FRONTAL AIR BLOCK

Key Points

• Adopt the ready position.
• The player should be positioned a hurley plus an arms length in front of the striking player.
• As the opponent throws the ball from the hand to strike, step into the tackle with the dominant foot as if genuflecting.
• Reach forward holding the hurley up with both hands, sliding the non-dominant hand back towards the dominant hand.
• Both thumbs should be facing towards the bas of the hurley.
• The bas of the hurley should extend above the head.
• As the opponent is about to strike the ball, block down firmly on both the ball and their hurley.

Technical Drills

Drill 1 – Basic – The Frontal Block

• This is a basic drill to practice the Frontal Block technique.
• Position the players along a line allowing with approximately two meters between each player.
• On the whistle, the players move from the ready position to the Frontal 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 Block technique.
• Players line up in single file behind one cone.
• The coach stands approximately 2 meters away directly in front of the first player in the line.
• Players in turn advance to perform a block down on the coach striking an imaginary ball.
• 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.
• As the players become more proficient move on to use a smaller ball like the Quick Touch hurling ball.

Drill 3 Basic -  Directional Block

• This is a basic drill to practice the Frontal Block technique.
• Divide the Players into groups of 3.
• Place 3 cones in a line approximately 2 meters apart, one player at each cone.
• Player A and Player B in turn strike an imaginary ball from their hand.
• The centre player moves to block Player A and Player B in turn.
• The coach may count or talk the players through the stages of the technique to help them with the sequence and the timing.
• Change the centre player after a set time.

Drill 4 Intermediate – Contact Block

• This intermediate drill to practice the Frontal Block technique requires the tackling player to perform the block on an opponent striking for a point.
• Place a cone approximately 13m from the end line either side of the goal area.
• The players line up in pairs on the endline on one side of the goals.
• Player A in each pair runs forward with the ball to the cone followed by Player B.
• Player A turns around the cone to strike the ball on the inside for a point.
• Player B attempts to block.
• If the ball goes over the bar or if there is a successful block, a point is awarded.
• The players then line up on the endline on the other side of the goal area and repeat the drill.
• Reverse the roles of the players after every second go.