Hurling is similar to chess in that the initial skills and rules of play are relatively easy to learn, but strategy and nuance are often only gained through time and experience. There are, however, several key ideas that can be passed on. In this series of articles, we will try to highlight some of the basic strategies upon which successful position players base their tactics.
Goalkeepers have been described by A.C. Slater as "The idiot of the team. Why? Because here is a man that is willing to stand between the posts and allow something akin to a medium-sized rock hurtle towards him at a hundred miles an hour, with nothing more than aforementioned lump of wood to stop it." This week, we take a look at some strategies which can help you be a successful idiot.
Blocking shots
It begins with footwork. You need to be able to move sideways quickly in goal, to get your body in front of the ball. Once you're in front of the ball, though, you need your feet firmly planted. It's hard to hold your hurley steady for a blockdown with a case of “happy feet.”
You can't expect to make a perfect block every time; the ball might sometimes, for example, hit the edge of your hurley rather than the flat bas. Plan for this. As the ball reaches you, it's best to move your hand or hurley forward to attack it. It's all about stopping the ball's forward momentum. If you just hold your hurley straight up in the air, a ball bouncing off the edge will retain enough momentum to sneak into the goal.
POSITIONAL PLAY:
Keeper
photo credit: Kerry Leonard