EQUIPMENT: Collapsible cones of varying colours: whistle: footballs: bibs varying colours.

Photos by Liam O’ Reilly

Photo sequence by gaa.ie

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly CARD 3(a) Fist Pass

HOW TO PLAY TEACHING POINTS SAFETY POINTS Support the ball in the palm of one hand in This passing drill is a

front of the body. progression from the warm- Face the target. up, however the students have

Swing back and extend the striking hand. now become familiar with the Keep eyes on the ball. movement and are placed in a Lean forward and strike through the middle competitive situation modified of the ball, with the closed hand.

to suit the fist -pass. The supporting hand must remain steady. Follow the strike through in the direction of Repeat the drill until each team

the pass. can perform the movement 1. Fist the ball over the bar While striking the ball, step forward with without dropping the ball. the foot on the opposite side. NB (children Make sure that the grass area will often step forward with the same leg) 2. Receive pass from here is free of stones and holes. This Make sure that there is a clear and definite strike from underneath. is a drill which is easily

performed indoors in a

1. Line up behind the cones controlled environment.

1. VARIATIONS: Recieve pass to chest Take four steps only before fisting the ball over the bar. 2. Change to non-dominant hand every second time. 2. Begin slowly and increase pace. 4. If mastery is evident zig/zag through cones Encourage higher order learning to learn the skill as they play. Remember performance is NOT important. There is a construction of meaning which is student centred. NB Allow the pupils time to learn and solve the problem of regrouping and engaging.

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly

SKILL CARD 4 BLOCK DOWN AIM: The block down is an important defensive skill that can be most effective to stop a scoring opportunity in a 1v1 game situation. It can also be used in blocking an attempted foot or fist pass which can result in a turnover in possession. It can be a difficult skill for young players to become comfortable with therefore it is essential to remove the fear factor the skill poses. To do so fun and safety are all important. EQUIPMENT: Cones, Bibs of varying colours, whistle, PICTURE:

Dublin V Louth 2008: Paul Casey blocking Aaron Hoey.

A defensive skill requiring bravery, timing and

concentration Hands are outstretched with eyes firmly on the ball.

Pupils enjoy this practice when undertaken in groups and by introducing a larger ball. Each domain is catered for and pupils will achieve.

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly CARD 4 (a) BLOCK DOWN

HOW TO PLAY TEACHING POINTS SAFETY POINTS

Stand close to the opponent. Hesitating away from contact can in Approach from the side. fact cause injury as it is poor technique As the opponent attempts to play the ball, and allows kicking foot or ball to travel reach forward with hands close together. further than it should which may result Eyes open on the ball. in an injury. Hands held stiffly with fingers closely

together. Pupils must feel comfortable with the Begin with (yellow) on their feet Block the ball at the point of contact with technique before making it match with ball thrower (red) on their knees. the foot. realistic (use of a larger, softer ball can

Move to regain possession. be helpful). Ball thrower gently throws ball up from a kneeling position for the blocker to step in VARIATIONS: Control is essential for the skill to be and block with two hands. Allow blockers Use of a larger Ball in introduction activity introduced properly. Practicing the confidence grow and begin to make throws Vary the size of the playing area. Increasing the size skill in such a closed setting is stronger as blocker improves. can reduce the difficulty, decreasing the size can important for safety.

increase the intensity Blocker on knees, ball kicker on feet. Kicker Alter the task that players are expected to perform. Missing the ball as it passes through 3 steps in a pre-arranged direction before Change the skill, add in additional skills or the outstretched arms can be kicking ball gently movements or alter the rules prevented

Increase or decrease the number of players to vary Blockers on their knees will know where the challenge, or introduce opposition, from token Pupils closing their eyes when the block will take place. Keep eyes open opposition to partial opposition to full opposition. attempting to block should be concentrating on the ball and on kicking corrected as it risks players’ safety. foot of kicker.

Blocker to get in as close as possible to kickers supporting leg and block ball as it leaves the foot of kicker.

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly SKILL CARD 5 HIGH CATCH

Aim: The high catch or Fielding is used in Gaelic football to gain possession from a Kick out or

a kick pass travelling in the air. It is a specialised skill.

Eyes on the ball and prepare body for landing

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly SKILL CARD 5 (a) HIGH CATCH

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly SKILL CARD 6 HOOK KICK

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly SKILL CARD 6 (a) HOOK KICK

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly SKILL CARD 7 FEINT

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly SKILL CARD 7 (a)

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly SKILL CARD 8 SOLO

Aim: The aim of the solo is to teach pupils keep possession while travelling with the ball. This skill is taught in simple progression by using left hand left leg, right hand right leg. Encourage the pupils to toe tap the football repeatedly in a stationary position and progress to moving in (a) straight lines, (b) multi directional, and (c) shadow play.

Equipment: Cones, poles, whistle, footballs.

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GAELIC FOOTBALL SKILL CARDS TGfU 2011 Liam O’ Reilly SKILL CARD 8 (a) SOLO

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