What does this research mean for the field?

Ladies Gaelic football coaches recognize the benefits of strength and conditioning practices for performance and injury prevention, but many lack the knowledge to effectively implement these practices. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONFIRMATORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to explore inter-county coaches' knowledge and challenges related to physical preparation in talent development.

February 19, 2026Open Access

Physical preparation in a talent development environment: exploration of Ladies Gaelic football coaches’ knowledge, practices, perceptions and challenges

Key Points

The study aims to explore inter-county coaches' knowledge and challenges related to physical preparation in talent development.
Fifty-nine inter-county coaches completed an online survey covering demographics, education, and practices.
Frequency analysis was used to assess fixed-response questions.
Pearson's chi-square tests analyzed associations between age grades and coaching variables.
One-way ANOVA evaluated differences in strength and conditioning practices among age groups.
Content analysis assessed open-ended responses about athletic development perceptions.
No significant differences were found in coaching experience and qualifications across age groups.
Differences were noted in weekly gym sessions completed by age group.
Coaches acknowledged benefits of athletic development training but many could not clearly articulate them.
Gaps in understanding and resources hinder consistent practices in strength and conditioning.

Abstract

Abstract Background In team sports, physical attributes including strength, speed, agility, power, and endurance are important performance markers. However, their development is often entrusted to sports coaches, who may not have the specialised knowledge to optimise player development and reduce injury risk. Aims To explore the current knowledge, practices, perceptions, and challenges facing inter-county coaches regarding physical preparation within a talent development context. Methods Fifty-nine inter-county coaches completed an online survey comprising seven sections: informed consent; demographics; education and qualifications; current strength and conditioning (S recovery and monitoring strategies; coaches’ perspectives on athletic development; and barriers and facilitators. Fixed-response questions were analysed using frequency analysis. Pearson's chi-square ( χ 2 ) tests determined if there was an association between the age grade coached and coaching experience, education, and qualifications. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to assess differences between age groups in current S&C practices. Content analysis was utilised to evaluate open-ended responses, revealing coaches’ current knowledge and beliefs about the benefits of implementing athletic development programmes at inter-county level. Results No significant differences were found between age groups and years of inter-county coaching experience, NGB coaching or sport-related qualifications. Significant differences were identified between the age grades regarding the number of weekly gym sessions completed. Coaches identified several benefits of athletic development training to football performance. However, a significant cohort could not articulate these benefits. Conclusions LGFA Coaches recognise the benefits of incorporating S&C practices for both performance and injury prevention. However, gaps in understanding, lack of expertise, and insufficient resources contribute to inconsistencies in practice.

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