Waterford’s Jamie Nagle talks about hurling

Welcome Jamie. This is an important part of the hurling year as we the start of the Club championship and the Munster Championship date with Clare.

First of all Jamie, how is your fitness?

Hi David. The championship is coming quick and fast alright. I’m really looking forward to it. My fitness is good, just waiting to get into action. It’s a long wait from the start of the year until actual championship time so it’s good that the time has come at this stage.

With Dungarvan playing in the senior club championship what is the weekly schedule for a Club player?

Looking at my own club mates, they train Monday, Wednesday and Friday which is a lot but we’ve only just come up from intermediate so we’re trying to bridge the gap as quick as possible. The club championship in many counties, Waterford being no exception, is dependant on the progression of the county teams which often leaves club players going long periods without a meaningful game.

What is the weekly schedule for a County player?

My week is more or less centered around the county team. Unfortunately, I don’t get many opportunities to train with Dungarvan but I try to be there as much as possible. I train Tuesday and Thursday with the county usually with a game most weekends. I try to get a gym session in on one of the nights I’m not training.

Do you practice outside these team sessions?

I try to practice as much as possible whether it is with friends or on my own. I think, even if it is for only ten minutes a day, it’s vital that I have a hurl into my hand everyday to keep my eye in.

What skills do you practice at Home?

I practice what I feel I need to improve. If my first touch is not up to scratch, I set the HERB to return the ball low and if my catching is poor, ill set the HERB to return the ball high. The HERB is a great help really as you can decide the way you want the ball to return. I feel that this is the main benefit of practicing at home with the HERB.

So, you are happy with the ‘HERB’?

I’m delighted with it. My first touch and reactions has definitely improved. It’s a pity I didn’t have it a few years ago!!

What is your best score in the ‘HERB 1 Minute Shoot-Out’?

30

How many windows have you broken since you started using ‘HERB’ here at home?

None!

Jamie, we also know you are teacher training at the moment. What is your one hurling coaching tip for teachers, coaches and players?

I think that the main difference in the game over the last few years is the speed at which hurling has increased. The main tip I would give anyone involved or playing hurling is to practice what is going to happen in a match and to do this as fast as you can. This will give you every opportunity of succeeding on the field of play.

Thank you Jamie for your time and we wish you a successful hurling year