18th November 2009

During the Halloween midterm break, the IHA ran a very successful Goalkeeping Clinic specifically aimed at secondary school students. A total of 42 goalkeepers took part aged between 11 and 16 years old. The keepers travelled from all corners of Ireland to take part and underlined the need for more specific coaching and training for keepers. A major draw of the clinic was the personnel involved. The clinic was led by Rudi Wortmann, Irish Women's Goalkeeping Coach whilst the coaching line-up included ex-internationals Nicky King (Ireland) and Nicky du Toit (South Africa). All of the IHA clinics are based on an ethos of fun and development with the emphasis on taking part and on an enjoyment of hockey. The goalkeeping clinc was no different! The clinics are also designed for maximum technical and tactical development for each child.  In order to achive this. a low coach to player ratio is guaranteed. The goalkeeping clinic very much followed this pattern with a ratio of one coach to five goalkeepers at all levels. The clinic also catered for all levels of goalkeeping from beginners to those who want to hone their skills.

The IHA is planning on running further goalkeeping clinics during midterms holidays as well as during the summer so please keep an eye on this page for further details. Alternatively, get in touch with the IHA on camps@hockey.ie.