The problem is multi faceted. We are obsessed with deadlifts, squats and benchpressing. We see these as 'the standard', and froth at the mouth over metrics and increasing numbers.

We are emphasising all these massive lifts that compound asymmetries in individuals, some have more or some have less. When we lift such large weights this puts pressure on our joints affecting our ligaments and fascia, making asymmetries worse over time, which leads to bad running mechanics and compensations. As this is a results focused game, we want size and we want it now, with no care for functionality. We all know players who have gotten injections to play games and took it too far and now have new hips and knees before 40, it doesnt have to be this way. I would rather a team of lean, athletic, functional players who get injured rarely, over a team of mountain men who can barely play 10 games for club and county a season.

As someone who has been through the ringer with injuries and come out the other side by ditching the incessant race for size. We need to focus on being able to have our players move well by improving their gait and biomechanics.

McMon (Monaghan) - Posts: 1 - 18/08/2026 11:18:05    2690277

GAA are currently under taking an extensive research study on this. Have quick search there on gaa.ie/article/acl-research-survey. Liam Moffatt (Physio) from Mayo is heavily involved. There's two different surveys 1. Questions to players and 2. Club administrator questions.

GDL (Galway) - Posts: 972 - 18/08/2026 11:42:11    2690280

Plenty of statistical analysis in sport and beyond these days. Would love to know if there's any correlation between the increase in ACL injuries and the increase in training and games on astro pitches?

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8713 - 18/08/2026 11:49:44    2690283