Phase 2
First Touch
Erins Isle Hurling Manual
for Coaches
Contents
1. The Hand Pass
2. Catching
a. High
b. Low
c. Chest
3. The Lift
a. Roll
b. Jab
4. Ground Block
a. Ground Stop
b. Hurl to Hand
c. Batting
5. Ground Block
6. Some Suggestions
1) The Hand Pass;
Cup non-dominant hand with fingers slightly apart
Toss sliotar up and quickly draw passing hand back and forth with semi push action
The pass should be to team mate’s face or chest area.
Protect catching hand with hurl.
Note; the hand pass should should be given quickly with passing hand coming across body.
Technique:
Basic:
Advanced:
2) Catching : High Catch / Low Catch / Chest Catch
High Catch; Keeping the eye on the ball put up the catching hand just as the ball approaches.
Keeping head up and eyes open close fingers on sliothar on impact with hand drawing hand back.
Note; Fingers should be cupped and slightly apart when catching the sliothar.
Bring ball down and into the body.
Always protect catching hand with hurl in dominant hand.
Low catch; Keeping the eye on the ball bend forward with arm dropped.
With cupped fingers slightly apart clasp sliothar on impact.
Bring ball to body.
Always protect catching hand with hurl in dominant hand.
Chest Catch; Cup hand and allow sliothar to drop into chest/stomach.
Always protect catching hand with hurl in dominant hand.
3) The Lift
Roll Lift
From Set Position roll the hurl flat with thumbs pointing forward and toe of hurl pointing out.
For Right handed players extend left leg placing foot near sliothar/
For Left handed players extend right leg placing foot near sliothar.
Bend knees well and crouch body.
Place boss of hurl 3 to 4 inches over sliothar.
Roll the sliothar with speed until the toe of the hurl is under the ball .
Let the ball come onto the boss of hurl.
Gently but firmly tip the ball into the catching hand.
Bring forward right leg/left leg.
Bring sliothar into stomach for protection.
Jab Lift
Same as roll lift except the player “Jabs” the hurl straight under the sliothar.
Ensure toe of hurl is pointing out.
The receiving hand should be slightly cupped.
Bring sliothar into stomach for protection.
Note; The Jab Lift can be done with one hand on the run for greater speed. Bring sliothar into
stomach for protection.
4) Blocking
a. Ground Stop
Ready position.
Bring feet together and roll hurl flat with thumbs pointing forward.
Bend knees and body into crouch position.
Place boss of hurl between feet with toe of hurl pointing out.
A slight tilt on the hurl will enable the ball to bounce up and into hand.
Note: For beginners a straight hurl is recommended to kill the ball.
b. Hurl to Hand
Right Side; using one hand place the hurl to the right with toe pointing upwards.
When the ball rebounds off hurl move body across and take sliothar with catching hand.
Left Side; Same process as with the right hand except the hurl and arm come across the player’s
body.
c. Batting High Ball
Roll the hurl in hands with toe pointing out.
Thumbs pointing forward and about 6 inch gap between hands.
Keep the eye on the ball and block or bat it down.
When batting a 12 inch to 18 inch movement is sufficient for good control.
Note; When Blocking: - On impact of sliothar allow hurl to come back slightly (kill the ball)
Then take into chest or stomach.
5) Hurl Pass - Left & Right
Fore note; In the modern game many managers and coaches have adopted the “short passing game”
And players have started to shorten their hurls.
From a coaching and player development perspective however it is essential that our young players
learn the traditional skills as these skills will never die.
Passing; Get into Pairs or Three’s and strike the sliothar holding the hurl at the handle.
With a wristy swing strike the sliothar at knee height.
Striking:
Exercise 1:
Equipment: 1 Sliothar per pair.
Put Players in pairs (1 Player on either side of pitch)
Sliothar’s are struck simultaneously from one side to the other.
Continue exercise for 1 minute and then players on one side all shift up one station. That way all
players get to pair up with different people.
Players should alternate between striking on their left and right sides.
Emphasize the importance of getting to the sliothar quickly and one touch control.
Exercise 2:
Equipment: 6 Sliothars at each end.
Put Players in Groups of 4 ( 1 Player in End1, Box1, End2 and Box2)
Sliothar’s are struck simultaneously from End 1 to Box 1 and from End 2 to Box 2.
After Striking players move from Box 1 to Box 2.
Continue exercise for 2 minutes and then all groups rotate.
Players should alternate between striking on their left and right sides.
Some Suggestions
1) Establish players strong or dominant hand ( usually the writing hand)
2) For Beginners put a coloured band on the wrist of the dominant hand and get players to wear
these during training: - Why!! Some players may swap over hands when striking. The coach
should watch for this.
3) Make sure to get full attention; Eye contact.
4) Move about when talking to your players.
5) Do not talk for too long.
6) Vary exercises.
7) Introduce new skills gradually.
8) Always plan well.
9) Have fun ( kids & coach )
10) Encourage the kids to go to hurling games or watch them and get them talking about the
games.
11)
Continue to practice basic skills.
Note; Technique is key in all exercises and future development depends on correct methods and at
the early stages.
Dos and Don’ts
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Do insist on Respect to All
Do insist on good time-keeping
Do encourage good sportsmanship
Do try to keep players motivated
Do stick to training plan.
All managers/coaches should present themselves in a pleasant and tidy manner.
DO ENSURE THAT GOOD TECHNIQUE IS DEVELOPED AN D MAINTAINED
Don’ts
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Do not allow bad language.
Do not tolerate misuse of Hurley or other striking acting.
Do not let players chop with Hurley. It is dangerous and it is a free.
Do not let players lose focus. They will distract others as well as themselves.
Do not allow training sessions exceed more than 75 minutes.
DO NOT LET BAD HABITS DEVELOP. STOP THEM IMMEDIATELY AND GET HELP IF NEED BE.