Coaching Review: Side Step and Changing Direction in Gaelic Football

Welcome to the GAA Football All Ireland Senior Quarter Final coaching review. Each week an example of good play from either the Hurling or Gaelic football Championships will be examined from a coaching point of view. This week, we will focus on the side step and change of direction in Gaelic Football.

Movement when in possession of the ball in Gaelic football is crucial to creating space. Much has been discussed in recent weeks regarding defensive systems; however the ability of attacking players to change direction at pace can unlock even the most effective defensive system. This was especially impressive when considering that some of the best defensive records were on the line in last weekend’s games.

There were a number of excellent examples of points scored arising from using the side step to change direction. It is noticeable in many of the examples that the direction of the attack was changed on more than one occasion within the same attack. This video clip shows examples from last weekend’s point scoring.

When analysing the scores above it is possible to identify each of the areas of the OTú Coaching Model in the play:

Technical Proficiency

• The body positioning, lining up opponents prior to changing direction
• The ball handling, using the toe tap and the bounce at the appropriate stage to avoid overcarrying

Tactical Prowess

For players on the ball:

• Choosing when to change direction
• Selling the dummy off one side to generate some space to kick from the other
• Creating space and deciding to pass to a team mate in a better position to shoot

Team Play

• Passing to a team mate in a better position to shoot
• Attacking players making runs off the ball to create space for team mates to shoot

Physical Fitness

• Being agile enough to push of either the left or right foot
• Having sufficient leg strength to slow from pace and push off in other directions
• Being able to change the pace of the attack to take advantage of open spaces

Psychological Focus

• Being engaged in the game; being fully aware of the play to identify the cues from team mates and opponents
• Maintaining composure to score while under pressure from defenders

Participant Feedback

• Knowing which side to attack to avoid opponents and create space
• Being able to judge the playing conditions

When performed correctly the side step and change of direction can be very spectacular.

As can be seen from the above, each of the different aspects of the OTú Coaching Model interact together to create good play. For more information on the OTú Coaching Model and each of its constituent parts click here.

Developing the Side Step and Change of Direction

In order to develop the side step – especially under pressure from opponents - it is necessary to design practice activities that expose players to team mates and opponents. The best method of developing support play is through the progression of games, from modified, through small sided and finally full sided games.

• Modified Games

Modified Games are practices that focus on different aspects of team play through games. They are often undertaken in a defined space, e.g. a grid. Modified Games apply the skills learned to team situations. Players must make decisions on where and when to move to combine as an effective unit as in a real ‘game’ situation. Such games encourage awareness of time and space but also help develop specific characteristics of Team Play, e.g. support play and communication. By not limiting players to particular positions the coach allows each player to develop greater decision making skills and tactical appreciation for different aspects of play.

Many variations may be used, depending on the objective of the game, e.g. 2 v 1, 2 v 2, 3 v 2, 3 v 3. This type of game can be used to develop the ability to retain possession (passing sequences), to create or reduce space (3 v 2 etc) or to develop contact or reaction skills. Modified Scoring Systems (e.g. target scores or time limits) and Modified Playing Rules (e.g. no solo, hand pass only) can be used to focus on particular techniques or aspects of decision making.

• Small Sided Games

Small Sided Games are an extension of fun games and grid games but are basically smaller versions of full games. Smaller numbers are used to ensure plenty of ball contact for all involved. Positions may be used but it is advisable to allow individual players to play in as many different positions as possible over time.

Tactical Prowess and Team Play are further developed but with more specific relevance to full sided games as the movement and open play mimic aspects of full Hurling and Football.

Games such as 7/9/11/13-a-side games provide players with the opportunity to encounter challenges similar to those found in full-sided games, however due to the smaller numbers and/or restricted playing area, the number of times a player can be in possession, or contesting possession with an opponent is increased. Games such as Backs and Forwards, provide players with experience of playing in position, with the ball being played into these positions regularly and frequently (and from positions out the field where the ball would usually come from) in order that the players can develop their position specific awareness and skill.

• Full-Sided Games

Ultimately players train to play full-sided games. Once the earlier progressions have been achieved, it is vital that players prepare for full-sided games by playing full-sided 15-a-side games with players in appropriate positions. In progressing towards this stage Backs and Forwards games are an effective method of developing positioning and allow the ball to be played into an area more frequently, thereby increasing pressure and optimising training time. It is still possible to develop specific aspects of the Technical, Tactical or Team Play components of play through employing modified playing rules and/or playing area.

As can be seen from the above, each of the different aspects of the OTú Coaching Model interact together to create good play. For more information on the OTú Coaching Model and each of its constituent parts click here.

February

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