An analysis of the effectiveness of kickouts in sub-elite Gaelic football

ABSTRACT The aim of the current study was to analyse the distribution of kickouts and the effectiveness of kickouts in sub-elite Gaelic football. A total of 45 competitive sub-elite games from 2 seasons (2020 and 2021) were analysed. Video analysis software was used to code game videos to analyse performance indicators. It was found that 65% of kickouts were won by the team taking the kickout in the games analysed. Short kickouts inside the 45 m line were the most successful. Kickouts lasting less than 0–5 s and 6–10 s were found to give teams a better opportunity to win their kickout and build an attack following the kickout. The most common attack outcome following winning a kickout was a turnover, followed by a score for the team. It was found the highest win percentage was with 5 and 7 opposition players inside the 65 m, the lowest win percentage was with 6 and 10 opposition players inside the 65 m line. The findings of the present study provide insights for coaches to build effective kickout strategies and the importance of creating tactics to build attacks following winning a kickout.