Coaching

JR WPH Clinic in Mexico

Posted on June 19, 2018 by DV

Juarez, Mex, WPH Press, 6/19/18– JR WPH was thrilled to host an outstanding junior handball clinic at the 2018 WPH/E4 Torneo de Handball, featuring more than a dozen junior handball players coached by several of the Race 4 Eight’s Elite on the second weekend in June.

Race 4 Eight stars Luis Cordova, Daniel Cordova, Sean Lenning, Mando Ortiz, Shorty Ruiz, Dr. Ashley Moler and JR WPH Juarez Head Handball Coach and 2017 JR WPH Coach of the Year Drft Fernandez led the clinic for the enthusiastic youngsters, focusing on proper form to hit the ball, effective beginner serves, and first-strike kill shots following a good serve. “We first had the kids throwing the ball and explained how the throwing motion should be the same as the motion when you hit the ball,” stated R48 #6 and 2017 & 2018 Torneo de Handball champion Lucho Cordova. “The clinic was really fun and the kids loved it. After the instruction the pros signed autographs for the youngsters, mingled, and played cross court two-bounce.

At next year’s Torneo de Handball, we are going to try to incorporate a JR/Pro doubles to give the kids the opportunity to play with and against the pros.”

Thank you to Luis and Daniel Cordova, Sean Lenning, Mando Ortiz, Shorty Ruiz, and Dr. Ashley moler for giving the youngsters the thrill of a lifetime in sharing the court and learning from the world’s best players. Thank you to AreLee Cano de Cordova for the pictures. Special thanks to JR WPH Juarez coach Drft Fernandez for inspiring the youngsters on a daily basis, organizing clinics, traveling with the youngsters to tournaments, and everything Drft does to make the JR WPH Juarez junior handball program one of the best junior handball programs in the world.

Photos courtesy of AreLee Cano de Cordova

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 (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to: WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Argos Handball Heats Up

Posted on May 23, 2018May 23, 2018 by DV

Pensacola, FL, WPH Press, 5/22/18- The University of West Florida’s handball team enjoyed a sensational ’18 USHA Collegiate National Tournament, taking 2nd place in DII and 6th overall on the back of Sierra Hansen’s All-American performance; becoming the first UWF player to reach the open, as well as Argo stars Zach Babcock, Ryan Gaynor, Annie Wallace, and Alan Moore making the semifinals in their respective skill divisions.

In addition to the USHA Collegiate Nationals, the UWF Argos held tournaments and clinics at the UWF Rec Center during the 2017/2018 season, including a WPH-sponsored clinic from R48 #1 Killian Carroll, while also traveling to major handball tournaments in Texas and Missouri. The Argos not only improved their handball games, but also gained experience and built friendships with fellow handballers in the Southeast and Midwest.

The JR WPH sponsored UWF Argonauts have an exciting summer and fall planned, as the UWF handball fanatics will introduce new players at the Argos Kids Camp for youngsters between the ages of 6-15 and host freshman handball orientations at the start of school in the fall. “A lot of our players caught up on coursework after the collegiate nationals to wrap up the spring semester, but we’re all looking forward to getting back on the courts this summer,” stated UWF Handball Club founder and 2017 JR WPH Collegiate Coach of the Year Michael Morgan. “On top of coaching at the Argos Kids Camp and introducing new players at freshman orientation, we’ll start practicing regularly and hold a tournament or two during the summer months.”

UWF is one of the most active collegiate handball programs in the country and JR WPH is thrilled to support the Argos. Keep up the great work!

Homework & Handball @ ASU

Posted on April 24, 2018April 24, 2018 by DV

ASU, Tempe, AZ, 4/24/18– Twenty nine competitors from Phoenix and Tucson squared off across four divisions in a one day event that tested player’s skills in both big ball and small ball. This “Homework & Handball” tournament is part of a series of events developed by the Sun Devil Handball Club at ASU. This program encourages excellence in academics as well as handball because ASU is interested in the development of the complete student athlete.

After introductory remarks on sportsmanship, effort and learning, the players were given an ASU swag bag with eye guards, balls, t-shirt, gloves and college admission info. The morning event featured a big ball tournament where each competitor had three matches against opponents with closely matched skills. The players battled nonstop on ten courts at the beautiful Sun Devil Fitness Complex.

Successor division – Derek, Champ Camron Thompson, Ben Fernandez

At 12:30 pm, the big ball competition finished and competitors, coaches and volunteers enjoyed a 90-minute lunch break. During the last 30 minutes of the break, the Sun Devils helped high school students understand the opportunities available in college.

Then the “me3” app was demonstrated, which helps high school students explore majors and careers that fit their interests and passions. This allows the student to design an academic pathway to the future that they want.

Elite division – Alejandro Sandoval, Derek, Champ Rodrigo Silva

Then it was back in to the courts for small ball action. The afternoon format was similar to the morning only with a smaller, quicker blue ball!

Student-athletes participated from Carl Hayden HS, Camelback HS, South Mountain HS, the Fred Lewis Foundation and ASU. Jesus Castillo (CHHS) slammed, winning two Contender division events. Rodrigo Silva (CHHS) and Alejandro Sandoval (FLF) came up big on the day by splitting the Elite division big ball and small ball championships between them.

Challenger division – Champ Fernando Hernandez, Derek, Belisa Camacho

Special thanks to the coaches and volunteers including Chris Hogan, Abe Montijo, Don Stewart, Jim Reitmyer, Ben Fernandez, Fred Lewis and members of the Sun Devil Handball Club.

Big Ball Championship Results

Elite: Rodrigo Silva (CHHS) def Alejandro Sandoval (FLF)

Challenger: Fernando Hernandez def Belisa Camacho (FLF)

Contender division – Champ Jesus Castillo, Derek, Chris Cedeno

Contender: Jesus Castillo (CHHS) def Chris Cedeno (CHHS)

Successor: Camron Thompson (FLF) def Ben Fernandez (Phx)

Small Ball Championship Results

Elite: Alejandro Sandoval (FLF) def Rodrigo Silva (CHHS)

Challenger: Angel Mariscal (FLF) def Frank Huerta (CBHS)

Contender: Jesus Castillo (CHHS) def Eliezer Hernandez (CHHS)

Successor: Luis Madrigal (CHHS) def Carlos Ortiz (CHHS)

SEE ATTACHED Power Point for the full story and pictures

Dan Willeford

ASU Head Handball Coach

Jr WPH Goes Outdoor

Posted on March 19, 2018March 19, 2018 by DV

Buena Park, CA, WPH Press, 3/20/18– JR WPH was thrilled to present a fun junior handball clinic and tournament for 20 junior handball players in Buena Park, CA on the third Sunday in March. Pro Players led the clinic for the young future stars; emphasizing the value of good footwork and fundamentals, hydrating during matches, and always having fun on the court. Coach Duenas also stressed the importance of being humble, playing with integrity and sportsmanship, and respecting your opponent.

The youngsters had the opportunity to demonstrate what they learned in the junior singles tournament that followed the clinic. The 20 youngsters competed in four divisions, with all of the passionate junior players displaying outstanding sportsmanship and skills.

19 and under

Champion: Jesus Mendez

Finalist: Freddy Espindola

16 and under

Champion: Jesus Mendez

Finalist: Daniel Barrientos

13 and under

Champion: Eddie Rocha, Jr.

Finalist: Moises Barrientos

11 and under

Champion: Matthew Garcia

Finalist: John Garcia

Thank you to Tom Flores for organizing the clinic, Coach Duenas for coaching the clinics, and to all of the junior players and parents for participating.

5 Week JR Tournament Set

Posted on February 21, 2018February 21, 2018 by DV

Juarez, MEX, WPH Press, 2/18- JR WPH Juarez hosted a five-week junior handball tournament, starting in mid – January and ending on February 18, featuring 21 junior handball players from the JR WPH Juarez program. 2017 JR WPH Coach of the Year and JR WPH Juarez head coach Richie “Drft” Fernandez organized the five-week extravaganza, providing the junior players with various handball formats tailored to the level and age of the players. The more experienced players played full-court, while the less experienced players played the popular half-court “2 Bounce” game.

“I’ve had an opportunity to watch the Juarez youngsters play for several years and I am so impressed with their improvements and passion for the sport,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “The Juarez juniors are absolutely incredible to watch, both for their handball skills and their tremendous sportsmanship and eagerness to improve. Thank you to JR WPH Juarez and Coach Drft for providing opportunities for so many youngsters to learn and play handball in a positive, family-friendly, and structured program that emphasizes the importance of teamwork, camaraderie, discipline, and developing a physically active lifestyle through handball.”

JR WPH Juarez 5-Week Tournament Results

Group 1
1-Alejandro Garcia Jr (Froggy)
2-Andres Cordoba
3-Jose Villa Soto (Cheche)
4-Eder Renteria
5-Sebastian
6-Gabriel
7-Angel Araiza (Blondie)
8-Diego Hernandez
9-Esteban
10-Roberto

Group 2
1-Astrid Hernandez
2-Andres Araiza
3-Leo Galarza
4-Chuyito
5-Rafa
6-ball
7-Wendy Chavez
8-heimy
9-Jose
10-Daniel-Iveth
11-Emiliano Araiza

Look for JR WPH Juarez to be back in action against Tucson’s Fred Lewis Foundation in the next installment of the “Battle of the Border” later this year.

JR WPH Harry Mellis Clinic

Posted on February 15, 2018February 15, 2018 by DV

Manhattan, NY, WPH Press, 2/15/18– The JR WPH Harry Mellis jr handball program proudly hosted a jr handball clinic and Fun Day for more than a dozen junior handball players between the ages of 15 – 19 at Manhattan’s Westside YMCA on the second Saturday in February. JR WPH Harry Mellis Coaches Danielle Daskalakis and Sandy Ng were joined by multiple-time national champion Cesar Sala and Harry Mellis graduates Steven Woo and Kody Yan in coaching 4-Wall serves, back wall drills, 2-bounce games, and singles and doubles games with the coaches. Pizza and refreshments were provided for the youngsters after an afternoon of learning and playing alongside several of the game’s best coaches and players.

“The WPH has been a great supporter of our Youth Handball program throughout the years,” stated Lucria Ortiz, Esq., Senior Director of Fund Development & Communications, YMCA of Greater New York. “Thank you to the WPH for that commitment to our kids and their development in the sport. We are excited to have cemented a partnership with the WPH and we are grateful to have (JR WPH Harry Mellis Coach) Danielle on staff.”

“The WPH cannot thank Danielle and Sandy enough for their incredible commitment to giving back to the sport,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “Danielle and Sandy have earned worldwide acclaim for their sensational handball accomplishments, and are doing even more to grow the sport with the next generation of players. Thank you to Danielle, Sandy, Cesar, and all of the coaches and players associated with 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. JR WPH Harry Mellis Coach Sandy Ng has an exciting junior tournament planned for this weekend at the Westside YMCA.

Stay tuned to juniorhandball.org updates from the JR WPH Harry Mellis program throughout the year.

18 UWF Argo Classic

Posted on January 18, 2018January 18, 2018 by DV

Pensacola, FL, WPH Press, 1. 18. 18– With a tremendous amount of local support from players like Bob Van Dyke and Joel Levy, this year’s Argo Classic Tournament was a huge success. The 2018 UWF Argo Classic Tournament had a record number of participants, and with some creative bracket management, all of the players played a minimum of three matches. Current UWF Handball Club President Ashley Gilliam did a tremendous job throughout the weekend of keeping the tournament on schedule and on time with minimal delay between matches, which as many tournament directors know is no easy task.

This year’s competition attracted collegiate players from Missouri State University, University of Texas, Texas A&M, and as always, a strong representation from our University of West Florida team. The UWF team has even started attracting interest from our varsity sports coaching staff, including our softball coaches, who excelled in their brackets.

Missouri State stars Sam Esser and Max Langmack met in the Men’s Open Singles final, with Esser edging his teammate in two close games. Christina Pecaut ensured a Missouri State slam in the open singles brackets, ousting Missouri State teammate Taylor Rumping in an 11-7 tiebreaker in the Women’s Open Singles final.

Aside from the great competition and continued camaraderie between all the collegiate teams, one of the leading attractions of the weekend was our Recreation Centers massage therapist, Molly, who helped the Handball team raise money by offering massages throughout the weekend.

Overall this year’s tournament was a great success, and the event would not have been possible without the continued support of our local players, team members, and the WPH and USHA. Thank you to everyone that helped and came out to this year’s event, looking forward to seeing you next time.

“JR WPH is extremely proud to support the UWF Handball Club and the Argo Classic Tournament,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “The UWF Handball Club exemplifies exactly what JR WPH aims to create; an opportunity for young people to learn and love the sport of handball in a positive and fun environment. Thank you to Coach Morgan, Ashley Gilliam, and all of the UWF players for making the UWF handball program one of the best in the country.”

To see all of the results from the 2018 Argo Classic Tournament, go here

Michael Morgan

UWF Handball Club Founder