GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 33 – September 4, 2015 | Page 30

MIDFIELDERS FORWARDS AND BACKS
MOST FIT INDIVIDUALS ACROSS ALL FACETS

SIMILAR DEMANDS ACROSS THE COMPONENTS

INVOLVED IN MANY ASPECTS OF PLAY

FORWARDS POSSESS MORE TECHNICAL SKILL

TALLER AND LEANER
BACKS NEED TO BE STRONG TO COMPETE, TACKLE
AND CLOCK TO PREVENT SCORES
COVER GREATER DISTANCES: SHADOW, CREATE SPACE

WING POSITIONS ARE MORE AGILE AND QUICKER

GENERATE MORE POWER: CATCH BALLS FROM GOALIE

AND OTHER PLAYERS

FORWARDS ARE LIGHTER AND FASTER, BACKS HEAVIER
AND SLOWER

LEAST AMOUNT OF REST TIME BETWEEN WORK BOUTS

One important thing point to remember is that these demands vary with different versions and environments of the
game. Number of players and field size in 7’s tournaments
change the amount of ground the player covers, as well as the
intensity they will rise to meet. An increase in intensity will
decrease recovery time. A decrease in field size will decrease
the space per player which means the demands of skill, agility
speed and their intensity will increase. Match duration will
also affect the demands placed on the players with a decrease
in time, increasing intensity and physical demands across all
components. Finally some tournaments are played in hot humid climates where players travel from colder environments
to play. An increase in temperature will increase the demands
on the body because the body needs to both perform and cool
itself. If the temperature gets too high and core temperature
rises there can be a decrement in performance.
Gaelic football is a multi-component sport comprised of
both general (as noted above), and specialised physical demands as well as multiple technical skills. Knowing the demands placed on the body allows for more efficient and effective training. With this players are able to match the demands
of the game and limit the role of fatigue influencing their performance. Match and out shine their opposition, whilst limiting their injury rates.

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Hannah van Buuren has worked with international, national
and developmental athletes, in the UK, Australia and South Africa. She provides research and sport science support to athletes
to enhance sports performance, by monitoring training loads,
education to manage athlete commitments, sport science testing, and strength and conditioning services. Some of the wellknown teams that Hannah has worked with include SA Proteas
(Cricket), Kaiser Chiefs, British Triathletes, Warratahs, Manly
Sea Eagles Rugby League, and various British Olympic Athletes.