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Hurling

Waterford legend Ken McGrath outlines the potential pitfalls in hurling sweeper systems

Cork attempted to implement a sweeper system against Tipperary in the Munster Championship two we...



Waterford legend Ken McGrath o...
Hurling

Waterford legend Ken McGrath outlines the potential pitfalls in hurling sweeper systems

Cork attempted to implement a sweeper system against Tipperary in the Munster Championship two weeks ago but the execution didn't bear fruit for them.

A meeting between Clare and Waterford will form the next instalment of the 2016 Munster Championship and according to Ken McGrath, the natural playing style for both of these teams, excludes the usage of a sweeper system, indicating that we could be in store for a more open encounter.

In an interview with sports writer of the Irish Examiner Michael Moynihan, McGrath said that sweeper systems are not wholly reliable for advancing a team's gameplan.

He points to Cork's failed attempt at incorporating a sweeper system recently:

"I think sometimes a sweeper can hide other problems with a team. Take Cork a couple of weeks ago against Tipperary. They had a sweeper but they looked to me like a team that had over-thought things; we all know the potential they have from midfield up, but the sweeper plan doesn’t replace fellas working hard, chasing their men, picking up individual players."

"Also at times a sweeper can confuse things at the back if lads haven’t worked it out properly — defenders leave the ball or the man to someone else they expect to be there, it takes a lot of practice to get it right."

"The likes of Jamie Barron and Colm Galvin will come to the fore there, taking the pop passes and having a shot from outfield."

Tune into Off The Ball where Jamesie O'Connor will be covering the game live in Semple Stadium.

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