FRONTAL GROUND BLOCK

Key Points

• Adopt the ready position.
• Step into the tackle with the dominant foot.
• Release the non-dominant hand from the hurley.
• Extend the dominant arm to place the hurley in front of or behind the ball.
• The hurley should be perpendicular to the ground, with the bas flat to the oncoming strike.
• Note the position of the thumb.
• The dominant foot may be placed behind the hurley to stabilise it. 

Technical Drills

Drill 1 – Basic – Imaginary Block

• This is a basic drill to practice the Frontal Ground Block technique.
• Position the players along a line allowing approximately two meters between each player
• On the whistle, the players move from the ready position to the Frontal Ground Block position and back to the ready position.
• The coach may count or talk the players through the stages of the technique to help them with the sequence and the timing.
• Repeat the drill several times.
• When the players become more proficient at performing the technique in a stationary position, repeat the drill, first while walking, and eventually while jogging across the field.

Drill 2 – Basic -  Contact Block 1

• This is a basic drill to practice the Frontal Ground Block technique.
• Players line up in single file behind one cone.
• The coach stands 5 meters away directly in front of the first player in the line.
• The coach uses a line or marker as an imaginary ball and swings in the direction of Player A, who strides walks forward and attempts to block the coach’s swing.
• The coach should adjust the strength of their swing to suit each player’s confidence and ability.
• When the players become confident at blocking the coach’s hurley, introduce a ball, preferably a big ball like the First Touch hurling ball.

 Drill 3 Intermediate – Contact Block II

• This is an intermediate drill to practice the Frontal Ground Block technique
• Players pair off, with Player A approximately 2m in front of the other and facing to one side.
• Both players begin in the ready position.
• On a signal, Player A strikes an imaginary ball in the direction of Player B, who at the same time steps in to perform the Frontal Ground Block.
• The coach may count or talk the players through the stages of the technique to help them with the sequence e and the timing.
• Repeat the drill a number of times before changing roles.
• As the players become more proficient, increase the distance between striker and blocker gradually to challenge their timing.
• Finally, introduce a ball, preferably the First Touch hurling ball.