The frequent rule changes in Gaelic football can be challenging for players and managers, according to Stephen Coen.
The Mayo footballer was speaking to Off The Ball and touched on some of the new rule changes in place as well as those set to be introduced next season.
While the Hollymount Carramore club man wasn’t massively disturbed by the rule changes, he did admit that it can cause frustration among players.
“It’s challenging in that maybe you’re just adapting to one style of play or one set of rules and your system can change due to the change in rules.
“But that uncertainty all the time of new rules can cause a bit of trouble. But to be honest you just get on with it. You mostly just play within it and see what happens,” Coen said.
However, Coen admitted that the advanced mark hasn’t had as much of an impact on the game as he had previously anticipated.
“Obviously it can be difficult if your man just gets a run on you and then it’s an easy mark but often players don't like to be kicking from place balls anyway.
“Normally the free-taker would put it over no problem but I don’t think it’s had the same effect as maybe we feared it would,” Coen commented.
Coen, who plays mainly in the backs, did have reservations about the incoming rule banning players from kicking back to the keeper, as goalkeepers now have a bigger role in the game.
“It’s going to be challenging. I suppose a lot of teams are really obsessed with possession and the percentage of kick-outs won and stuff like that.
“Often when you receive the ball from the keeper he’s an extra man straight away. He causes an overlap. So it’s going to be challenging.
“Most goalkeepers now are really good on the ball and are almost like a 15th man on the pitch.
“You need them now because teams are really set up for kick-outs and press really highly. So having that extra player actually makes it easier to get out and attack.
“So look, I can see the intent or the reasoning behind bringing it in but we’ll have to see how it goes,” Coen said.
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