8 Jul 2010
Question & Answer: Tackling tips in huling Michael Fennelly
Comment (0)From: Chris Murray
Location: GTS, Georges Quay
My Son (Daniel 9yrs old) loves the game of hurling and is doing quite well but tends to stand back from tackles. It is down to a fear of getting hit.
Have you any tips that you could share that might encourage him to get in closer and tackle as I am afraid he will get a bad knock by standing back. Anything I have tried doesn’t seem to work.
Many thanks
Chris
Michael Fennelly, Midfield, Kilkenny (Ulster Bank South Midlands Business Centre)
If Daniel stands back from a tackle he will get a belt from the the end of his opponents hurl or even his team mates (which can be very sore). The closer you are beside your opponent the less chance you will get a belt e.g. if you are in beside your opponent he may not even be able to swing his hurl therefore and this reduces the risk of getting hit. Even if he does swing his hurl fully, the position your in (right beside him) should not allow you to get a belt.
Maybe a drill will help resolve this fear..
Using a car tyre, get Daniel and his team mate to jog shoulder to shoulder towards the tyre and pull at the same time on the tyre (repeat this drill a couple of times). This will help his fear of getting in close to his opponent and he won’t even think about getting a belt.
Also, a blocking down drill may reinforce his fear of getting a belt. When you’re blocking down your opponent it’s very important to be in very close and to keep your eye on the ball and not the hurl. If you do it in slow motion you will actually see there’s no chance of getting a belt once you’re in nice and close.
Unfortunately you will pick up knocks and bruises during the course of your career in hurling but this will make you stronger and braver.



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