Author: DV
Coaching Clinic in SJC
Highlighting The San Jose YMCA Handball Coaches
Junior WPH Press, San Jose, California
The San Jose YMCA runs a “Youth Handball Program” every Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, typically recruiting kids from parents that exercise/play at the YMCA. On April 2nd, the San Jose YMCA handball coaches organized a “Coaching Clinic/Play Day” idea to reach out to kids outside the YMCA.
Jose Neri, father of 13-year-old Alex, gathered ~20 kids from outside the YMCA, from various parks and sporting events he attends with son Alex. The message was simple: learn a new sport, keep the equipment, watch some pros, and have free food! Combine them with 10 kids from our Youth class, and it got busy!
This was good advertising for the YMCA, to potentially bring in new members. There were also financial aid grants for non-members. The courts get utilized. Everyone wins. Just need to get the word out! Pamphlets, social media … nothing takes the place of face-to-face conversation and simply inviting parents to let their kids try handball.
The clinic was run by our Youth Handball Coaches: Tom Urquhart, Tom Fitzwater, Jose Neri, Brian Gillenater, and Mike Linnik. We handout equipment (thanks First Ace!), run a one-hour clinic from 10-11am. The youth have a pizza/sandwich lunch and watch the Pro action. After lunch there is a one hour “free time” where they practice what they learned, and just have fun playing ball with their new friends.
Pros Erik Torres, and top Open players Rene Lopez, Miguel Negrete, Joel Perez, and top Big Ballers Jay Sanchez & Carlos helped put on a display of power and fitness. Erik played Rene Lopez in an exhibition match, so it was a fun workout for the players. Pro Loren Collado came down to talk to kids and their parents about the game.
Coaches did simple, fun drills: first we run them around the courts and do short sprints to warm them up. Kids absolutely love to run around on a court. Some yoga followed (we didn’t call it that – it’s just “stretching”), then we begin throwing, overhand, sidearm, low sidearm. Then the fist shots … who can reach the ceiling? A little double bounce (ie. front court only) mixes it up to make it fun, then it doubles action. We allow 3-6 bounces … just get the ball to the front wall! Finally, the ever popular “Gatorade challenge”, where they line up and try to hit a Gatorade bottle. Winners get gift baskets of candy and chocolate. Every bottle hit becomes a huge photo-op for the parents and kids.
The parents in the gallery get to see what fun their kids are having, and how it helps their kids burn off their youthful energy. Coaches hand out forms to parents to join the next Youth Handball Class, and possibly think about membership as well.
Coach Mike Linnik
NorCal Handball
To support programs like the San Jose YMCA and to enable Junior WPH 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 Dr., 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
Langmack Inspires at MSU
Giving Back to the Game: Coach Max Langmack
JR WPH Press, Tucson, Arizona, April, 2022
Race for Eight professional handball player and Junior WPH Coach Max Langmack made the three-hour drive from Olathe, Kansas, to his alma mater, Missouri State University to work with the Missouri State handball class. The introductory class is taught by Coach Tommy Burnett’s daughter, Jeni Hopkins-Burnett, now the head coach of Missouri State Handball, and a Missouri State University Handball player, Christian Madsen. The former Missouri State All-American and now top 10 Race 4 Eight pro, Langmack, worked with the students on various types of serves and the purpose of those serves. Coach Max also covered the fundamentals of back walls.
“I love watching the improvement of everyone in the class,” stated Coach Madsen. “Some players could hardly hit the ball on day one, and now four weeks later they are rallying and having tons of fun. To see every student feeling successful and see themselves improving is such a joy. Hopefully they continue playing beyond the class and recognize it as a fun and challenging way to exercise, but just introducing people to the sport and making it fun is my focus.”
“I love the handball class because it is energizing to see new players learn the “perfect” game,” stated Coach Jeni Hopkins-Burnett. “It is also nice to see players that have played revisit their fundamentals and advance their skills. I am also honored to carry on the legacy of my father, Dr. Tommy Burnett. One of the main goals is to promote the game and expand exposure. The class is also a great recruiter! I hope students learn a new game, see the health benefits of playing a lifetime sport that is a great aerobic sport and a great cross training sport. My hope is also for them to develop determination skills to master this game…which we all know is not possible! Which is why it is so addicting to play!!”
Thank you to Coach Max for making the trip from Kansas to Springfield, MO to inspire Missouri State’s handball class. Thank you to Coaches Jeni Hopkins-Burnett and Christian Madsen for coaching the class and ensuring that Missouri State handball remains at the forefront of college handball.
Photos and all info courtesy of Max Langmack.
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 Dr., 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
Carl Hayden H.S. Plays Host
WPH Press, Phoenix, AZ, 4/12/22
Led by Coach Chris Hogan, Phoenix’s Carl Hayden High School continues to be one of the country’s leading junior handball supporters and programs, hosting daily handball drop-in games and two spring tournaments at its two lunch periods on its five 3-wall handball courts.
“It was amazing to see so many students motivated to play in our events this spring, I even had another ten ask if they could join,” stated Coach Hogan. “I was very surprised by the handball “mob” and student interest to watch and play handball. All participants were very respectful and showed a lot of sportsmanship towards each other, and most of all the tournament rules. It was amazing to see! I want to thank ALL staff for your continued support!! Our second event featured 31 players entered in the singles and doubles.”
JR WPH has been extremely proud to support Coach Hogan and the Carl Hayden Falcons for several years, hosting the Falcons team at several events in Tucson before the pandemic and traveling to Carl Hayden High School to hold clinics in 2020. Thank you to Coach Hogan for his tireless enthusiasm and passion for growing the game. JR WPH will continue to enthusiastically support the Falcons and their wonderful handball program.
JR WPH headed to Carl Hayden High School in 2020 HERE
To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches and to inspire wonderful programs like Carl Hayden High School, 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 Dr., 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 Development Director
JR WPH: Teaching Kids
Instructional
WPH Media, Tucson, AZ
On this edition of the WPH Coaching Center, WPH Master Instructor David Fink discusses the progressions in teaching kids how to play and develop a passion handball, starting with throwing and catching, drop feeding, serving, playing the ball off the bounce, and rallying, all designed to make the game fun and playable on the first day for kids of all ages.
Watch here: HERE
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 Dr., 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 Inspires at Race #6
20-time R48Pro champion and current R48 #1, Killian Carroll, led a sensational Junior Clinic for a dozen #JRWPH handball-crazed youngsters from Arizona, Texas and Mexico at the 2022 WPH R48 Pro #6/USHA Hall of Fame Tournament, in Tucson, Arizona, over the weekend.
“The two most important things in handball are watching the ball and cupping your hand when you hit so the ball cannot go through your fingers,” stated Carroll to the awestruck group of youngsters.
Coach Carroll had the youngsters practice their strokes with both hands, then played each in points. Despite being in between the quarterfinals and semifinals, Carroll flashed his patented dives and speed against his 10-year-old opponents. “Only Killian would dive in a junior clinic,” laughed ESPN cameraman Che Lowenstein.
Thank you to Killian Carroll for an outstanding clinic and donating his time to inspire the next generation of players.
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 Dr., 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 Inspires Houston
JR WPH was proud to host a junior handball clinic during the 2022 Houston Race 4 Eight, teaching several youngsters how to properly swing, rally, and have fun on the court. The youngsters enjoyed several progressions throughout the clinic, starting with throwing and catching, bouncing and hitting, serving, and eventually rallying.
“We have really missed having the opportunity to get kids on the court during our hiatus, and it was wonderful to see all of the smiling faces enjoying the game,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “The kids continued to play throughout the weekend on any open courts at the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA, often drawing bigger crowds than the pros!”
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 Dr., 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 Juarez Flourishing
WPH Press, 1/25/22
JR WPH is proud to continue to support the JE WPH Juarez handball program in Juarez, MEX. JR WPH has passionately supported the JR WPH Juarez program for nearly a decade, providing the Juarez team with handball equipment, sponsoring tournaments, hosting clinics, and offering travel assistance.
The 2022 JR WPH Juarez program features nearly 20 players between the ages of nine to fourteen, with twice-weekly practices at the San Angel Athletic Club led by coaches Andres Cordova and Alex Garcia.
“The WPH always helps the Juarez handball community,” stated Juarez handball patriarch Luis Cordova, Sr.
JR WPH Juarez has historically featured some of the most passionate and skilled players in North America and the WPH and its donors are thrilled to be able to inspire these youngsters.
For more on JR WPH and its efforts to grow the sport, go HERE
JR WPH Harry Mellis Program
Manhattan, NY, WPH Press, 3/11/20- Junior WPH is extremely proud to support the Harry Mellis junior handball program at the Westside YMCA in Manhattan, New York, for the fifth consecutive year. Several hundred youngsters have been introduced to four-wall handball through handball initiatives since 2015, with more young-people catching the handball bug in 2020 through the outstanding Harry Mellis youth development group.
“The program is off to a great start this season,” stated 2015 World Champion and JR WPH Harry Mellis head coach Danielle Daskalakis. “We have a larger variety of high school players coming this year, which is a plus.“
“The WPH has been a great supporter of our Youth Handball program throughout the years,” stated Westside YMCA associate Raymund Gotiangco. “We are excited to have cemented a partnership with the WPH and we are grateful to have Danielle on staff.”
“The WPH cannot thank Danielle enough for her incredible commitment to giving back to the sport,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “Danielle is a bona fide handball superstar in her prime who is still willing to devote countless hours to introducing and coaching the game to new players every year…what could be more inspiring than that! Thank you to Danielle for leading one of the country’s premiere junior handball programs at the Westside YMCA in Manhattan.”
The JR WPH Harris Mellis program practices twice a week, transitioning from the Big Ball to Small Ball each semester. Each lesson starts with handball drills and ends with various games designed to implement the lessons from the drills and to have fun. Stay tuned for updates from the JR WPH Harry Mellis program throughout the winter.
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 Dr., 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