Coaching

JR WPH at The Aces

Posted on May 8, 2023May 8, 2023 by DV

Salt Lake City, Utah, WPH Press, May 8th, 2023-

Junior WPH was thrilled to host a collegiate clinic for the Utah State University Aggies at the 2023 WPH Aces Player’s Championship, this past weekend. World Player’s of Handball Foundation Master-instructor David Fink and 2023 Race-for-eight Rookie Player-of-the-Year Mark Doyle led the clinic for the enthusiastic collegiate players at the Sports Mall, home to the Aces Player’s Championship. Fink and Doyle discussed and demonstrated strategies to develop consistently solid contact, the footwork for the power serve, how to play the ball off the back wall, and lob serve techniques. Following the instruction, the players had a chance to try to return Doyle’s power serve, with several returning the Rookie of the Year’s best serves down the left.

“We love having the opportunity to coach players at the Race 4 Eight events,” stated Fink. “All of the pros have been inspired by the pros before them, and we are thrilled to inspire the next generation of players.”

Thank you to the Utah State Handball Aggies for their passion for the game.

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, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

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 Spring Classic

Posted on May 8, 2023May 8, 2023 by DV

Brooklyn, New York, Junior-WPH Press, 5/8/23

Junior WPH was thrilled to sponsor the 2023 St. John’s WallBall Association & Junior- WPH Spring Classic at St. John’s Park on May 6 in Brooklyn, New York. This junior mega-event featured junior boys and girls 1-Wall Big Ball singles-and-doubles, with sixty junior handball players competing on a beautiful Saturday in Brooklyn.

The juniors played throughout the day on Saturday at St. John’s Park, with the players demonstrating tremendous skill, sportsmanship, and passion for the game.

2017 WPH Volunteer of the Year Veronica Figueroa hosted the 2023 St. John’s WallBall Association & JR WPH Spring Classic, promoting and organizing the event, in addition to running the event. “This was the fifth event we have thrown with JR WPH and each event has been a huge success,” stated Veronica. “I want to thank the WPH and all of the sponsors who made this event possible. When I went to these organizations and sponsors, they didn’t hesitate to donate. We hope next year will be even bigger.”

“JR WPH was thrilled to team up with Ms. V for the fifth time in hosting this junior mega event,” stated the WPH’s David Fink. “Ms. V. is a huge part of the New York handball community, serving as a promoter, ambassador, volunteer, and tournament director and JR WPH is honored to run events with the St. John’s WallBall Association and all of the sponsors who made this event such a huge success.”

2023 St. John’s WallBall Association & JR WPH Spring Classic Champions & Finalists

Girls

18-and-under girls singles champion: Jenna Santiago

18-and-under girls singles finalist: Ariana

18-and-under girls doubles champions: Jenna and Kennedi

18-and-under girls doubles finalists: Madison and Nyliayah

16-and-under girls singles champion: Tiffany

16-and-under girls singles finalist: Kennedi

16-and-under girls singles doubles champions: Katherine and Hillary

16-and-under girls singles doubles finalists: Anna and Kelly

Boys

18-and-under boys singles champion: Nicholes

18-and-under boys singles finalist: Danny

18-and-under boys doubles champions: Danny and David Z

16-and-under boys doubles finalists: Ervin and Nicholes

16-and-under boys doubles champions: Carlos and Andy

16-and-under boys doubles finalists: Aiden and Rob

Sponsors

JR WPH

St. John’s Wallball Association

St. Albans Handball Association

Handball Toast Promotions

Inner City Handball Association

United States Handball Association

Castle Hill Handball Association

Impact Pro Handball Association

Long Island Heat Paddelball Organization

Roger (Wingate)

Broadway Anna (Florida)

Thank you to Veronica, JR WPH, and all of the sponsors who provided the opportunity for 60 junior handball players to enjoy a wonderful tournament.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer

JR WPH Clinic in Mexico

Posted on April 4, 2023April 4, 2023 by DV

Juarez, Mexico, WPH Press, April 1st, 2023: Junior WPH was thrilled to coach twelve of Juarez’s best junior players in a special junior clinic at the 2023 WPH-Juarez R48LTE, as the WPH’s David Fink and R48 pro Stephen Cooney taught the corner kill, played King-of-the-Court doubles and organized target-hitting competitions. Each of the junior players took turns practicing the corner kill, learning to turn sideways and step with their front foot towards the side wall. The kid’s faces lit up when they had a chance to team with the pros in doubles, as several of the kids killed balls right in front of the coaches. The clinic wrapped up with the kids trying to hit targets.

“This is the reason we run the Race 4 Eight tour, to inspire the next generation of players,” stated Fink. “We love seeing the enthusiasm and smiling faces and hope to see these youngsters on the tour in the next few years.”

All of the juniors played in junior singles brackets at the 2023 R48LTE Juarez as well, showcasing the future of the sport. “The highlight of any tournament is seeing new players, especially when those new players are enthusiastic junior players,” stated WPH Executive Director Dave Vincent.

JR WPH is proud to have supported the JR WPH Juarez program for the past decade.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

Carl Hayden High & JR WPH

Posted on March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by DV

Phoenix, Arizona, Press- Junior WPH returned to Carl Hayden High School to conduct multiple-clinics during the two Hayden High School lunch periods on the last Tuesday in March, in Phoenix, Arizona. Under the direction of Coach Chris Hogan, Carl Hayden High School has become one of the most vibrant and well-organized high school handball programs in the country, as the high school players play daily at school with several in-school tournaments during the school year, in addition to traveling throughout Arizona to play events.

The WPH’s David Fink jumped right into the courts during the two Carl Hayden lunch periods, playing small ball and big ball singles and doubles. Fink offered some advice to the high school players, but mostly faced a gauntlet of challengers throughout his two hours on campus.

“We always love having the WPH visit our school,” stated Carl Hayden head handball coach Chris Hogan. “I introduced small ball to some of the kids a few weeks ago and they really loved it. A bunch of our more experienced players have “senior-itis” but are starting to come back to the courts. We also have some new players. The kids love having David’s time, presence, and connectivity. It’s amazing. David does such a good job and we are blessed when he is on campus.”

“JR WPH is proud to support Coach Chris Hogan and the Carl Hayden handball program,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “Chris has worked passionately and tirelessly to promote handball at his school and having the opportunity to visit the Carl Hayden campus and play with the kids is a thrill. Several of the kids have a lot of game.”

In the last four months, the Falcons have played in Don Stewart’s Phoenix 3-Wall Shootout (February), the WPH Tucson Memorial, and the WPH R48 Icebreaker (HERE), and will head to Tucson on April 15 for the USHA Hall of Fame/WPH R48LTE.

JR WPH is proud to support the Carl Hayden Handball Program, hosting the players several times each year at Tucson events and providing instruction and support.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

Legend Leads Clinic

Posted on January 18, 2023January 18, 2023 by DV

Race4Eight Legend Naty Alvarado Leads Junior Clinic in Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon, #WPHPress, January 18th, 2023

Race 4 Eight Legend Naty Alvarado, Jr. hosted a JR WPH clinic at the Lloyd Athletic Club in Portland, OR during the second weekend of January, working on basic swing fundamentals and proper training for each individual participant.

“It’s always fun breaking down swing faults,” stated four-time Race 4 Eight finalist and perennial R48 top three pro Alvarado, Jr.

“Naty is a handball legend and a true student of the game, so to have the chance for him to break down your swing and technique is an experience any passionate handballer would cherish,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “Naty is a hero to so many handballers, especially in Portland where he has cultivated so many close friendships.”

Thank you to Naty for his endless enthusiasm for growing the game. Thank you to the USHA for helping to sponsor the clinic.

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments 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 WPH Patreon HERE

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer

WPH Proudly Hosting

Posted on January 17, 2023 by DV

….Collegiate Handball in New Orleans

New Orleans, LA, WPH Press, 1/16/23

The WPH proudly hosted twenty-three collegiate players at the 2023 Race 4 Eight New Orleans Mardi Gras event, providing collegiate players from the University of Texas, Missouri State University, Minnesota State University Mankato, Lake Forest College, and Texas A&M University to be inspired by the best players in the world at one of the sport’s premiere events. Several of the college players played in the pro brackets, while the majority of the collegiate players entered the Men’s and Women’s A and B singles and doubles.

“It was great to have a couple of players from TAMU make the trip to NOLA, which will help them immensely in their preparation for the collegiate nationals next month,” stated R48 New Orleans champion and TAMU handball coach Martin Mulkerrins. “They thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and Trevor Austin won the B/C singles, which was a super achievement for him considering he only started playing in September. But it was also fantastic to see other collegiate players from UT, Missouri State, Lake Forest and Mankato at the event and performing very well!”

“The mission of the WPH is to inspire the current players and promote the game to new players,” stated the WPH’s David Fink. “We saw so many new faces and hopefully lifelong players in New Orleans. More than 80% of the draw in New Orleans were under the age of 31, with more than half of the field being active college students. We are thrilled these college players made the trip to New Orleans, with several driving for ten hours and others flying thousands of miles. I remember playing in tournaments when I was younger and being the youngest player in the tournament by twenty years. I love seeing the younger generation at our events!”

Thank you to all of the collegiate players from Texas, Missouri, Illinois, and Minnesota for making the tremendous effort to travel and be a part of the Race 4 Eight Mardi Gras event.

2023 New Orleans Mardi Gras Collegiate Player Highlights

Clodagh Munroe: 2^nd in the WR48 singles

Mark Doyle: 7^th in the R48 singles

John A. Bike: 17^th place in the R48 singles

Trey Safford: Men’s A singles champion

Trevor Austin: Men’s B singles champion

Jordan Sammis: Women’s B champion

Trey Safford/Christian Madsen: Men’s Open Doubles Champions

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer

2022 JR WPH Portfolio

Posted on December 22, 2022December 22, 2022 by DV

WPH Press, 12/23/22

The mission of JR WPH is to inspire the next generation to develop discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity, and a physically active lifestyle through handball. Since JR WPH’s inception in 2013, JR WPH has provided opportunities for thousands of youngsters to experience the challenge of learning and playing handball in structured, organized, safe, and supportive clinics and tournaments that emphasize camaraderie, having fun, and developing life skills and a lifelong commitment to physical fitness through handball.

JR WPH initiatives are supported by donors that are determined to grow the game and to provide opportunities for youth development through handball.

Thank you to all of the WPH coaches and pro players for giving back and helping to grow the game.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

2022 JR WPH Clinics and Initiatives

JR WPH Juarez Flourishing in 2022 (Annual)

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.

JR WPH Clinic Inspires in Houston (February)

WPH Press, Houston, TX, 2/21/22

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!”

JR WPH Clinic at the R48 March Madness/USHA Hall of Fame (March)

20-time R48 champion and current R48 #1 Killian Carroll led a JR WPH Clinic for a dozen handball-crazed youngsters from Tucson, El Paso, and Juarez. “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 serves 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.

JR WPH Coaching Center: Teaching Kids (March)

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

VII Juarez Handball Tournament Junior Clinic (March)

Several of the pro players hosted a junior clinic at the 2022 JHT, with 16 kids sharing the court and learning from the pros in a 30-minute clinic. “We focused on side arm swings off the bounce and side arm swings with the ball coming off the front wall, side wall, and back wall,” stated 2022 JHT coach and Fred Lewis Foundation Executive Director Abraham Montijo. “Great bunch of kids. [JR WPH Juarez Coach] Alejandro Garcia, Jr. was amazing with the group. Alex pretty much had the kids playing from morning until about 10 pm.”

Thank you to Abraham, Alex, and the rest of the pros, coaches and players who inspired the youngsters at the 2022 JHT!

JR WPH Spends the Day at Phoenix’s Carl Hayden High School (May)

JR WPH headed to Phoenix’s Carl Hayden High School to conduct clinics and point play with the vibrant Hayden High School student handball community during the two Hayden High School lunch periods. WPH Master Instructor David Fink started each of the sessions by playing hundreds of points with the kids, with each player rotating after each point. After the point play, Coach Fink provided an instructional on the serve and return of serve, court positioning, strategy, and diet.

“I see most of you just lobbing the ball in on your serve, and the returner standing against the left wall to protect his off-hand, then standing on the back line after the return,” stated Coach Fink to the two large groups of high school handballers. “The serve must be struck with the intention of getting an ace or a weak return, and the return position should be in the middle of the court, with the returner moving inside the dotted line after the return.”

“Carl Hayden had the great honor and pleasure to have David Fink, the #4 ranked player in the world, visit our campus during both lunches,” stated Carl Hayden head handball coach and ambassador Chris Hogan. “Our players were excited to meet David and to be able to play points against him. David and the World Players of Handball (WPH) have been great supporters of our program over the years. Our players took the opportunity to speak with Mr. Fink, and appreciated his tips and suggestions about the game. Coach Fink’s visit was a great success and we really appreciated his tutorage. We look forward to taking our Carl Hayden group to the Tucson Memorial in November.”

“Spending the afternoon at Hayden High School was a truly incredible experience,” stated David Fink. “As a handballer, there is nothing more exciting and inspiring than seeing young people demonstrating a passion for the game. Hayden High School boasts five 3-Wall courts, all filled with handball during the two Hayden lunch periods. The kids had wonderful attitudes and were all enjoying having the opportunity to play on a beautiful Arizona day. After playing big ball for the first part of the point play, many kids enthusiastically played small ball for the first time. Thank you to Coach Chris Hogan, who is doing an outstanding job recruiting, inspiring, coaching, and mentoring so many Carl Hayden students. The day at Carl Hayden High School was truly one of my favorite experiences in handball.”

JR WPH is proud to support the Carl Hayden Handball Program and Coach Hogan’s efforts to inspire youngsters to play handball.

JR WPH Clinic at the OR State Doubles (May)

JR WPH Coach and WPH Ambassador Nick Flores conducted a JR WPH Clinic on Saturday afternoon at the 2022 Oregon State Doubles Championships in Eugene, OR. The youngsters were instructed on their form for both their strong-hands and off-hands, then put their new knowledge to work in various serve and return drills. Additionally, the youngsters were shown how to properly throw and hit the ball to the ceiling. The highlight of the clinic was Coach Flores playing points with the youngsters, who were eager to put their new skills to the test.

Thank you to tournament directors Randy Stender and Charlie Ikard for putting on a great tournament and highlighting the junior players. Thank you to Coach Flores for coaching and reporting on the clinic in Eugene.

JR WPH Clinic at the 6^th Annual Portland 1-Wall Big Ball Doubles (August)

WPH ambassador Nick Flores conducted a Junior WPH clinic with the juniors in attendance at the 6^th annual Portland 1-Wall Big Ball Doubles. Flores worked with the juniors on the importance of serve placement in one-wall, with an emphasis on using angle serves while taking care not to serve the ball out of play. The juniors each took a turn practicing these serves while another junior would attempt to return the serves. Next, Flores worked with the juniors on executing the fly shot in one-wall, and why it is so important to take aggressive shots due to the lack of a back wall. To cap off the junior clinic, the juniors played a pick-up game with some of the finalists to practice the skills they had learned.

2022 Carl Hayden High School Singles Advisory Tournament (November)

Phoenix’s Carl Hayden High School hosted the 2022 Carl Hayden Singles Advisory 3-Wall Singles Tournament on the second week in November, featuring 12 of Carl Hayden’s best players in the second ranking event of the 2022/23 school year.

The 2022 Carl Hayden Singles Advisory Tournament event produced several tremendous one game to 11 matches, with the now #1 ranked Heriberto Medina winning his semifinal match 12-10 against Delfino Colin and his finals match 13-11 against Sebastian Verdugo. Medina has now won both of the fall 2022 Carl Hayden tournaments to secure the top spot at Carl Hayden.

“I had the great pleasure of volunteering at the WPH The Memorial Handball Tournament in Tucson,” stated JR WPH ambassador and Carl Hayden head handball coach Chris Hogan. “This year we have introduced the first ever Carl Hayden Handball Ranking, which will be posted after every tournament. I hope this will encourage more competition and participation in our great sport. I want to thank David Fink of the WPH for the suggestion and support and all of the teachers and organizations for their continued support of our program.”

Thank you to Coach Hogan for enthusiastically giving back and helping to grow the game.

Junior Singles at the 2022 R48 Icebreaker (December)

Coach Chris Hogan drove six juniors from Phoenix, AZ to the R48 Icebreaker at Tucson’s Clark Park. The junior players competed in a round robin singles bracket, while having the opportunity to watch the best players in the world on the adjacent Clark Park courts.

Carl Hayden’s number one player, Heriberto Medina, finished undefeated in the six-player round robin, with Chris Ruiz and Brian Castillo taking second and third, respectively. Medina has won several tournaments at Carl Hayden and won his first tournament outside of Phoenix at the R48 Icebreaker JR Singles.

“We are so grateful for coaches and ambassadors like Coach Chris who tirelessly promote and grow the game,” stated the WPH’s David Fink. “We are so proud of Clark Park and we are thrilled to host junior players who we hope will be inspired to play our great game for many years.”

“The kids had a great time playing and watching and now want to transition from playing big ball to small ball after watching the pros,” stated Coach Hogan.

Thank you to Coach Chris Hogan for giving back and growing the game every day at Carl Hayden High School

JR WPH Highlighting Race 4 Eight Pros and Coaches Growing the Game

Coach Langmack Inspires at Missouri State University (April)

JR WPH Highlighting Race 4 Eight Pros Giving Back to the Game: Max Langmack

Race 4 Eight pro and JR WPH Coach Max Langmack made the three-hour drive from Olathe, KS 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 MSU 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.

San Jose YMCA Coaching Clinic/Play Day by Coach Mike Linnik (April)

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 2^nd, 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

Fred Lewis Foundation Growing the Game

JR WPH Highlighting R48 Pro Abraham Montijo

The Fred Lewis Foundation has introduced the game to dozens of youngsters in Southern Arizona for nearly a decade, providing world-class instruction, handball equipment, weekly practices, and opportunities for the youngsters to compete in tournaments.

FLF Executive Director and top 12 Race 4 Eight pro Abraham Montijo heads the handball development in the Tucson-based handball training center, recruiting and coaching youngsters to develop a passion for the sport. “We practice twice a week, mostly 3-Wall at Clark Park,” stated Coach Montijo. “Our next out of town tournament will be the USHA Junior Three Wall Nationals in California in July, where we are hoping to take 12-18 kids to the event in Venice Beach. Currently about half of our current team has been playing for under a year.”

Thank you to Coach Montijo and all of the coaches and volunteers who make the FLF successful.

For more on the Fred Lewis Foundation, go HERE

To visit the FLF Facebook page, go HERE

JR WPH supports the Fred Lewis Foundation and other programs around the country that are growing the game and hopes that you will be inspired to start a group of juniors at your club.

Martin Mulkerrins Inspires at the 2022 Austin City Championships

JR WPH Highlighting Race 4 Eight Pros Giving Back to the Game: Martin Mulkerrins

Within weeks of relocating from Ireland to Texas to become the head handball coach at Texas A&M University, 2022 R48 Player’s Champion Martin Mulkerrins made the 100-mile drive west from College Station to the University of Texas in Austin to play the 2022 Austin City Championships at Gregory Gym.

Mulkerrins made time during the 2022 Austin City Championships to host an instructional clinic for more than a dozen college students, teaching the power serve, the underarm fist, and various strategies. “Handball is extremely fortunate to have Martin selflessly giving back to the game,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “Martin is not only one of the game’s greatest players, but he is also one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors, always willing to share his time and knowledge to anyone interested in learning. Martin has built courts in Africa, inspired countless players in Ireland, and will undoubtedly make a huge impact in Texas and throughout the U.S.”

Dylan Hernandez Inspires in SoCal

JR WPH Highlighting Race 4 Eight Pros Giving Back to the Game: Dylan Hernandez

Dylan Hernandez has established himself as one of the most promising young stars in handball, winning a WPH Icebreaker title in 2020 and finishing tenth at the 2022 R48 Player’s Championship en route to a top 20 R48 ranking. Not only is Dylan one of the sport’s rising stars, he also coaches a group of young handballers twice a week in Southern California, enthusiastically giving back to the game that means so much to him. Several of Dylan’s proteges competed in the 2022 USHA 3-Wall Junior Nationals in July in Los Angeles.

Dylan discusses his practice routine with his young players below.

“I have the kids start off by warming up. After that, the routine depends on the day. I might have the kids do drills. I have them do some basic hitting drills so I can critique their swings. I believe mechanics are necessary to hit the ball consistently hard and without hand errors. I will critique their swings and break down the fundamentals, just how a batting coach would for a baseball team. If we don’t do drills, I have the kids hop in the rotation with myself and the other pro players that train with me. If we play singles, I play them hard and ask them after the game what they could do better to improve, or I will give my own tips that they could work on. I play them hard purposely so they realize to keep working and to try to elevate their game to my level. If I play them easy then it’s easy for them to make shots and return shots without trying, and it keeps them in that comfortable state of mind. I want them thinking all the time that they have to play hard and give it their all. If I play them hard, they get used to playing at a faster pace and it makes them focus more because they know they can’t make mistakes.”

Thank you to Dylan for giving back and helping to grow the game.

Max Langmack Inspires at the R48LTE Portland Classic

JR WPH Highlighting Race 4 Eight Pros Giving Back to the Game: Max Langmack

After a full day of playing, interviewing, refereeing, sightseeing, and announcing on Saturday at the 2022 R48LTE Portland Classic, Max Langmack made time to introduce the game to several youngsters who watched handball for the first time. Max spent nearly an hour rallying with the youngsters, while teaching them the basic fundamentals of the sport. “Max loves handball as much as anyone and loves to spread his passion for the game to anyone who shows interest,” stated the WPH’s David Fink. “The sport is very lucky to have Max involved.”

Thank you to Max for giving back and helping to grow the game.

Martin Mulkerrins Inspires at Utah State

JR WPH Highlighting Race 4 Eight Pros Giving Back to the Game: Martin Mulkerrins

(Coached and written by Martin Mulkerrins)

By the invitation of Utah State University Handball coaches Stacey Marble and Herm Olsen (2021 National Collegiate Handball Coach of the year), Martin Mulkerrins travelled to a snowy Logan, Utah to facilitate a handball clinic. Attendees at the clinic included students taking handball classes at the University, as well as current club players and coaches. The interactive clinic involved discussing fundamentals of the game of Handball, drills for improving performance and demonstrations. One specific request was for Martin to demonstrate the underhand fist shot to the ceiling!

“Universities and handball classes delivered by universities continue to have great potential to recruit and develop new players. Utah State University is a great example of this with Stacey Marble, Ryan Campbell, Danny Peterson and Xander Andreason all here today for the clinic and supporting the next generation of USU handballers. I look forward to seeing their progress when we meet in Tucson in February for the National Collegiate Championship” – Martin Mulkerrins.

After the clinic Martin played an exhibition match with 2022 Utah State Men’s Open Singles Champion and former USU student, Ryan Campbell. This gave everybody the opportunity to see what was discussed and demonstrated in the clinic. Following the exhibition Martin and all the students took to the courts for some matches to practice what they had learned.

“Having Martin come and teach the students (and the rest of us) was a great experience for all. To be able to continue to learn from the best and add things he talked about into our own teaching methods will be very helpful for the upcoming years. The kids all loved getting in the court to play with Martin and he is just as nice on the court as he is off the court” – Stacey Marble

In conclusion Herm Olsen highlights the benefits of having Pro players support collegiate programmes:

“Martin Mulkerrins freely gave of his time, his techniques and his knowledge recently to the grateful and excited students of Utah State University. Martin is a class act all by himself, but when you throw in his remarkable teaching skill and gracious demeanor, you have a winning combination. We are so grateful that USU had the opportunity to host Martin, to learn from him, and to be enriched by his Handball style. As one of the truly best players in the world, it was a treat unrivaled for our students to watch, to listen to and to learn from this highly skilled emissary of World Handball. We hope he can return one day to see the fruits of his training. He is a classic example of why Handball is the greatest sport in the world, a sport for LIFE!”

Thank you to Martin for giving back and helping to grow the game.

JR WPH is extremely proud of all of our coaches and pro players who volunteer their time to grow our sport.

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David Fink

WPH Senior Writer

Jr Singles at the Icebreaker

Posted on December 15, 2022December 15, 2022 by DV

Junior WPH Highlighting ‘Carl Hayden Junior Handball’

World Players of Handball-Junior Press, Tucson, Arizona – December 15, 2022

Coach Chris Hogan drove six juniors from Phoenix, Arizona, to the Icebreaker at Tucson’s Clark Park. The junior players competed in a round robin singles bracket, while having the opportunity to watch the best players in the world on the adjacent Clark Park courts.

“The kids had a great time playing and watching and now want to transition from playing big ball to small ball after watching the pros,” stated Coach Hogan.

Thank you to Coach Chris Hogan for giving back and growing the game every day at Carl Hayden High School.

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