Why can’t more Gaelic footballers use both feet? Are we coaching the solo wrong?
Most Gaelic footballers — even at the top level — are still heavily one-sided. In this fascinating episode, Karol Dillon breaks down the science and psychology behind laterality, the gap between drills and decisions, and how to truly develop more two-sided players.We explore:Why elite players still avoid their weaker side under pressureHow cross-lateral athletes like David Clifford (e.g. left foot/right hand) have an advantageWhy coaching for two-footedness must start before the ball is introducedHow pressure and fatigue force players back to their dominant sideThe overlooked role of parents and informal practiceWhy coaching the “weaker side” needs a complete rethinkTactical consequences of having too many right-footed players➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: humansofgaelic.comInstagram: @humansofgaelicFacebook: Humans of GaelicTikTok: @humansofgaelic
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42:34
Why you’re not getting faster for GAA – and what your warm-ups are missing
Paudie Kissane – 2010 All-Ireland winner with Cork, now an S&C coach and owner of his own athlete development company.In this episode, we unpack:How Paudie transitioned from inter-county football to high-performance coachingThe myths around S&C in club setupsWhy most speed training is poorly implemented in GAAHow warm-ups and training loads must adapt to the new rulesWhat players and coaches can do to future-proof their performance➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: humansofgaelic.comInstagram: @humansofgaelicFacebook: Humans of GaelicTikTok: @humansofgaelic
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48:19
Why GAA players don’t need to feel confident to perform — mental tools that actually work
We’ve all heard it: “he’s low on confidence.” But what if confidence isn’t actually the key to playing well? Sports psychologist Eddy Sheeky breaks down why elite players perform regardless of how they feel — and how you can too.We discuss:The myth of confidence — and why elite players perform without itThe reset triggers, breathing drills, and mindset habits used at inter-county levelHow stress outside of sport is secretly killing recovery and performanceTools for players who get sick with nerves or lose control mid-gameWhat separates consistent performers at club vs county levelThe mindset mistakes most GAA players make when things go wrongYou can follow Eddy on Instagram here: @esperformancepsychology➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: humansofgaelic.comInstagram: @humansofgaelicFacebook: Humans of GaelicTikTok: @humansofgaelic
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51:41
How to overcome mental blocks, burnout & being dropped from a county panel (twice)
In this episode, Tony Óg Regan shares his journey from playing in All-Ireland hurling finals with Galway, to dealing with being dropped from the panel multiple times and becoming one of Ireland’s top high-performance coaches .He discusses mental resilience, overcoming self-doubt, burnout, and the mindset needed to thrive in sport and life.In this episode, we break down:How burnout at 23 almost derailed his careerThe mindset shift that helped him recover from setbacksWhy he struggled in big finals and how he overcame mental blocksThe power of sports psychology, self-talk, and visualisationLessons from working with All-Ireland-winning teamsHow top teams like Limerick & Tipperary manage pressure and expectationsSocial media's impact on players and how to handle criticism📖 Buy Tony’s BookTimestamps:0:00 – Introduction3:45 – Losing the love for the game & overcoming burnout8:20 – The mental impact of setbacks & self-worth in sport14:30 – How testing and training smarter transformed his game21:15 – Handling pressure in big games & breaking mental barriers30:40 – The importance of mentors, sports psychology & mindset work40:15 – What makes top teams like Limerick, Ballygunner and Tipp different50:00 – Navigating retirement and finding purpose beyond sport➕ We've got some great guests coming up. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.****************************𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝****************************Subscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review. It helps us hugelyShare the Episode: Know someone who'd enjoy this show? Share it and help us spread the word!****************************𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠****************************For more performance tips, insights, and the latest updates, visit:Website: humansofgaelic.comInstagram: @humansofgaelicFacebook: Humans of GaelicTikTok: @humansofgaelic
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47:19
The biggest GAA pre-season S&C mistakes (that lead to injuries & poor performance)
Pre-season is where teams lay the foundation for success, butmany get it wrong—leading toavoidable injuries, burnout, and underperformance when it matters most.In this episode,Rob Mulcahy, Head of Athletic Development at Setanta College and former Clare senior football S&C coach, breaks downthe most common mistakes and how to avoid them.We discuss:-Why most teams neglect a proper needs analysis (and how it impacts results)-The importance of movement quality before chasing strength numbers-How testing should actually inform training—not just be a numbers game-The right way to integrate conditioning with skill work for better performance-Why gradual load management is key to staying injury-free-How coaching should adapt based on the experience level of players-The role of reflective practice in making better coaching decisions-Why underage success means nothing without long-term developmentThis episode isa must-listen for GAA coaches and players who want totrain smarter, avoid burnout, and maximise performance this season.➕ We've got some great guests coming up.Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes.Stay ConnectedSubscribe to the Humans of Gaelic podcast wherever you're listening.⭐Leave a Review: If you found value in this episode, please give it a rating and review—it helps us hugely!📢Share the Episode: Know someone who’d benefit from this? Share it to help us spread the word!Follow Along📍 Website:humansofgaelic.com📸 Instagram:@humansofgaelic📘 Facebook:Humans of Gaelic🎥 TikTok: @humansofgaelic
Ireland