Many club and county hurling teams have been using the Jugs Pitching Machine this year to add an extra dimension to their skills training – with particular emphasis on the tricky art of high-catching.

Originally a baseball machine, Jugs has been customised for hurling and is supplied in Ireland by Jugs Ireland – run by Michael Hearn and current Waterford star Paul Flynn — and is used by the likes of Waterford, Clare, Dublin and Galway.

Paul says a lot of people have asked him how a machine can improve hurling skill. His answer is always the same: "Imagine 600 balls an hour coming at you from every conceivable height and angle and at every conceivable pace. Then tell me how that won't improve your game."

Michael believes the key to the machine's success is the consistency of delivery. "You can tailor the speed and trajectory and once set, you are guaranteed that each ball will hit the exact same air pocket. This means that coaches can concentrate on setting up time-based drills knowing the ball will always arrive in the right place at the appropriate time."

Michael describes a popular exercise called the "3D Drill" that uses the machine to practise high catching – an area of the game where Waterford have noticeably improved in recent years.

"Put the machine on the end-line and set it to deliver a fast high ball which lands somewhere around the 65 meter line. You can now guarantee every ball will land on this spot. Now place two polls or cones 25 metres left and right of this point – across the pitch. Line up 9 or 10 players behind each poll.

Now you can start a high-intensity catching drill. Start the machine, and at a whistle, signal the first player to sprint along the 65 metre line and catch the first ball at speed above his head. Because he is running at 90 degrees to the ball, the drill also improves peripheral vision. Once he catches the ball, he should strike it back over the crossbar and join the back of the other line. The player at the front of this line will already be moving for his ball.

After hitting 15 or so balls each and depending on the level of success, you can introduce a competitive element. Get one player from each line to contest the ball with one striking it over the bar before each returns to the back of the opposite line."

The Jugs pitching machine retails at €2000 + VAT and is available from Jugsireland.com. It's guaranteed for five years. A football version is also available.

If you'd like a question answered in Club Corner, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Each month, www.locallotto.ie gives out a prize of a year's free subscription to the Lottery draw of one local club.

Log onto www.locallotto.ie to take your chance in this monthly draw.

Club Corner is compiled by Freelance GAA Reporter Liam Horan.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment