Some Updates On The Football Review

It is noticeable that goalkeepers, while being specialists, are not often trained specifically.

Standing a lad in goal for a training match is the least effective way of coaching a goalkeeper.

Considering all the skills needed to be a good keeper - their hour of training should involved 45mins of GK specific drills.
I find it amazing how many intercounty goalkeepers haven't mastered a range of kick out options

Knuckleball: A shot with almost zero rotation, hit with the laces to create an unpredictable, swerving, and dipping trajectory. It is difficult to master but hard for fielders to track. A good option when under the cosh at kickout time.

The "Swaz" Curled/Curving goal Kick: A common technique that uses the inside or outside of the boot to create spin, allowing the ball to bend around a pressing attacker. Often used to hit a teammate on the run - into the chest. All the runner needs is a yard of space and he is away.

Dipping Goal Kick: A shot designed to rise quickly and then rapidly descend ("dip") over the pressing attacker and into the stomach of a defender on the run, often achieved through top spin. A Stephen Cluxton Special.

Driven/Power Shot: A high-speed, direct strike aimed with maximum force, typically using the laces, often used to hit the opposition 45. Shaun Patton special

Trivela (Outside Foot): A shot hit with the outside of the boot, causing the ball to curve away from the goalkeeper. A fast disguised short kick option.

The "Ping" (Lofted/Long Ball): A high, long ball that drops onto the midfielder's head. One for the "Fear Laidir" to catch and the opposition to punch back at you.

The Short/Build-up Kick: Used to maintain possession and play out from the back.


Being able to do each of them with either foot and a shortened run up - a lot of kicks needed. Plenty to be at rather than standing waiting around. Especially when you now need to take 35-40 kick outs per match - so need to be kicking a ball every 2 mins.

tirawleybaron (Mayo) - Posts: 2044 - 28/04/2026 13:05:07    2669510

https://www.hoganstand.com/Article/Index/341579

In the main I am delighted to see the GAA are open to further rule changes.
The GAA were brave with the Jim Gavin's Football review. People said it was a lot of changes but with the new Football Review rules actually resulted in a game a lot more like tradational gaelic football.

The process of the Football review was very well managed. The way rules were trialled before being incorporated was really well done and gives me confidence in the GAAs ability to successfully trial and bring in positive rule changes.

Of the specific rule changes currently up for trial,
Initial thoughts

(i) 4-point goal- makes total sense.
Only problem is it might be too soon for this to pass, in the next few years when teams get better at 2 pointers teams won't try as much for 3 point goals, then it will be easy to get it passed.

(ii) 3 hand passing limit- definitely worth trialling, it would be great to get more kicking back into the game. Maybe it is too ambitious (I can think of scenarios where it could lead to strange situations) but on the other hand maybe teams will start playing the game differently because of this rule changes and it won't be as much of an issue.
Maybe a trial of only allowing hand passes with closed fist would have been another option.

(iii) Banning hand-pass points- seems like a good move, not much skill in hand passing points.

(iv) Proposed kickout rule changes- seems wrong way to go, looks like going back on successful Football Review changes. But see how it progresses in trials.

(v) Back court rule- again not sure should this be a priority, games already seems fairly end to end under Football Review changes.

One change I'd love to see is the GAA finally properly define a tackle- game is good now but maybe refereed to much in favour of forwards over backs when it comes to tackling.

GreenMan1987 (Meath) - Posts: 144 - 03/09/2026 21:32:02    2692619