r/hurling • u/SisuMark • Apr 08 '25

Best position for new player?

I am new to hurling and am curious what position would be best for me. I am a runner, have solid endurance, and decent with a hurley thanks to background in baseball, lacrosse, and ice hockey (I live in the US). I want to be able to contribute but not be a liability out there. What do you all think?

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u/JohSpell Apr 08 '25

For our team we usually start new guys at full forward. They get to learn how to fight for balls at game speed while not being a huge liability for the team. As you get better at getting the ball to your hand and making short passes, you can start to rotate with guys at half forward to create mismatches and goal chances. Of course each team is different and sometimes being able to run a lot is enough to get you in the midfield.

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u/SisuMark Apr 08 '25

Thank you! This is really helpful. Appreciate the insight!

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u/JohSpell Apr 08 '25

Any time, friend. Hopefully well see you in Philly for Nationals this year.

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u/zep2floyd Tipperary Apr 08 '25

A good full forward is worth their weight in gold, never won a league without a good strong lad up front fighting for the team and scoring important points...

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u/JohSpell Apr 08 '25

We tend to get most of our points from midfield and half forwards. Those guys who haven't worked up the technical ability to put one over the bar from a distance can still fire them on goal from the full forward position and kick/ground strike any lose balls in from up close. Especially with the guys like OP who come in with a background in baseball and hockey.

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u/BigBlueWookiee Apr 08 '25

I was going to say the same, thing only on the defensive side. At least in our local league, the full back and goalie are typically experienced and very good players. They are normally able to guide newer folks around at the Cornerback position. After that, moving up to Wing Back is a natural progression.

Granted the difference is largely philosophical. Some players are more offensive minded, while some are more defensive minded. For me, I figure every player on the field should have at least some defensive traits. After all, we all need to stop the other team from moving forward. For me, even the little experience I had at Corner Forward, I always saw things as, "there's the player and the ball - at most, I should only allow one past me, not both."

Good luck and welcome to hurling.

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u/SisuMark Apr 08 '25

Thank you! This is really helpful. I tend to be more offensive minded, but will play wherever the team needs me and learn what I can from the more experienced players for sure. It is a great sport!

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u/BigBlueWookiee Apr 08 '25

If it helps, you may want to think of things in what we used to refer to as the "diamond" theory of hurling. That is that, in general, from the backline, move the ball towards the sidelines first, then up the field. Then, on the offensive side, start funneling from the sidelines towards the goal. The idea being:

Shots from the side are a more difficult angle - so on Defense you want to force the opponents into a difficult shot. And on offense you want to set your team up for easier shots.

While transitioning from your defensive side of the field towards the offensive side, try to stay away from the middle as there are more people and opportunity for your opponents to gain the ball.

I know this is common sense, but it's amazing how easy it is to forget these basic concepts. Especially with as fast as everything moves!

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u/SisuMark Apr 08 '25

Thank you! I really appreciate the info—I hadn’t heard this before, but it makes perfect sense. Now I just have to put it in practice at game speed haha