Performance coach, researcher, and Kildare S&C coach Neil Welch breaks down the hidden risk factors behind ACL and hamstring injuries in the GAA.
He explains how players can reduce their risk through smarter training, better running technique, and highlights where many go wrong during rehab and return-to-play.
In this episode, we also cover:
• The role of the inter-county S&C coach in the off-season
• Hamstring injuries and the best exercises to strengthen them
• How to structure ACL rehab for better outcomes
• Warm-up design for injury prevention
• The role of movement analysis in spotting risk early
• Exercises every player should be doing to protect their ACL
• ACL recovery rates in GAA vs pro sports
• Why female players are more at risk of ACL injuries than males
Whether you’re a coach, an athlete returning from injury, or just want to avoid common mistakes - this is essential listening.
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Time stamps:
ACL injury trends in GAA (3:45)
Why most rehab skips cutting work (9:00)
Is NordBord testing enough? (15:30)
Key benchmarks before returning to play (22:15)
Hamstring strain risks during deceleration (28:00)
Why multi-directional mechanics matter (35:00)
What AFL can teach GAA (42:00)
How to assess movement quality (47:30)
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