Hi lads, Buddy Hurley here again.

Just to let you know how important it is to have the right hurley stick.

Just read the following......

Let your parents know and get them to measure you.

If still not sure, then contact any of your coaches or juvenile officers.

Chat soon! Buddy.

 

Tip  - Grip, size and weight of hurley

Length and weight of hurley have a tremendous effect on the user. The
traditional method of gauging the length of the hurley by matching it
to a player’s hip has proved inaccurate and unsuitable. Two players of
the same height can have a difference of 10 centimetres in hip height.

Children and beginners are inclined to go for a longer hurley, the
perception being that “the longer the hurley the longer the puck.” The
truth is quite the opposite “long hurleys equals no puck” Correct
length and weight are more important than previously thought. Top
players are now using hurleys 3 inches shorter than their counterparts
of the 1960s and 1970s. Time and space are very much reduced, tackling
skills are improved; opportunities are lost in a split second if the
hurley is not completely maneuverable. The game is faster; there are
less man to man contests of strength. The hurley that suited those
clashes has no bearing on today’s game.
Young children’s wrists and arms are light and fragile. They can only
use hurleys that are light and short.

To assess the correct length, a child should stand straight, hands by
side, shoulders square, place the hurley (base on the ground) by
child’s side, grasp the hurley in the dominant hand, the distance from
tip of base to child’s hand position is the correct length for that
child. If the child can use the hurley like a sword with one hand, it
is about the right weight. It is agreed now that most of the trouble
with the unorthodox grip comes from starting with hurleys that are too
long and too heavy.

Approximately 87% of the population are dominant right with only one
per thousand having equal dominance. A player’s development will be
severely impeded if he/she starts with non-dominant hand on top. Some
respected coaches say there is up to 50% loss in potential. Starting
players correctly then is of utmost importance to the player’s
development and enjoyment as well as a club’s ability to raise playing
standards.

Changing a player’s grip is difficult for player and coach but where
both parties are willing it is certainly possible and very rewarding.
Babs Keating and John Fenton, both supreme stylists and legends of the
game, changed from unorthodox to orthodox grip.

Left-handed players need good models and sensitive coaches because
they are the minority. A coach should learn how to demonstrate
left-handed for the two or three players in every panel Nowadays every
player will write with their dominant hand, this is nearly the only
safe way of determining hand dominance. Very small hurleys used in a
one-handed game with light air balls will help guarantee dominant hand
on top.

Change:
It takes 3 weeks to change an old habit.
It takes 3 more weeks to learn the new skill.
It takes 3 further weeks for the new skill to become a habit.
It would take 9 weeks for the player to experience the full advantage
of changing.
9 weeks seems forever to a child but in overall career, it’s a small
price to pay for years of enjoyment