Micko: don't forget the ball January 23, 2014





Mick O'Dwyer. INPHO Mick O'Dwyer. INPHO

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Kerry legend Mick O'Dwyer's advice to up and coming managers is simple; 'don't forget the ball.'In an era when there is probably more of an emphasis placed on strength and conditioning and physical training than ball skills, O'Dwyer, who announced his retirement from management last week, feels that ball should be used as much as possible in training.O'Dwyer's philosophy has worked down through the years winning eight All-Ireland titles with Kerry as well as Leinster titles with Kildare and Laois during a glittering inter county managerial career that spanned almost 40 years.And when asked in an in-depth interview with the Kerryman about what advice he would give up and coming managers, his reply was forthwith."Everything that you do on the football pitch should be done with a ball so that all the necessary skills can be developed. There should be one in a player's hands as often as possible and the better they will be as players for it," said O'Dwyer."I agree that players also have to be physically strong, but the ball is the most important part of our game and every player should feel comfortable with it at all times, especially in the heat of battle."