Coach's Lab with John Murphy

John Murphy
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Sports
  • Updated Daily

Dig into the science of S&C, Nutrition and Coaching within the GAA with Dr John Murphy, Lecturer in Sports Management & Coaching.

  1. Jul 10

    What Actually Makes an Athlete Faster? | Dr Eddie McGuinness

    Join my weekly coaching email for practical insights on GAA coaching, athletic development and sport science: https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 Sprint & Speed Development Resources Mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ0BRPgUxb8&list=LL&index=118 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-6YEP9bygg&t=1487s&pp=ygUSc3ByaW50IG1hc3RlcmNsYXNz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bALARm283e4&pp=ygUYc3ByaW50IG1hc3RlcmNsYXNzIGpvbmFz Recommended YouTube Resources: Speedworks Training ALTIS World Les Spellman How do we know if our athletes are actually getting faster? What distances should we use when testing acceleration and maximum velocity? How reliable are timing gates and GPS? And once we have collected the data, how can we use it to improve training? In this episode of Coach's Lab, I’m joined by Dr Eddie McGuinness to discuss speed profiling, sprint testing and the practical development of faster athletes. Eddie is an Assistant Professor in Athletic Therapy and Training and Strength & Conditioning at DCU. He completed his PhD research on speed profiling and combines his academic work with experience as an S&C coach, athletic therapist and senior inter-county Gaelic footballer. In this episode, we discuss: What speed profiling is and why it can be useful Assessing acceleration and maximum velocity The best distances for testing speed How to set up reliable sprint tests 5m vs 10m acceleration testing Timing gates vs GPS Using speed profiles to inform training Speed testing and talent identification Whether speed training should be sport-specific What actually makes an athlete faster Force production, force expression and force application Strength training and speed development Developing sprint mechanics The role of drills, skips, wall exercises and actual sprinting Using video feedback to improve sprint technique Male and female considerations for speed development A practical hierarchy for developing faster athletes Why simple and reliable testing can be more valuable than collecting endless data Throughout the conversation, Eddie provides practical recommendations for coaches looking to test and develop speed without unnecessarily complicating the process. A useful episode for GAA coaches, S&C coaches, athletic development practitioners, sport scientists and anyone interested in understanding how to test, profile and develop faster athletes.

  2. Jun 26

    Where Did They Go? Rethinking Talent Development in Gaelic Games | Rob Mulcahy PhD(c)

    Join my weekly coaching email for practical insights on GAA coaching, athletic development and sport science: https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 Read the paper discussed in this episode: Player Development Pathways in Gaelic Games In this episode of Coach's Lab, I'm joined by Rob Mulcahy to discuss his latest research examining player development pathways in Gaelic Games and what happens to players after they're selected to inter-county development squads. Rob's research follows players from Under 14 through to senior inter-county level, exploring how many progress, the different routes they take, and what the findings mean for talent identification and long-term player development. Alongside the research, we also discuss practical lessons from Rob's work redesigning development squads within Clare GAA. Who this episode is for: GAA coachesLGFA and Camogie coachesGames Development OfficersCoach DevelopersStrength & Conditioning coachesPE teachersParents of talented young athletesAnyone interested in talent identification and player developmentWhat the episode covers: The purpose of inter-county development squadsHow players progress from U14 to senior inter-countyWhy talent development is rarely a linear processSelection bias and biological maturationA teams, B teams and widening player opportunitiesBio-banding and its potential role in Gaelic GamesCreating development-focused environmentsThe relationship between clubs, schools and county squadsPractical recommendations for improving talent development systemsThis conversation combines new research with practical coaching experience to provide evidence-informed insights for anyone involved in developing young players in Gaelic Games.

  3. Jun 12

    Building Better Return-to-Play Processes | Peter Wright (Petey Performance)

    Join my weekly coaching & performance email newsletter: https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 In this episode of Coach's Lab, I sit down with Peter Wright of Petey Performance to discuss one of the most challenging aspects of coaching and athletic development: helping players return from injury and preparing them for the demands of competition. Pete has built a reputation working with Gaelic Games athletes and other field sport players, helping bridge the gap between rehabilitation and performance. This conversation explores how coaches, physios and S&C practitioners can better prepare athletes for the realities of training and match play after injury. Who this podcast is for: GAA coachesS&C coachesPhysiotherapists and sports therapistsAthletic development coachesPlayers returning from injuryCoaches responsible for player welfare and availabilityWhat the podcast covers: Return to play vs return to performanceBuilding effective return-to-running progressionsReintroducing speed and high-speed runningPreparing athletes for the demands of training and competitionCriteria-based rehabilitationConditioning during injury recoveryManaging recurring soft tissue injuriesThe role of diagnosis in rehabilitation planningCollaboration between coaches, physios and athletesHealth, body composition and injury riskWhy micro-dosing speed and plyometrics can be valuable year-roundPete's podcast:The Athlete's Advantage Podcast Follow Pete:Instagram: @peteyperformance A practical episode for anyone looking to better understand the journey from injury rehabilitation back to confident, high-level performance.

  4. May 29

    The ACE Model for Better Video Feedback in Sport | Darren Lewis

    In this episode of Coach’s Lab, I’m joined by Darren Lewis, performance analysis consultant and researcher at Atlantic Technological University, to discuss his recently published paper proposing the ACE Model of Video-Based Feedback Design. Darren has worked in professional rugby and consultancy roles across multiple sports, with a particular interest in how video analysis and feedback can better support learning, decision-making and performance. This conversation explores how coaches and analysts can move beyond simply “showing clips” and instead design more effective, athlete-centred feedback sessions. Who this podcast is for: GAA coaches Performance analysts S&C coaches PE teachers and coach educators Coaches using video feedback in team sports Anyone interested in coaching, learning and skill acquisition What the podcast covers: The ACE model explained Designing effective video-based feedback sessions Athlete-centred vs coach-centred approaches Improving player engagement and discussion Key messages, questioning and scaffolding Positive vs negative feedback and athlete confidence Evaluating whether feedback sessions actually work Opposition analysis vs focusing on your own team Transfer of learning from meetings to match performance Video analysis in youth sport The future impact of AI on performance analysis Join my weekly coaching & performance email list:https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 Full paper discussed in this episode:The ACE Model of Video-Based Feedback Design

  5. May 15

    Preparing Dingle & Ballygunner for All-Ireland Success | Shane O’Rourke & Darragh Mulcahy

    Join my weekly coaching & performance email list:https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 What does physical preparation look like inside two of the best club teams in Ireland? In this episode of Coach’s Lab, I’m joined by Shane O'Rourke (Dingle) and Darragh Mulcahy (Ballygunner), the strength & conditioning coaches behind the reigning All-Ireland club football and hurling champions. We discuss how elite club teams manage: Conditioning and athletic development Gym integration within busy club schedules County player management Recovery and load monitoring Second team fixtures and player availability Aerobic conditioning, speed and repeat sprint work Communication across the backroom team Building player buy-in and long-term trust This is a practical conversation about the realities of club GAA and how successful teams balance performance, workload and preparation across long seasons. A valuable listen for GAA coaches, S&C coaches, athletic development coaches and players interested in high-performance club environments.

  6. May 1

    Meeting Children's Psychological Needs Through Sport | Colman Noctor PhD

    Join my weekly coaching & performance email list:https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 What do kids actually need from sport — and are we getting it wrong? In this episode of Coach’s Lab, I sit down with Colman Noctor, child and adolescent psychotherapist, to explore the role sport plays in the psychological, social and emotional development of young people. We move beyond drills, fitness and results to look at the real impact coaching has on children, and how small changes in approach can shape their long-term experience in sport. We discuss: What children need from sport at different agesThe balance between fun, development and competitionWhy more kids are dropping out of sportThe influence of parents, coaches and environmentCoaching your own child and managing expectationsWhat to say (and not say) after gamesA thought-provoking episode for coaches, parents, teachers and anyone involved in youth sport, focused on creating environments where kids can enjoy, develop and stay involved for life.

  7. Apr 3

    How & Why Matter More Than What in Coaching | Orlaith Curran PhD

    Join my weekly coaching & performance email list:https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 How you coach — and why you do what you do — often matters more than the programme itself. In this episode, I’m joined by Orlaith Curran, Head of Athletic Performance for Women’s Sevens and Pathway in the IRFU, to explore what really matters when working with female athletes. Rather than getting caught up in exercises or session plans, this conversation focuses on the bigger picture — coaching approach, communication, environment and understanding the athlete in front of you. We discuss: Why the “how” and “why” matter more than the “what”Key considerations when training female athletesDifferences in volume, intensity and conditioning demandsInjury risk, athletic development and pathway structuresThe importance of education, buy-in and player understandingBuilding environments that support performance and developmentA practical and thought-provoking episode for GAA, rugby and field sport coaches, S&C practitioners, and anyone working with female athletes.

  8. Mar 20

    Creating Meaningful Experiences in Youth Sport | Dr Richard Bowles

    Join my weekly coaching & performance email list:https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 📥 Resources discussed in this episode:Meaning in Youth Sport (MiYS): https://www.mic.ul.ie/sites/default/files/uploads/639/Getting%20Started%20with%20MiYS%202023%20ENG%20fnl.pdfVoice & Choice in PE: https://www.irishprimarype.com/student-voice-in-pe/Drowning in the Shallow – The 3Ps: https://drowningintheshallow.wordpress.com/2026/02/22/the-3ps-that-underpin-meaningful-pe/ What makes a meaningful experience in sport? In this episode, we explore how coaches can move beyond drills and results to focus on what really matters — player experience, engagement and long-term participation. We discuss key ideas from Meaningful Experiences in Youth Sport (MiYS), along with practical concepts like voice and choice and the 3Ps framework, and how they can be applied in real coaching environments. We cover: What players actually remember from sport How to create engaging and enjoyable sessions The role of autonomy and player voice Balancing challenge and enjoyment Practical ways to improve your coaching sessions A valuable listen for coaches, teachers, parents and anyone working with young athletes looking to create more impactful and meaningful sporting experiences.

See All (49)

About

Dig into the science of S&C, Nutrition and Coaching within the GAA with Dr John Murphy, Lecturer in Sports Management & Coaching.

Information

You Might Also Like