Pre-season is where teams lay the foundation for success, butmany get it wrong—leading toavoidable injuries, burnout, and underperformance when it matters most.

In this episode,Rob Mulcahy, Head of Athletic Development at Setanta College and former Clare senior football S&C coach, breaks downthe most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

We discuss:

-Why most teams neglect a proper needs analysis (and how it impacts results)
-The importance of movement quality before chasing strength numbers
-How testing should actually inform training—not just be a numbers game
-The right way to integrate conditioning with skill work for better performance
-Why gradual load management is key to staying injury-free
-How coaching should adapt based on the experience level of players
-The role of reflective practice in making better coaching decisions
-Why underage success means nothing without long-term development

This episode isa must-listen for GAA coaches and players who want totrain smarter, avoid burnout, and maximise performance this season.

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