Preparing for a tournament

Annabel DunnillCoach, England

Hi Ndahura,

In preparing for a handball tournament, your training sessions should cover a range of aspects to ensure your team is well-rounded, physically conditioned, and mentally prepared. Here's a breakdown of what your handball sessions might focus on:

1. Physical Conditioning:

Endurance Training:

Incorporate running drills, shuttle runs, and interval sprints to build cardiovascular endurance.

Strength Training:

Include bodyweight exercises, functional movements, and strength training to enhance overall physical strength.

Agility and Speed:

Implement agility drills, ladder exercises, and speed training to improve players' quickness and responsiveness on the court.

2. Skill Development:

Passing and Catching:

Emphasize accurate passing and quick catching. Use various passing drills and progress from basic to advanced techniques.

Shooting Practice:

Work on shooting techniques from different positions on the court, focusing on accuracy and power.

Defensive Drills:

Practice one-on-one defending, blocking shots, and intercepting passes.

Goalkeeping Skills:

Dedicate time to goalkeepers for specific training on positioning, reflexes, and shot-stopping.

3. Team Strategies and Tactical Play:

Positional Play:

Focus on individual player positions and movements on both offense and defense.

Set Plays:

Develop and practice set plays for both attacking and defensive situations.

Game Simulations:

Simulate match scenarios to reinforce tactical strategies and improve decision-making.

Annabel DunnillCoach, England

4. Conditioned Games:

Small-Sided Games:

Incorporate small-sided games to reinforce specific skills, encourage teamwork, and increase the intensity of play.

Game Scenarios:

Create scenarios mimicking tournament situations to prepare players for the pressure and pace of competitive matches.

5. Mental Toughness and Team Bonding:

Visualization:

Encourage players to visualize successful performances, positive outcomes, and effective teamwork.

Team Bonding:

Engage in team-building activities to foster camaraderie and unity within the squad.

Pressure Situations:

Create high-pressure situations in training to help players adapt to the mental challenges of a tournament.

6. Set Pieces:

Penalty Shots and Free Throws:

Practice penalty shots and free throws to ensure players are confident and accurate during critical moments in a match.

Annabel DunnillCoach, England

7. Recovery and Injury Prevention:

Cool Down:

Implement thorough cool-down routines to aid in recovery after intense training sessions.

Injury Prevention Exercises:

Include exercises focused on injury prevention, especially for areas prone to injuries in handball.

8. Video Analysis:

Review Past Matches:

Analyze videos of past matches or practice sessions to identify areas for improvement and highlight successful strategies.

9. Pre-Tournament Preparation:

Mock Tournament:

Organize a simulated tournament with multiple matches in a day to mimic the tournament environment.

Tactical Discussions:

Hold team meetings to discuss tournament strategies, opponents, and match plans.

Remember to adapt the intensity and duration of your sessions based on the proximity to the tournament and the fitness levels of your players. Regular communication with the team, addressing individual concerns, and maintaining a positive and focused atmosphere are crucial elements in the preparation process.

Archie