The weather is an obvious issue, but there are so many benefits

Do warm weather training camps work? THE CASE FOR...

AN inter-county manager must have many skills and characteristics. If management was a scientific formula, anyone could be good at it. Do x, y and z and the team will be successful? Easy, eh?

One of the most under-estimated aspects required is the ability to feel what a particular situation requires at a given time. Does a player need an arm around the shoulder or a kick up the backside? Is the squad tired or unfit? Do we need a warm-weather training camp or an Irish weather boot camp?

Sometimes depending on the stage of development, squads benefit from a boot camp. Last year the All-Ireland winning Cork footballers pointed to the success of their pre-Championship camp on Bere Island. Their mutual suffering bonded the group. That worked then — but would it work for Conor Counihan and co now having secured Sam last September?

The purpose of a warm-weather training camp is to allow amateur players live, train and recover like professionals for the best part of a week. Having partaken in warm-weather training (as opposed to holiday) camps both as a player and in a management capacity, I can assure everyone that huge benefits result.

Let's get this straight: the biggest advantage of warm weather training is, obviously enough, the warm weather. Teams train in bad weather year round and the prospect of training on consecutive days in fine weather is energising. Even a mid-summer camp in Ireland does not guarantee that vital ingredient of sun. The sun allows players to train two or three times a day without it feeling a chore.

Trying to run a constructive camp in poor weather can be very demoralising for players and defeats the whole purpose. The sun puts us all in good form and a happy player is a good player.

A huge volume of work can be carried out in a short time frame. It is ideally suited to players returning from injury. It also enables some pre-Championship cramming for players returning late to league duties.

It allows players and management invaluable time to talk, to discuss game plans or any issues or concerns players might have. It affords management the opportunity to fine-tune their ideas and reinforce good habits.

This is in stark contrast to a normal training night when players, after a day’s work, have a full session and are understandably anxious to get home — allowing little time for niceties.

The panel also enjoy splendid isolation when overseas, something that is impossible at home. Phones are off (for most of the day) and players are released from the pressures of normal life for a few days. The enrichment process takes place. They get to enjoy each other’s company and bond.

Most importantly though, when the players are enjoying the experience, it helps foster a team spirit and togetherness that is so essential when the big games come around.

The only disadvantage, in my opinion, is that money is leaving the country. Of course there is a responsibility on us all to attempt to re-ignite our ailing economy.

Luckily from a Kerry perspective an Irish airline is flying them to an Irish-owned Oceanico resort and training facility at Amendoeira on the Algarve — eliminating any accusations of unpatriotic spending.