1. Physical Preparation for Youths in Hurling
GAA Award 1 (Youth) Hurling Coach Education Course
Ger O’Connor Willie Coogan Barry Horgan

2. Tutor Introduction Tutor Notes:
Outcomes to be achieved in this module.
Will look at the physical requirements to play Hurling
The components of Physical Fitness
We will practice the prganisation of activities to develop the components of fitness
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3. Ice-Breaker - Individual Differences & Similarities
Divide into teams of 4 or 5
Prepare a flip chart sheet that lists:
Individual differences - things that are unique to that you, and
Similarities: qualities, activities, interests etc., that all team members share
List one question that each team would like answered before the end of the session
Tutor Notes:
Outcomes to be achieved in this module.
Will look at the physical requirements to play Hurling
The components of Physical Fitness
We will practice the prganisation of activities to develop the components of fitness
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4. Ice-Breaker - Individual Differences & Similarities
How is the theme of ‘Individual Differences’ & ‘Similarities’ relevant to this evenings session titled ‘Physical Preparation for Youths’?
Based on your answers, please share some experiences that you have encountered when working with youths.
Tutor Notes:
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5. GAA Award 1 – Physical Fitness Outcomes
By the end of this Module participants will be able to:
Define physical preparation of young players (U13-U16s) in hurling
Describe the components of physical preparation
Have an awareness of the importance of Athlete Development (AD) for Youths
Identify the ‘windows of opportunity’ for the development of these components
Plan and conduct basic activities for the development of these physical components by integrating physical preparation exercises into the warm- up, cool-down and individual player ‘take-home’ challenges
Tutor Notes:
Outcomes to be achieved in this module.
Will look at the physical requirements to play Hurling
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6. The OTú Model – Physical Preparation
What do we mean by Physical Preparation of young players in hurling?
What are the components of Physical Preparation of young players in hurling?
Tutor Notes:
Skill Development

7. The OTú Model – Physical Preparation
This describes the physical qualities required by all players in the context of their stage of development in relation to the sport of hurling.
It’s components include:
Functional Development (Posture, Flexibility, Balance, Co- ordination)
Speed (running mechanics, acceleration and agility)
Strength (general strength, explosive strength and strength endurance)
Endurance (including aerobic and anaerobic functions)
Tutor Notes:
The physical demands of Gaelic games have increased dramatically in the last 15 years. On average players cover a distance of 10km per game, moving at a variety of different speeds, in numerous directions and over both long and short distances. Develop Physical Fitness for Youth Players must take this into account and prepare players for the game that they will be playing.
Skill Development

8. Teenagers and Physical Preparation
From a Physical Preparation point of view, the teenage years are very important. In small groups, look at this photo and note anything that you observe.
Tutor Notes:
Skill Development

9. Teenagers and Physical Preparation
Most important factor is that no two teenagers are the same. Look at the size of the three players!!
This is an U14s team, however one looks like a minor while the other looks like an U12!!
Tutor Notes:
Physical Fitness development in teenagers is very important for future performance.
Coaches must remember that teenagers are not mini adults, and that no two teenagers are the same.
The most important point is that it is very difficult to have a hard and fast rule for fitness in teenagers. These 3 teenagers are all under 14. One looks more like a minor while another looks more like an under 12.
Skill Development

10. Why are no two teenagers the same?
Discussion
Why are no two teenagers the same?
Tutor Notes:
Tutor led discussion – Why are no 2 teenagers the same.
As players develop they pass through a number of phases.
From an acedemic point of view they move from primary to secondary to higher education to the workplace.
Tutor to concentrate on the biological development: players move from childhood, through puberty, adolescence and onto adulthood. We’ll take a closer look at this in the next slide.
Note the difference in the age between the three stages of development.

11. Why are no 2 Teenagers the same?
Chronological vs. Biological vs. Training Age
Teenagers grow differently.
Players of the same age can be biologically up to 4 years older or younger
Chronological: age is the number of years since birth
Biological: age is the developmental stage of the players muscular-skeletal and hormonal system
Training: age is the number of years the player has been involved in progressive supervised training
Tutor Notes:
Not all players travel from childhood to adult hood at the same rate. For some players their bodies can grow quicker or slower than you would think according to their actual chronological age. Players can be as much as 4 years below or above their actual age – a 14 year old player could have the physical make up of someone as young as 10 or as old as 18. 14

12. Impact on Selection for Squads Inter-county Minor Hurling Squads
Tutor Notes:
Physical Fitness development in teenagers is very important for future performance.
Coaches must remember that teenagers are not mini adults, and that no two teenagers are the same.
The most important point is that it is very difficult to have a hard and fast rule for fitness in teenagers. These 3 teenagers are all under 14. One looks more like a minor while another looks more like an under 12.
Skill Development

13. Peak Height Velocity (PHV) AKA ‘Growth Spurt’
‘They go to bed looking normal, and wake up looking like a giraffe’!
Normal growth rate of 5cm per year, accelerated to 9+cm per year and lasts for about 6-12months
Males years; Females years
Measure of biological age and maturity
Body has high demand for energy for growth, and co- ordination suffers. How should we alter our training during this period?
Tutor Notes:
Physical Fitness development in teenagers is very important for future performance.
Coaches must remember that teenagers are not mini adults, and that no two teenagers are the same.
The most important point is that it is very difficult to have a hard and fast rule for fitness in teenagers. These 3 teenagers are all under 14. One looks more like a minor while another looks more like an under 12.
Skill Development

14. Tutor Notes:
Skill Development

15. Optimal Windows for Trainability
Tutor Notes:
Physical Fitness development in teenagers is very important for future performance.
Coaches must remember that teenagers are not mini adults, and that no two teenagers are the same.
The most important point is that it is very difficult to have a hard and fast rule for fitness in teenagers. These 3 teenagers are all under 14. One looks more like a minor while another looks more like an under 12.
Skill Development

16. Early Maturers We all know about ‘the next big thing’ player….
Think of a Player that you know or know of that was so good at a very young age
What have they got in common?
Tutor Notes:
Tutor Led Discussion -
Tutor to ask about players that have been marked out as future stars from a very young age. Participants to identify – tutor to record on flip chart.
Most of those players that are seen as the best young players are often those players that develop quicker and are physically bigger and more developed at a young age.
For example Joe Canning
Tutor to also ask about players that come through later on – that might not have been as physically big. Players that coaches say – when he fills out hell be good etc.
What about players that are small for their age?
Skill Development

17. Functional Competence for Gaelic Games
The ability of the player to operate their body in relation to the sport and position played.
It relates to posture, mobility, motor control, body awareness.
‘The player needs to have functional strength and stability during motion’ (Giles, 2008)
Injury Prevention:
Osgood Schlatter’s Disease – Can occur during rapid growth spurt between ages years when combined with high levels of activity
Tutor Notes:
Use the flip chart to gather feedback from participants. This slide can be used to sum up.
Speed for Hurling.
Players need different forms of speed to perform – reactive speed (speed off the mark, to the breaking ball etc), acceleration (ability to change speed and direction), Sprinting speed (top speed over a distance), speed endurance (ability to maintain speed over a distance and time)
Its important to remember that speed is largely genetic – some people are genetically more likely to be fast than others. However through proper training players can become quicker.
Teenage players can develop speed very well – especially age 12 – 16. 17

18. Functional Competence for Gaelic Games
How can we identify faulty movements?
What should we do?
Video Clips
Squat Technique
Overhead Squat Technique
Shoulder Mobility
Torso Stability
Single-leg Stability
Tutor Notes:
Use the flip chart to gather feedback from participants. This slide can be used to sum up.
Speed for Hurling.
Players need different forms of speed to perform – reactive speed (speed off the mark, to the breaking ball etc), acceleration (ability to change speed and direction), Sprinting speed (top speed over a distance), speed endurance (ability to maintain speed over a distance and time)
Its important to remember that speed is largely genetic – some people are genetically more likely to be fast than others. However through proper training players can become quicker.
Teenage players can develop speed very well – especially age 12 – 16. 18

19. Speed for Gaelic Games
Speed is a general term to refer to quick movement
Players require many different types of speed:
Reaction speed - including speed off the mark
Acceleration speed
Change of Direction speed
Maximum sprinting speed
Speed endurance
Age 12 – 14 is an ideal time to develop speed – just before the growth spurt
Tutor Notes:
Use the flip chart to gather feedback from participants. This slide can be used to sum up.
Speed for Hurling.
Players need different forms of speed to perform – reactive speed (speed off the mark, to the breaking ball etc), acceleration (ability to change speed and direction), Sprinting speed (top speed over a distance), speed endurance (ability to maintain speed over a distance and time)
Its important to remember that speed is largely genetic – some people are genetically more likely to be fast than others. However through proper training players can become quicker.
Teenage players can develop speed very well – especially age 12 – 16. 19

20. Stamina for Gaelic Games
Stamina is often called endurance and refers to the ability to maintain performance over the duration of a game.
An ideal way of developing stamina in teenagers is through modified games and fun games
Continuous movement where the players work at quicker and slower speeds and intensities.
Age 12 – 16 is an ideal time to build a good stamina base
Discussion
Tutor Notes:
Use the flip chart to gather feedback from participants. This slide can be used to sum up.
Stamina is often called endurance and is the ability to maintain performance
Developing stamina can involve the use of interval training (interaction of faster and slower running)
Similarly to speed, stamina can be largely genetic, but through training players can increase their stamina.
Teenage players can develop speed very well – especially age 12 – 16. This can be done through a circuit incorporating modified games and fun games for skill development. 20

21. Suppleness for Gaelic Games
Suppleness refers to flexibility – Joints work within an optimal range of motion of a joint.
Developing suppleness involves performing a range of different activities including:
Static Stretching – more appropriate after training and games
Dynamic Stretching – best before training and games
Discussion
Tutor Notes:
Use the flip chart to gather feedback from participants. This slide can be used to sum up.
Suppleness is referred to as flexibility and is related to the range of motion of a body joint.
Flexibility can be developed using static stretching – holding the stretch for a period of time, PNF stretching – stretching with the aid of a partner, dynamic stretching – moving the joint through its range of motion
The use of dynamic stretches, slow controlled movement through the full range of motion are the most appropriate exercises for warming-up.
By contrast, static stretches are more appropriate for the warm-down. 21

22. Strength for Gaelic Games
Strength is the ability to exert force for over period of time.
Developing Strength involves performing a range of different activities including:
Body Weight Exercises
Partner Resisted Exercises
Core Stability & Balance Exercise
Free Weight VS Machine Resisted Exercises (when appropriate)
Discussion
Tutor Notes:
Use the flip chart to gather feedback from participants. This slide can be used to sum up.
Strength training is often thought of as simply weight training.
Strength can be developed through a range of different types of exercise, such as Body Weight Exercises – push ups, Partner Resisted Exercises – where a partner works against the working muscles, machine resisted exercises – such as the machines in a gym, which provide resistance through a pre-defined range of motion and free weight resisted exercises – which use weights, such as dumbells/barbells that can be used in any range of motion.
While strength is important, Power is the combination of speed and strength and is an essential ingredient of Hurling. 22

23. Strength for Gaelic Games
Functional Competence before Sport Specific Exercises
Technique before Load
Bodyweight before External Resistance
Strength Endurance before Maximum Strength / Power
Injury Prevention before Injury Rehabilitation (Physiotherapist Screening & Correction)
Supervision always
Health & Safety
Potential for massive performance improvements!
Tutor Notes:
Tutor led discussion. Strength training is possible for teenagers, but only when the person supervising is qualified and the equipment is set up for teenagers. Initially use body weight exercises – such as the sit up, push up, squat etc. This can be done in a circuit session.
Players can also use light weights such as medicine balls.
Teenagers can also learn to lift weights – they are only learning the technique and should never be asked to lift as much as possible. Keep weights low and the number of repetitions high. 23

24. Recovery for Gaelic Games
Refers to relaxation and recovery from activity, in order to ensure that maximum effort can be exerted in subsequent exercises, and sessions.
Training in itself does not improve fitness. The body must have time to recover and repair itself for fitness to improve
Recovery activities include:
Warming Down
Suppleness/Flexibility activities
Rehydrating and Refueling
Active Recovery (Cardio X-Training / Swimming Pool / Massage / Jacuzzi / Hot-Cold Immersion)
Tutor Notes:
Use the flip chart to gather feedback from participants. This slide can be used to sum up.
Sleep refers to the recovery and relaxation activities that a player can engage in between sessions to ensure that maximum effort can be given in each session.
Important aspects of the recovery phase include
warming down (bringing the body from intense activity to normal activity),
Flexibility activities – as previous
Rehydration and Refuelling – putting back the used fluids (primarily water) and food
Active recovery – keeping active at a low level to keep the body ‘ticking over’ 24

25. Recovery for Gaelic Games
Recovery is very important for youth players
Many players can play on different teams (hurling/football, other age groups, School/County Academy)
If the body does not accurately recover from games or training sessions then the player will begin to perform badly
It is the coaches job to know what teams each player is playing for, contact other coaches to know what training they are doing
Tutor Notes:
Tutor led discussion.
Tutor to emphasise the need for communication between coaches if a player is playing on multiple teams – especially if they are at different stages of competition at the same time of year: for example the end of the colleges competitions is around the start of the club u. 16 or minor season. 25

26. Physical Preparation for Gaelic games
The best way to develop cardio fitness is to play small sided/conditioned games in training sessions
Players find games more enjoyable, work harder and perceive the effort involved to be lower
Use a variety of games to work on fitness
Always warm up and cool down appropriately
Tutor Note:
Tutor led to sum up.
Tutor to emphasise that the components of fitness can be developed very well for youths once there is appropriate coaching supervision and the stage of development of each player is taken into account. 26

27. Physical Preparation for Gaelic games
Follow the IDEA model and coach the group.
Set up an appropriate activity to allow participants develop the area you have been given – coach as they practice.
Develop two progressions with the group
Use STEP model to progress
FITT
ASPORT
Tutor Note:
Tutor led to sum up.
Tutor to emphasise that the components of fitness can be developed very well for youths once there is appropriate coaching supervision and the stage of development of each player is taken into account. 27

28. Are Physical Preparation requirements different to the physical game demands for youths in Hurling?
Tutor Notes:
Need to adequately define what the physical fitness requirements to play adult hurling.
Question:
Do hurlers need to have
endurance like Sonia O’Sullivan
The same speed as Usain Bolt – World Record holder for 100m
Strength like a strong man competition
These are all extremes in the different areas of fitness, Hurlers need some of each to perform at their best
Skill Development

29. Lets Go and Do It! Take a short session with the group
Warm-Up (Dynamic Stretching)
Speed Development
Bodyweight Strength Development
Conditioned Games
Stamina
Core Stability Exercises
Cool-down (Static Stretching)
Tutor Note:
The major Practical Component of this Module. Coaches to take a 10 minute session with a group of peers. Tutor to demonstrate firstly, as a modeling exercise for the coach to work with. Tutor can use the How to Coach Skills that were introduced in the Foundation Award as a prompt or reminder for the Coaches.
Use the game or skill development cards available as prompt or reminders for the Coach. Coach to follow the IDEA model and organise an appropriate activity for the participants. Coaches to use the STEP model to make two adaptations to the activity.
Tutor to obeserve, analyse and provide feedback to each Coach. 29

30. GAA Award 1 – Physical Preparation Review
By the end of this Module participants are be able to:
Define physical preparation of young players (U13-U16s) in hurling
Describe the components of physical preparation
Have an awareness of the importance of Athlete Development (AD) for Youths
Identify the ‘windows of opportunity’ for the development of these components
Plan and conduct basic activities for the development of these physical components by integrating physical preparation exercises into the warm- up, cool-down and individual player ‘take-home’ challenges
Tutor Notes:
Outcomes to be achieved in this module.
Will look at the physical requirements to play Hurling
Presentation title in footer

31. Thank you