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

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 [https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773] Full paper discussed in this episode: The ACE Model of Video-Based Feedback Design [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17479541261440251?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

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 [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.

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

Join my weekly coaching & performance email list: https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 [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 ages * The balance between fun, development and competition * Why more kids are dropping out of sport * The influence of parents, coaches and environment * Coaching your own child and managing expectations * What to say (and not say) after games A 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.

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

Join my weekly coaching & performance email list: https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 [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 athletes * Differences in volume, intensity and conditioning demands * Injury risk, athletic development and pathway structures * The importance of education, buy-in and player understanding * Building environments that support performance and development A practical and thought-provoking episode for GAA, rugby and field sport coaches, S&C practitioners, and anyone working with female athletes.

Creating Meaningful Experiences in Youth Sport | Dr Richard Bowles

Join my weekly coaching & performance email list: https://fhs-performance.kit.com/4d8709e773 [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.pdf [https://www.mic.ul.ie/sites/default/files/uploads/639/Getting%20Started%20with%20MiYS%202023%20ENG%20fnl.pdf] Voice & Choice in PE: https://www.irishprimarype.com/student-voice-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/ [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.