01
Carry & move
Take up to four steps, then bounce or solo the ball.
Tip: count your steps out loud when learning.Learn in layers
Gaelic football, simply.
Enough to enjoy your first game—then official resources when you want the details.
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Level 1 · The big picture
Carry, pass, kick, score.
Gaelic football is a field game played with a round ball. You can catch, kick, and hand-pass it. Work together to send it over the crossbar or into the net.
1over the bar3into the net
Level 2 · Core skills
The six things to try first
02
Hand pass
Strike the ball clearly with the hand or fist—do not throw it.
03
Kick pass
Kick from the hands to move the ball quickly across the field.
04
Scoring
Over the crossbar is 1 point; into the net is 3 points.
05
Fair contact
Shoulder-to-shoulder contact is allowed; pushing and tripping are not.
06
Newcomer safety
Warm up, speak up, and stop if something hurts. Friendly play comes first.
Shape of a team
Positions and match time
1
Goalkeeper
Protects the net and starts attacks.
6
Defenders
Win the ball and support teammates.
2
Midfielders
Connect defence and attack.
6
Forwards
Create chances and score.
◷ Official match length varies by grade. Our Tuesday games are shorter, flexible, and friendly.
Level 3 · Stay current
Official GAA resources
Rules can change. Use these official links for competition or refereeing decisions.