When game-day finally arrives, the buildup of pressure, adrenaline, and excitement can often dictate the outcome long before the first point is even played. In the recent WPH feature on game-day psychology, experts dive deep into how both players and coaches can keep their cool, align their goals, and navigate the unpredictable nature of competition.

Key Takeaways for Game-Day Success

• Understanding the Mental Shift: Transitioning from rigorous training mode to competitive execution requires a distinct change in mindset. Athletes must learn to let go of preparation anxieties once they cross the threshold into the match arena.

• Communication Between Coach and Player: Aligning expectations before stepping onto the court ensures that both sides are working toward realistic, adaptable targets rather than chasing perfection.

• Handling Pressure and Momentum Swings: Matches rarely go entirely according to plan. Learning how to reset emotionally after losing a run of points is essential for maintaining composure under fire.

• The Post-Match Reflection: Evaluating performance based on effort, adaptability, and execution—rather than strictly the scoreboard—lays the groundwork for sustainable long-term improvement.

Whether you are stepping onto the court as a competitor or guiding from the sidelines, managing your mental framework is just as critical as physical conditioning. Check out the full discussion in the video linked above to refine your game-day strategy!

___

JR WPH was thrilled to welcome Ciana Ni Churraoin as a JR WPH Coach in 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 Coaches 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

Albuquerque, NM, WPH Press, 9/6/26

JR WPH was proud to travel to Albuquerque to train two current junior national champions on the 3-Wall courts at North Domingo Baca Park on Labor Day Weekend. WPH Master Instructor David Fink worked with AJ Valenzuela (12) and Victor Guajardo (17) on techniques to develop an offensive and defensive off-hand, starting with overhand and sidearm throws and transitioning to sidearm drills. Coach Fink then discussed and demonstrated the power serve and finished the lesson by playing points with the two national champions.

“We had a very productive lesson,” stated Fink. “I explained to the two champions that in order to become a player, you have to live on the court and you have to practice and play with purpose. If you don’t practice with a purpose, you will never improve.”

Thank you to AJ and Victor for their passion for improving their games and to JR WPH for continuing to inspire, teach, and, motivate the next generation of players.

JR WPH Coaches 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 Master Instructor 

San Angelo, TX, JR WPH Press, Aug 31, 2026 –

Contributed by Martin Mulkerrins 

Angelo State University proudly hosted the 2026 Rams Invitational, this last weekend of August. The event celebrated the official opening of the school’s four renovated Handball courts, courtesy of Doug and Nick Randolph and the Randolph Foundation. The WPH were thrilled to support the 2026 Rams Invitational by sanctioning the Men’s and Women’s Open Divisions as WPH R48 Pre-Qualifiers, as well as offering a JR WPH clinic to participants.

JR WPH Rams Invitational Clinic Highlights

The 2026 JR WPH Rams clinic was led by Texas A&M Head Coach and WPH R48 no.1 ranked pro, Martin Mulkerrins. Race 4 Eight pros and coaches Diarmuid Mulkerrins and Mark Doyle also attended and contributed to the clinic. The clinic covered a number of topics, to include defensive and offensive shots, as well as recommendations for practicing and improving participant’s all-around game.

“It was great to have another JR WPH Clinic during a tournament in Texas, and to see the interest in learning about different shots and strategies,” stated Coach Martin Mulkerrins. “The first shot we discussed and demonstrated was the fist shot to the ceiling. This involved broader discussions and demonstrations of the underhand stroke, as well as how and when to hit the fist shot. Following the underhand stroke instructional, the group had the opportunity to learn the paddle kill from Coach Mark. To conclude, the coaches reinforced the learnings from the clinic, as well as emphasizing the importance of allocating time to practice shots and serves and not solely ‘practice’ by playing games.  Focusing on a couple of shots per session and practicing them on your own is critically important and we hope that this will be something players will continue, or further incorporate, into their training. On behalf of the players and administrators in Texas, I thank the WPH for supporting this event and I look forward to the WPH R48 Pre-Qualifiers and Clinics at Texas A&M University at the end of September (25-27^th).”

Photos courtesy of Hannah Olson (Angelo State University) and Eilish Mulkerrins (Texas A&M)

JR WPH Coaches 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

Boston, MA, WPH Press, 8/15/26

JR WPH Coach and WPH R48 #1 Martin Mulkerrins traveled to Boston, MA to promote Handball at the USGAA (USGAA HERE) Finals; featuring Gaelic Football, Ladies Football, Camogie, Hurling, and for the first time, Handball!

Coach Martin was joined by R48 #9 Jeff Streibig and 23-time R48 champ Killian Carroll. The Race 4 Eight pros built a 1-Wall handball court at the Games, coached various handball clinics and demonstrations throughout the weekend, and supervised target games and open play. 

“I’m excited to be here at the Irish Cultural Centre (home to the USGAA National Finals) here in Boston where Handball will be included for the first time in the USGA National Finals,” stated Coach Mulkerrins. “People will have the opportunity between games and while they are watching to come through here and give Handball a try. We are very proud to be able to celebrate Gaelic Games, celebrate Irish heritage, and people will be able to see that Handball is part of the GAA family.”

“It’s really incredible,” boasted Streibig. “The sports (at the USGAA national finals) are amazing. The cross-over is amazing. We are going to try to show the benefits of Handball alongside Hurling, Football, Camogie. There is a lot of cross-over; footwork, using both sides of your body, and everything else.” 

“Handball is part of the Gaelic Games,” stated Carroll. “It’s nice to showcase and give handball some exposure here in Boston. It is just fantastic.”

Thank you to JR WPH Coach Martin Mulkerrins for continuing to promote the game and inspire players all over the world. Thank you to the USGAA and the USHA for collaborating on this outstanding event. Thank you to WPH Race 4 Eight pros Jeff Streibig and Killian Carroll for donating their time and sharing their passion for Handball with the USGAA athletes. 

Photo of Gaelic athletes courtesy of USGAA

Learn more about the USGAA HERE

Learn more about the USHA HERE

Martin Mulkerrins Joins JR WPH HERE

List of JR WPH Coaches HERE

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer

Video by JR WPH Coach Ciana Ni Churraoin

JR WPH Press, Tucson, AZ, 8/1/26

JR WPH was thrilled to welcome WR48 champion, All-Ireland champion, and World Champion Ciana Ni Churraoin (HERE) to our illustrious group of JR WPH handball coaches to inspire the next generation of players.

In Coach Ciana’s first JR WPH instructional video, Coach Ciana Ni Churraoin discusses the Impact of Expectations and the Power of Curiosity on Athlete

Coach Ciana’s How Coach Expectation Shape Player Growth HERE

JR WPH was thrilled to welcome Ciana Ni Churraoin as a JR WPH Coach in 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 Coaches 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

Written by JR WPH Coach Ciana Ni Churraoin

JR WPH Press, Tucson, AZ, 7/26/26

JR WPH was thrilled to welcome WR48 champion, All-Ireland champion, and World Champion Ciana Ni Churraoin (HERE) to our illustrious group of JR WPH handball coaches to inspire the next generation of players.

In Coach Ciana’s first JR WPH instructional, Coach Ciana Ni Churraoin poses the question, “Do coach expectations actually impact their players’ development and performances?”

Do Coach Expectations Actually Impact Their Players’ Development & Performances

Written by JR WPH Coach Ciana Ni Churraoin

If I was going to make this as short as possible, I would simply say “yes – of course coaches expectations impact their players development and performances’’, but the key to truly working with young (or older) people to develop is to understand your impact and then choose how to act according to they type of coach you want to be. 

The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

According to the self-fulfilling prophecy, the expectations a coach has about an athlete’s ability / future possibilities will play a role in what that athlete achieves / believes about themselves.

One of the most interesting parts of the self-fulfilling prophecy is that these expectations are often developed in the early stages of seeing someone perform. 

Here’s how it works: 

Step 1 – Coach Forms Expectations

The coach observes athletes in training / performance and develops expectations for their behaviour and performance levels. 

Step 2 – Coaches Behavior is Influenced by Expectations

The coaches’ expectations influence how they coach each athlete. These actions are in accordance with their expectations. For example: If I believe that Ciana is lazy, I will not push when she behaves this way. But if I believe Penelope is hard-working, I may question and push Penelope if she is slacking and therefore Penelope knows that I expect more and Ciana knows that it is ok to take it easy.

Step 3 – Coaching impacts Athletes Development and Performance

The different treatment from the coach influences the athletes development and perception of themselves. In the above example, Ciana will come to understand that the coach doesn’t expect her to work hard, so she doesn’t, and she may even believe long-term that she is lazy. Whereas, Penelope will understand that the coach sees her as a hard-working athlete and she may continue to hold this belief long-term.

Step 4 – Athletes Performances led to Reinforcement of Coaching Expectations

The athletes’ development are in accordance with the coaches’ treatment. In this case, Penelope develops quicker because she is pushed to work hard and Ciana develops more slowly as she is allowed to put forth less effort. Long-term, this will lead a coach to believe that their initial judgements / expectations of players are correct and the cycle continues with the next athletes they work with. 

(Sternberg Horn, Lox, & Labrador, 2015).

Not every coach is like this, but research highlights that coaches who are aware of and understand the self-fulfilling prophecy are much less likely to let their expectations influence their coaching.

On what may be somewhat a side note, it may seem obvious that we want to be particularly wary when it comes to negative expectations that we place on an athlete (lazy, bad skill level, rude, etc), but we also want to take caution when it comes to what many would call ‘positive’ expectations. The one I want to talk about is the expectation that an athlete will be successful / win. At face value, this is a positive thing and it shows that we believe in our young handball player, right? But often, outcome-based expectations place pressure, increase performance anxiety, and could lead to an athlete thinking they have disappointed us if the expectation is not met (which will happen).

What’s also important to consider, is that our expectations are often not our own. We are constantly influenced by other coaches, by parents, by results, by athletes’ words, by past experiences, and more. So when we project these expectations onto athletes, we may be reinforcing something they have heard time and time again.

Now, it would be easy for me to say “we need to let go of expectations and simply coach the player in the best way we can”, but as humans, that is a very difficult thing to do. We see, we judge, we expect, and if we aren’t aware of that, we then act based on judgment and expectation rather than the thing that will truly help the athlete develop.

So, if we know it is impossible to avoid forming expectations, what can we do to support young handball players’ development and performances?

• Be aware of your expectations: Awareness is the first step to making any type of change. By building awareness, you can choose how you coach, rather than blindly coaching based on your own opinions. 
• Be open to the idea that your expectations / judgements are not factually correct: They are your thoughts, and not all of your thoughts are true. 
• Believe that people can develop: Even if your expectations are correct at this moment, every single person can develop with the right support and effort. Every handball player has the capacity to improve in this sport. 
• Instill belief in your athlete based on their controllable actions and efforts: You don’t even need to talk about the outcome. Help your athlete see what truly matters. 
• Emphasis the process: Let your athletes know that regardless of the outcome, you support them and will support them.

Here are some questions to help you understand yourself and your impact as a coach: 

• What are my expectations of this athlete?
• How do these expectations impact my coaching style? 
• What do I want to remember / do differently?

References:

Sternberg Horn, T., Lox C. L., & Labrador, F. (2015). The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy Theory: When Coaches’ Expectations Become Reality. Applied Sport Psychology: Personal Growth to Peak Performance, 78 – 100.

JR WPH was thrilled to welcome Ciana Ni Churraoin as a JR WPH Coach in 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 Coaches 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

WPH Master Instructor David Fink led a 4-Wall instructional clinic for several enthusiastic junior and collegiate handball players from Phoenix and Flagstaff, focusing on stepping into the ball and letting the ball drop, developing proper left-hand throwing and hitting mechanics, and ending the clinic by rallying with each of the players.

“It was great to see these youngsters on the court during this exceptional event,” stated Fink. “Each of the kids had a great attitude and were excited to learn.”

Thank you to tournament directors Matthew Ortega and Sam Esser for an outstanding event, incredible hospitality, and great competition. If you have never been to Flagstaff, makes your plans to attend next year’s AZ State Championships and enjoy one of the greatest towns in the U.S.

Follow all of the brackets from the 2026 AZ State Four-Wall Championships HERE

JR WPH Coaches 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

“Everything to Become a Confident Player”

JR WPH Press, 7/19/26

In the first five weeks of Coach Niamh’s Junior Handball Training, Coach Niamh has introduced drills to improve footwork, balance, speed, strength, and power. Week 6 brings all of those skills together to help you become a quicker and more confident handball player.

Niamh Heffernan

JR WPH is thrilled to welcome 2025 and 2026 Stalsberg Cup champion Niamh Heffernan as a JR WPH Coach in 2026. 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

Coach Niamh’s Week 5 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