Author: DV
JR WPH Welcomes Ciana Ni Churraoin
Tucson, AZ, WPH Press, 7/13/26
JR WPH is thrilled to welcome Ciana Ni Churraoin as a JR WPH Coach in July of 2026. Coach CNC is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant with a Master’s degree in Sport & Exercise Psychology (Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2020), Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, and experienced handball coach.
On the court, CNC has applied her expertise to her own performance, which shows through her achievements, such as winning the 40×20 Open World Championships, Senior All-Ireland titles in singles and doubles, and winning a Women’s Race 4 Eight stop in 2024.
Coach CNC will be a frequent contributor to the WPH website, social media pages, and YouTube page, providing content for handball players to develop their mental and physical performance. Coach CNC will also coach JR WPH clinics at Race 4 Eight events.
JR WPH would love to have you join our team. If you are interested in joining Team JR WPH as a coach, please contact JR WPH Director David Fink at David.fink@wphlive.tv
Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv
To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development. Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to: WPH, 3602 E. Ft. Lowell Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716
Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.
Become a WPH Patreon HERE
JR WPH Clinic at the 2026 La Grange Icebreaker
La Grange, IL, WPH Press, 7/13/26
WPH pros Jab Bike, Ray Ure, Lucho Cordova, and Dylan Schmitt coached a JR WPH clinic for the La Grange juniors, working on footwork, ball positioning at the contact point, and proper swing mechanics. The pros then introduced various drills and played king of the court doubles with the juniors.
“The quality of instruction was phenomenal,” stated La Grange junior program head coach Tony Clarke.
Thank you to the WPH pros for giving back to the juniors and inspiring the next generation of players.
JR WPH would love to have you join our team. If you are interested in joining Team JR WPH as a coach, please contact JR WPH Director David Fink at David.fink@wphlive.tv
Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv
To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development. Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to: WPH, 3602 E. Ft. Lowell Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716
Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.
Become a WPH Patreon HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer
Coach Niamh’s JR Training – Week 5: Speed & Endurance
JR WPH Press, 7/12/26
On Week 5 of Coach Niamh’s Junior Handball Training, Coach Niamh introduces exercises to build speed and endurance, enabling players to move more quickly around the court.
Niamh Heffernan
JR WPH is thrilled to welcome 2025 and 2026 Stalsberg Cup champion Niamh Heffernan as a JR WPH Coach. Coach Niamh possesses extensive knowledge on fitness, cross-training, and of course, winning Race 4 Eight titles. Coach Niamh will be a frequent contributor to the WPH website, social media pages, and YouTube page, providing content for handball players to improve their technique, while creating training programs for junior handball players. Coach Niamh will also coach JR WPH clinics at Race 4 Eight events.
JR WPH Coaches HERE
Coach Niamh Joins Team JR WPH HERE
Coach Niamh Week 1 Junior Handball Training HERE
Coach Niamh Week 2 Junior Handball Training HERE
Coach Niamh’s Week 3 Junior Handball Training HERE
Coach Niamh’s Week 4 Junior Handball Training HERE
JR WPH would love to have you join our team. If you are interested in joining Team JR WPH as a coach, please contact JR WPH Director David Fink at David.fink@wphlive.tv
Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv
To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development. Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to: WPH, 3602 E. Ft. Lowell Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716
Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.
Become a WPH Patreon HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer
JR WPH Clinic at the 2026 Jr. Vasquez
Mando and Dylan started the clinic by introducing the warm-up routine, followed by drills.
Hernandez and Mando then separated the junior players by level, with Hernandez working with the beginners on throwing the ball to warm up, using both hands, and eventually hitting the ball by bouncing and stepping into the shot with both hands. Mando worked with the more advanced juniors, explaining and demonstrating return of serves from different types of serves and returning to center of court.
“Beautiful, excellent clinic,” beamed tournament director Tom Martinez. “After the clinic, Dylan and Mando ran the junior tournament. Thank you to the WPH for all of the help throughout the years.”
Thank you to Mark and Tom for an outstanding event, including the Saturday and Sunday barbecue at the courts.
Pictures courtesy of Dylan Hernandez and Tom Martinez
JR WPH would love to have you join our team. If you are interested in joining Team JR WPH as a coach, please contact JR WPH Director David Fink at David.fink@wphlive.tv
Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv
To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development. Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to: WPH, 3602 E. Ft. Lowell Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716
Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.
Become a WPH Patreon HERE
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer
Coach Niamh’s Junior Handball Training
Week 4: Reaction and Coordination
JR WPH Press, 7/6/26
On Week 4 of Coach Niamh’s Junior Handball Training, Coach Niamh introduces exercises to improve reaction time and coordination, with the aim of helping players react more quickly and to stay in control under pressure.
| Exercise | Reps | Sets | Explanation | Why? |
| Handball drop catch | 5 | 3 | Have a partner drop a handball or tennis ball without warning. Catch it before it bounces twice. | Handball is a reaction sport. Faster reactions help players get more shots and improve court coverage. |
| Clap push ups | 5 | 3 | Complete a push-up and push explosively enough to clap your hands before landing. | Develops upper-body power which can help generate stronger shots. |
| Figure of 8 run | 5 | 3 | Place two cones 3 meters apart and run around them in a figure of 8 pattern. | Improves footwork, balance, and the ability to change direction quickly. |
| Balloon rally challenge | 5 | 3 | Keep a balloon in the air using your hands without letting it touch the ground. | Improves hand-eye coordination and reaction time. |
Niamh Heffernan
JR WPH is thrilled to welcome 2025 and 2026 Stalsberg Cup champion Niamh Heffernan as a JR WPH Coach. Coach Niamh possesses extensive knowledge on fitness, cross-training, and of course, winning Race 4 Eight titles. Coach Niamh will be a frequent contributor to the WPH website, social media pages, and YouTube page, providing content for handball players to improve their technique, while creating training programs for junior handball players. Coach Niamh will also coach JR WPH clinics at Race 4 Eight events.
JR WPH Coaches HERE
Coach Niamh Joins Team JR WPH HERE
Coach Niamh Week 1 Junior Handball Training HERE
Coach Niamh Week 2 Junior Handball Training HERE
Coach Niamh’s Week 3 Junior Handball Training HERE
Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information
Coach Niamh’s Junior Handball Training
Week 3: Power and Explosiveness
JR WPH Press, 7/2/26
On Week 3 of Coach Niamh’s Junior Handball Training, Coach Niamh introduces drills to boost power to help players move quickly, cover more ground, and strike the ball with confidence.
| Exercise | Reps | Sets | Explanation | Why? |
| Squat Jumps | 5 | 3 | Lower into a squat and jump as high as possible. | Develops explosive leg power for quick movement around the court. |
| Broad Jumps | 5 | 3 | Jump forwards as far as possible and land under control. | Improves lower-body power and teaches players to generate force. |
| Sprint and Touch | 5 | 3 | Sprint 10 meters, touch the line, and sprint back. | Builds acceleration and speed, both essential for handball. |
| Medicine ball / tennis ball throw | 5 | 3 | Throw the ball as far as possible using both hands. | Develops upper-body power and coordination, helping players generate stronger shots. |
Niamh Heffernan
JR WPH is thrilled to welcome 2025 and 2026 Stalsberg Cup champion Niamh Heffernan as a JR WPH Coach. Coach Niamh possesses extensive knowledge on fitness, cross-training, and of course, winning Race 4 Eight titles. Coach Niamh will be a frequent contributor to the WPH website, social media pages, and YouTube page, providing content for handball players to improve their technique, while creating training programs for junior handball players. Coach Niamh will also coach JR WPH clinics at Race 4 Eight events.
JR WPH Coaches HERE
Coach Niamh Joins Team JR WPH HERE
Coach Niamh Week 1 Junior Handball Training HERE
Coach Niamh Week 2 Junior Handball Training HERE
Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv
To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development. Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to: WPH, 3602 E. Ft. Lowell Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716
Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.
Become a WPH Patreon HERE
Coach Niamh’s Week 2: Balance and Body Control
JR WPH Press, 6/21/26
On Week 2 of Coach Niamh’s Junior Handball Training, Coach Niamh introduces drills and exercises to develop balance and body control for players to hit shots while moving or changing direction.
Niamh Heffernan
JR WPH is thrilled to welcome 2025 and 2026 Stalsberg Cup champion Niamh Heffernan as a JR WPH Coach. Coach Niamh possesses extensive knowledge on fitness, cross-training, and of course, winning Race 4 Eight titles. Coach Niamh will be a frequent contributor to the WPH website, social media pages, and YouTube page, providing content for handball players to improve their technique, while creating training programs for junior handball players. Coach Niamh will also coach JR WPH clinics at Race 4 Eight events.
JR WPH Coaches HERE
Coach Niamh Joins Team JR WPH HERE
Coach Niamh Week 1 Junior Handball Training HERE
Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv
To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development. Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to: WPH, 3602 E. Ft. Lowell Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716
Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.
Become a WPH Patreon HERE
Coach Niamh’s Week 1: Footwork and Fast Feet
JR WPH Press, 6/16/26
Welcome to Week 1 of Coach Niamh Heffernan’s jr handball conditioning. In Week 1, Coach Niamh identifies and explains 4 exercises to improve footwork, reaction time, and quickness.
Week 1
One of the biggest differences between good handball players and great handball players is their movement. This week is all about improving footwork and reaction speed.
Niamh Heffernan
JR WPH is thrilled to welcome 2025 and 2026 Stalsberg Cup champion Niamh Heffernan as a JR WPH Coach. Coach Niamh possesses extensive knowledge on fitness, cross-training, and of course, winning Race 4 Eight titles. Coach Niamh will be a frequent contributor to the WPH website, social media pages, and YouTube page, providing content for handball players to improve their technique, while creating training programs for junior handball players. Coach Niamh will also coach JR WPH clinics at Race 4 Eight events.
JR WPH Coaches HERE
Coach Niamh Joins Team JR WPH HERE
Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv
To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development. Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to: WPH, 3602 E. Ft. Lowell Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716
Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.
Become a WPH Patreon HERE