The Manual
WPH Fun Day in Pinetop
WPH Race 4 Eight pros David Fink and Sean Lenning made the stunning four-hour drive from Tucson to Pinetop, AZ to play a Junior WPH fundraiser exhibition match and pro-am doubles with the local handball community.
Lenning and Fink inspired the locals with brilliant shot making and exciting comebacks. Lenning battled back from a first game deficit to score eight unanswered points to close out the game, 15-10. Lenning was on the verge of a two-game victory, leading 14-12 in game two, but Fink forced a tiebreaker with five consecutive kill shots. Lenning trailed 4-1 in the decider but rallied with six ace serves and four kills shots, clinching the match 15-10, 14-16, 11-4.
Fink and Lenning played over a dozen games of pro-am doubles with the handball regulars at the Bodyworks Handball Club, teaming up with different players in virtually each game.
“We love having the guys come up here and having a chance to play with and against them is so much fun,” revealed WPH Pinetop Fun Day donor Mike Park. “We all learn so much from watching and playing with the pros and we hope the guys come back regularly.”
The local press sent a reporter to cover the WPH Pinetop Fun Day, as players posed for pictures and explained the benefits of the greatest lifetime sport.
Thank you to Mike Park for the incredibly generous donation to Junior WPH and congratulations to Mike and his wife on their 50th wedding anniversary! If your handball community would life to host a WPH Fun Day Junior WPH Fundraiser in your city, please contact WPH Youth and Donor Development Director David Fink at fink@race4eight.com.
Junior WPH held over 600 junior handball clinics across the world in 2014 and plans on an even bigger 2015. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today and supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development. Donate on-line at www.thehandballstore.com, send your generous gifts through PayPal (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to: WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.
Like the World Players of Handball on Facebook, log onto wphlive.tv or follow the WPH on Twitter @dfwph and @wphlive for all of the handball news from on and off the court! The World Players of Handball is a non-profit foundation aiming to grow the game of handball through innovation and inspiring the next generation of players through junior clinics with certified WPH coaches, junior tournaments and the Race 4 Eight tour.
Junior WPH Adult Clinic Fundraiser
Junior WPH hosted a special adult clinic fundraiser at the Tucson Racquet Club to raise funds for upcoming junior handball initiatives and teach adult players the secrets of the pros.
WPH Master Instructor and Development Director David Fink coached the lesson for adult players seeking to improve their games while supporting the growth of the game. Coach Fink reinforced the fundamentals of the three most common handball strokes and introduced various drills to practice each of the strokes. The Junior WPH Tucson juniors practiced similar techniques on an adjacent court.
“I really got a lot out of the clinic,” revealed Tucson’s Bob Durazo after the one-hour clinic. “I now know what I need to improve and how to do it.”
Junior WPH will offer more adult clinics between now and the USHA 4-Wall Junior Nationals in Tucson at the end of December to raise money for junior handball and to teach veteran players the secrets of the pros.
Like the World Players of Handball on Facebook, log onto wphlive.tv or follow the WPH on Twitter @dfwph and @wphlive for all of the handball news from on and off the court! The World Players of Handball is a non-profit foundation aiming to grow the game of handball through innovation and inspiring the next generation of players through junior clinics with certified WPH coaches, junior tournaments and the Race 4 Eight tour.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today and supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development. Donate on-line at www.thehandballstore.com, send your generous gifts through PayPal (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to: WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.
Junior WPH Clinic in Florida
Junior WPH proudly hosted a Junior WPH handball clinic at the University of West Florida’s Argonauts Classic for the second consecutive year with players of all levels participating in the clinic coached by WPH Certified Instructor and top 14 R48 pro Luis Cordova.
“All of the clinic participants were extremely enthusiastic about improving their handball games, particularly the college handball players on the University of West Florida Handball team,” stated Cordova. “There were about 25 players in the clinic, ranging from open players to beginners. Each player explained a shot that he or she was struggling to execute, and I demonstrated techniques to improve each respective shot. The clinic ended with a question and answer session regarding the proper second serve, defensive strategy, and the back wall kill shot. The clinic was certainly the highlight of the incredible event on the UWF campus in Pensacola, FL.”
Luis Cordova won the open division at the WPH Argonauts Classic, defeating one of the Southeast’s top players, Sergio Arroyo, in the final.
The WPH would like to thank University of West Florida handball coach and team president Michael Morgan for his tireless efforts in promoting the WPH Argonauts Classic and in promoting the game of handball. Coach Morgan started the UWF handball program, personally introducing the game of handball to hundreds of college students and forming one of the most formidable collegiate handball programs in the country in just four years. Coach Morgan and his handball team travel to nearly a dozen tournaments per year and will be on hand at the WPH R48 IV Stop #3 in Houston, TX, January 23rd-25th.
The WPH is able to host weekly junior handball clinics and support tournaments across the country because of the generous donations of those in the sport and outside of the sport that believe in the tremendous benefits that handball provides to young people. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today and supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development. Donate on-line at www.thehandballstore.com, send your generous gifts through PayPal (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to: WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718. -Story by Mike Morgan and Dave Fink, WPH
JRWPH; WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE WE ARE GOING
Junior WPH Shines in 2014: Headlines and Upcoming Initiatives
The World Players of Handball continues to grow the game of handball with inspiring junior handball clinics led by WPH Certified Coaches. Junior WPH Coaches are certified with a rigorous and comprehensive coaching certification and exam process; emphasizing clinics that are not only focused on the importance of handball fundamentals and fun but being physically active, developing independence, leadership, sportsmanship and integrity.
2014 has been an extremely exciting year thus far for Junior WPH with clinics in Arizona, California, England, Mexico, Texas, New York and Colorado. Here is a more in depth look at all of the success to this point in the year and the upcoming initiatives for the second half of the year:
January 2014-May 2014:
Junior WPH Goodyear, AZ Clinic and Fun Day (January 2014): Certified WPH Coaches headed 100 miles west from the WPH’s Tucson headquarters to teach a junior clinic in Goodyear, AZ, just outside of Phoenix. Over 20 junior handball players from Tucson and the Phoenix area were treated to world-class handball instruction, skills competitions, games and lunch. The WPH sponsored afternoon enabled youngsters from different handball groups to meet and develop friendships. “We are so grateful that the WPH came to Goodyear for this clinic,” revealed Goodyear youth handball director Sam Ortega. “My group had never been exposed to this type of coaching and they loved it.”
TRC Showdown and Junior WPH Clinic Benefitting Junior WPH (January 2014): The WPH proudly organized junior clinics and three exhibition matches between top eight WPH pros Luis Moreno, Sean Lenning and David Fink. Juniors participated in a clinic before the pro matches and were treated to front row seats to watch three of the world’s best compete and raise money for Junior WPH. Fans purchased blocks to coincide with the scores of the matches at halftime and at the end of the match and all proceeds went towards Junior WPH. “It was great to be a part of this event,” revealed Fink. “Everyone had a great time and the energy from the juniors and handball fans was electric. We also discovered a blueprint to raise money for junior handball that can be used in virtually any handball club in the world.”
Junior WPH Houston R48 Clinic (January 2014): WPH Youth Donor and Development Director David Fink teamed with former WPH #1 Allan Garner to teach a junior clinic for youngsters between the ages of 6-19 at the WPH R48 III Houston event. The youngsters participated in cross-training exercises and had the opportunity to watch Allan Garner demonstrate his sensational back wall technique. “The kids had a great time learning and listening to the advice from the WPH professionals,” revealed Leticia Martinez, mother of two of the clinic participants. “My children’s interest in the sport was reinforced by the event and they developed a better understanding for the game.”
Junior WPH UK Singles Clinic (February 2014): Junior WPH headed to London, England for an international version of the Junior WPH Clinic. Vlad Klym and Luke Thomson led a 1-Wall big ball clinic for over 50 youngsters from England and other parts of Europe, stressing the importance of footwork and fun. The juniors also competed in a junior tournament, thrilling galleries with precocious play and exciting matches. “The juniors relished the opportunity to learn from the best,” revealed WPH UK Singles tournament director and European handball pioneer Daniel Grant. “The coaches were an inspiration to the juniors and the juniors could be seen practicing what they had learned for the rest of the day.”
Junior WPH After School Program at Khalsa School (Winter and Spring 2014): Junior WPH held a weekly after school program at Khalsa Montessori School, the premiere charter school in southeast Arizona with one of the best two-court 1-Wall facilities in the country. Khalsa after school participants were introduced to the importance of cardiovascular health, nutrition and staying physically active. Those lessons were reinforced with cross-training drills, nutrition education and handball drills and games. “The kids had a great time in the Khalsa after school program and really looked forward to the class every week,” revealed WPH Youth Donor and Development Director David Fink. “The enthusiasm of the kids led to rapid improvement in their handball games.”
Junior WPH Juarez Clinic (February 2014): WPH Certified Coach Luis Cordova led a junior handball in Juarez, Mexico for eight junior handball players. Cordova is a living legend in Juarez, having won multiple junior national titles and earning an Elite 8 WPH ranking in the first Race 4 Eight season. Cordova focused on the underhand swing and the warm-up during the highly successful junior clinic that was held in conjunction with the WPH Torneo de Handball event. “I am thrilled that I was able to teach the juniors some of the skills that I’ve learned in my 10 years of playing handball,” stated Cordova. “The WPH has so many good players teaching the fundamentals to the kids,” stated WPH big ball 3-Wall pro and WPH Torneo de Handball participant Manny “Razzle” Sanchez. “I love seeing the WPH mentoring the next generation of handball players and ensuring a bright future to our growing sport.”
Junior WPH Weekly P.E. Classes at Khalsa School (Winter and Spring 2014): WPH Certified Coaches teamed with CrossFit Kids Certified Coach and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Kevin Nichols at Khalsa Montessori School’s weekly P.E. Classes to teach handball and strength-building exercises. The 30 youngsters were split into groups of 15 with one group playing handball and the other group working on conditioning with Coach Kevin. “The WPH was extremely fortunate to have worked with Coach Kevin,” stated WPH Youth Donor and Development Director David Fink. “Coach Kevin’s skills parallel Junior WPH’s lessons and the partnership was extremely beneficial for both.”
Junior WPH Outdoor 3-Wall Clinics (Winter and Spring 2014): Junior WPH held multiple clinics per week at Pima Community College’s pristine 3-Wall courts in Tucson. WPH Coaches enthusiastically led the juniors in various aspects of junior handball development, focusing on fundamentals, fun and camaraderie. “The winters in Tucson are so pleasant that being outside is ideal at any time of the day,” revealed WPH Youth Donor and Development Director David Fink. “I believe that learning to play outside has become a lost art for youngsters and the Pima weekly clinics provided that opportunity for dozens of junior handballers.”
Junior WPH New York Athletic Club Clinic (March 2014): WPH Certified Coaches led a large group of passionate young handballers in a spirited clinic at the famed New York Athletic Club in conjunction with the WPH Race 4 Eight III stop at the NYAC. The junior handball players had the opportunity to learn handball skills from several of the game’s best female players and watch the world’s best from courtside after the clinic.
Junior WPH Pro Showdown and junior clinics (March 2014): Living legend and four-time reigning world champion Paul Brady traveled to Tucson to continue his preparations for the Race 4 Eight III season. Race 4 Eight Elite 8 Pro and Master WPH Instructor Emmett Peixoto joined Paul Brady in Tucson. The two held clinics for several dozen awestruck junior handball players and staged three exhibition matches for packed galleries and the junior handball stars. “Emmett and Paul were incredible with the kids, teaching them proper hitting motions and offering tons of encouragement,” stated WPH Executive Director David Vincent. “Big thanks to Paul and Emmett and all of the Tucson handball community that supported and donated to the event and to Junior WPH.”
Junior WPH Denver R48 Clinics (March 2014): Junior WPH held one of its most successful Race stop clinics at Denver’s Race 4 Eight III event. Junior handball players were split into two groups on two courts and were led by Certified WPH Coaches Anthony Selestow and Jonathan Iglesias. The certified coaches led the juniors in a high-energy and fast-paced clinic culminating in an a “Play the Pro” competition in which the juniors were able to play singles and doubles points against two of the game’s best players. “I really love being able to give back to the game and show some of the kids how to improve their games,” declared Iglesias. “I have been fortunate enough to have been coached by some of the greatest coaches in the game and being able to pass that knowledge onto the next generation is very rewarding.”
Junior WPH Saturday Clinics at the Tucson Racquet Club (April 2014): Certified WPH Instructors led youngsters in handball clinics every Saturday during the winter and spring in 4-Wall handball clinics at the Tucson Racquet Club. Many of the youngsters had played handball throughout the summer at the Junior WPH Tucson Racquet Club Summer Camp daily handball clinics and looked forward to having the opportunity to play each week. “I love what handball does for kids,” boasted Tucson legend and TRC Summer Camp director Coach Anderson. “Handball forces kids to move and use both hands and not many sports do that. Junior WPH runs an incredible program and they really know how to make the game fun for the kids.”
Junior WPH Modesto Clinic (May 2014): Junior WPH Master Instructor Emmett Peixoto hosted a sensational a junior handball clinic in Modesto, CA for 25 enthusiastic junior handball players. Coach Peixoto introduced handball drills and games that have helped him to rise to the top of the sport while allowing him maintain his unquenchable passion for the sport. Junior WPH has been extremely active in Northern California’s junior handball hotbed, hosting clinics in Concord, San Francisco and Modesto
Junior WPH junior handball clinic at the 2nd WPH-Outdoor Big Ball 3 Wall Nationwide Challenge, by JR WPH & EDTL Handball (Cup Stop #3):
WPH Player’s Cup pros Samzon Hernandez, Ricky Ruiz, Timbo Gonzalez, Sal Duenas and Mando Ortiz, as well as Race 4 Eight pros David Fink, Aoife McCarthy and Catriona Casey served as coaches for an enthusiastic group of nearly 30 junior handball players during the Junior WPH clinic at the 2nd WPH-Outdoor Big Ball 3 Wall Nationwide Challenge, by JR WPH & EDTL Handball in La Mirada, CA.
The juniors received instruction from the elite pros on the two-wall serve, the kill shot and the return of serve and were then able to play doubles points with and against the game’s best players. The juniors soaked in all of the lessons and were eager to try the shots in their upcoming tournament matches. “I learned the side-front kill and to take the ball before it bounces on the return of serve,” boasted one of the juniors.
Junior WPH Big Ball 3-Wall Junior Nationals, by Junior WPH & EDTL Handball:
Junior WPH and EDTL Handball were thrilled to have hosted 80 juniors under the age of 23 in the most prestigious junior 3-Wall tournament in handball at La Mirada Park in La Mirada, CA. Juniors played alongside their 3-Wall heroes, including Juan Santos, Samzon Hernandez, Timbo Gonzalez and Alfredo Morales. “Our group is making a conscious effort to bring more players into the game,” declared WPH Executive Director Dave Vincent. “By including the elite players with the juniors at the same events, we are confident that the juniors will continue to love the game and strive to be the best players they can be.”
Junior WPH Tucson Racquet Club Summer Camp (Summer 2014): In the most ambitious junior handball initiative in the country, the WPH taught handball to over 600 youngsters between the ages of 7-16 every day for 10 weeks at the Tucson Racquet Club Summer Camp. Junior WPH worked with up to 16 different kids every 45 minutes on two courts, as well as organizing skills competitions and tournaments at the end of each three-week camp session.
Master Instructors David Fink, Aoife McCarthy and Catriona Casey and WPH Apprentice Coach Tanner Cleveland made a positive impression on every student with whom they instructed, with many of the youngsters are asking how they can continue playing handball when the summer camp ends. “We cannot ask for a better situation to introduce the game of handball than the Tucson Racquet Club Summer Camp,” declared WPH Development Director David Fink. “The TRC Summer Camp is one of the most well-run and organized summer camps in the country and the kids are incredibly enthusiastic and eager to learn to play handball.”
Junior WPH Calgary Summer Handball Camp hosted by John Bike:
Hall of Famer and WPH Certified Coach John Bike inspired an enthusiastic group of junior handballers at the Junior WPH Calgary Summer Handball Camp in the Great White North. Coach Bike stressed the fundamentals, while incorporating cross-training activities and other sports to improve footwork and conditioning. “The kids really enjoyed the sessions,” bellowed Coach Bike. “There are a couple of nine-year olds that can really play! We played mostly 4-Wall and ended the week with a great day at the 3-Wall courts.”
Junior WPH Jr. Vasquez Clinic in Los Angeles, CA: Junior WPH proudly hosted a junior handball clinic at the Jr. Vasquez California State 3-Wall Doubles Championship. WPH Player’s Cup pros and WPH Coaches Sal Duenas and Samzon Hernandez instructed the junior clinic at the famed Jr. Vasquez event for the second consecutive year. “Junior WPH growth and development is second to none,” barked Duenas. “I am honored to help the juniors improve their games. The kids were taught the importance of stretching, run through drills and played doubles points with Samzon and I.”
Junior WPH Women’s Shootout Benefit: Junior WPH hosted its first ever Women’s Shootout Benefit event to raise money for Junior WPH and the growth of the game in Tucson, AZ. WPH Women’s Race 4 Eight stars Catriona Casey, Tracy Davis and Aoife McCarthy played one another in an exciting one game to 21 round robin format. Casey won the first ever Junior WPH Women’s Shootout with dominating victories over Aoife McCarthy and Tracy Davis. Huge thank you to Doug Clark, Gurumeet Khalsa, and Charlie Wicker for donating to the event and for the fans at the Tucson Racquet Club that came to support the fundraiser.
Junior WPH RFC V Junior Benefit Junior Tournament (August 2014): Junior WPH traveled to Pittsburgh, PA for a mid summer junior handball tournament in the Steel City. The WPH has sponsored several events in Pittsburgh, including four RFC tournaments and the 2013 Thanksgiving Junior WPH Clinic and Blind Draw Doubles. Each of the juniors played a minimum of five matches during the RFC V, competing in the Open Singles, “A” Singles, Junior Singles and Mixed Doubles. “I had a really great time and I really hope to come back for the next event,” declared RFC V Junior Champion Sam Sottosanti III. Toronto’s 13-year old prodigy Ivan Burgos was awarded the RFC Sportsmanship Award for his exemplary enthusiasm, effort and sportsmanship throughout the RFC V.
Upcoming:
Junior WPH Juarez Clinic (September 2014): Junior WPH will return for Juarez for the second time this year to host junior handball clinics just south of the Texas border. WPH Certified Coach Luis Cordova will continue working with juniors with whom he previously coached earlier in the year, as well as introducing the game to a group of new junior players
Junior WPH University of Arizona Clinics (Fall and Winter 2014): Junior WPH will continue its weekly clinics at the University of Arizona during the fall semester at the University of Arizona Rec Center. Arizona college students will have the opportunity to learn from Certified WPH Coaches, as well as participating in WPH Fun Days and University of Arizona Rec Center handball tournaments
Junior WPH Las Vegas Clinic (September 2014): Junior WPH will host a junior clinic on the famed 3-Wall courts on the parking lot of the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino during the 2014 WPH/WOR 3-Wall Ball World Championships. Junior players will have the opportunity to shine under Las Vegas’ spotlight as they learn the secrets to becoming the next generation of handball stars
Junior WPH After School Clinics (Fall and Winter 2014): Junior WPH is planning on hosting after school 4-Wall and 1-Wall clinics in Tucson for the second consecutive year. Certified WPH Coaches will serve as mentors and role models to junior handball players while teaching the youngsters to enjoy the sport
Junior WPH Simple Green U.S. Open Clinic (October 2014): Certified WPH Coaches will conduct a junior clinic at handball’s “Festival of Handball” in October of 2014. All of the game’s current and past greats will be on hand at the 2014 Simple Green U.S. Open inspiring the future generation to carry on the tradition of great play, camaraderie and sportsmanship
Junior WPH Tucson Race 4 Eight Clinic (November 2014): The Race 4 Eight returns to the home of the WPH in Tucson after a one-year hiatus and will feature a junior clinic for all of the junior players entered and in attendance at the WPH’s home Race stop
WPH University of West Florida Argonauts Classic and Collegiate Clinic (November 2014): The WPH is thrilled to return to Pensacola, FL and the home of the University of West Florida handball team to coach junior and collegiate handball clinics for the second consecutive year. “We loved having the WPH at our inaugural event last year and we cannot wait to welcome the WPH back this year,” revealed UWF handball president Michael Morgan.
Junior WPH is able to certify and hire coaches, host clinics, provide handball equipment for juniors, and host junior tournaments because of the generous donations of those that believe in introducing and inspiring youngsters to develop character, sportsmanship, integrity, discipline, and a physically active lifestyle through handball. To donate to Junior WPH, please contact WPH Youth and Donor Development Director, David Fink at fink@race4eight.com, or go to our website and leave a gift, of any denomination at http://www.wphlive.tv/store/donate/. The full WPH board of directors, executive committee, employees, coaches and volunteers thank you for supporting our initiatives in 2014.
BIG MONTH FOR JR WPH
In the past 30 days, Junior WPH hosted 160 junior handball clinics at the Tucson Racquet Club All Sports Camp, the 2nd WPH-Outdoor Big Ball 3 Wall Nationwide Challenge, by JR WPH & EDTL Handball (Cup Stop #3), featuring a junior handball clinic for 30 juniors with six of the top big ball pros in the world and the 3-Wall big ball junior nationals for 80 junior handball players, the four-day Junior WPH Calgary Handball Camp hosted by Hall of Famer John Bike, a junior handball clinic at the Jr. Vasquez California State 3-Wall Doubles Championships and naming Aoife McCarthy and Catriona Casey as WPH Certified Instructors.
Junior WPH at the Tucson Racquet Club All Sports Camp:
WPH Certified Instructors Aoife McCarthy and Catriona Casey and WPH Rookie Coach Tanner Cleveland coached 40 junior handball lessons per week at the Tucson Racquet Club Summer Camp for 160 youngsters. Coaches McCarthy, Casey and Cleveland have made a positive impression on every student with whom they have instructed, with many of the youngsters are asking how they can continue playing handball when the summer camp ends. “We cannot ask for a better situation to introduce the game of handball than the Tucson Racquet Club Summer Camp,” declared WPH Development Director David Fink. “The TRC Summer Camp is one of the most well-run and organized summer camps in the country and the kids are incredibly enthusiastic and eager to learn to play handball.”
Junior WPH junior handball clinic at the 2nd WPH-Outdoor Big Ball 3 Wall Nationwide Challenge, by JR WPH & EDTL Handball (Cup Stop #3):
WPH Player’s Cup pros Samzon Hernandez, Ricky Ruiz, Timbo Gonzalez, Sal Duenas and Mando Ortiz, as well as Race 4 Eight pros and WPH Certified Instructors David Fink, Aoife McCarthy and Catriona Casey served as coaches for an enthusiastic group of 30 junior handball players during the Junior WPH clinic at the 2nd WPH-Outdoor Big Ball 3 Wall Nationwide Challenge, by JR WPH & EDTL Handball in La Mirada, CA.
The juniors received instruction from the elite pros on the two-wall serve, the kill shot and the return of serve and were then able to play doubles points with and against the game’s best players. The juniors soaked in all of the lessons and were eager to try the shots in their upcoming tournament matches. “I learned the side-front kill and to take the ball before it bounces on the return of serve,” boasted one of the juniors.
Junior WPH Big Ball 3-Wall Junior Nationals, by Junior WPH & EDTL Handball:
Junior WPH and EDTL Handball were thrilled to have hosted 80 juniors under the age of 23 in the most prestigious junior 3-Wall big ball tournament in handball at La Mirada Park in La Mirada, CA. Juniors played alongside their 3-Wall heroes, including Juan Santos, Samzon Hernandez, Timbo Gonzalez and Alfredo Morales. “Our group is making a conscious effort to bring more players into the game,” declared WPH Executive Director Dave Vincent. “By including the elite players with the juniors at the same events, we are confident that the juniors will continue to love the game and strive to be the best players they can be.”
Junior WPH Calgary Summer Handball Camp hosted by John Bike:
Hall of Famer and WPH Certified Coach John Bike inspired an enthusiastic group of junior handballers at the Junior WPH Calgary Summer Handball Camp in the Great White North. Coach Bike stressed the fundamentals, while incorporating cross-training activities and other sports to improve footwork and conditioning.
“The kids really enjoyed the sessions,” bellowed Coach Bike. “There are a couple of nine-year olds that can really play! We played mostly 4-Wall and ended the week with a great day at the 3-Wall courts.”
WPH Names Aoife McCarthy and Catriona Casey WPH Certified Coaches:
Aoife McCarthy and Catriona Casey became WPH Certified Coaches by virtue of excelling all four components of the Junior WPH Certification exam. “Excelling at the WPH Coaching Exam is extremely difficult and requires a tremendous amount of preparation, experience, diligence and passion for the game,” declared WPH Donor Development Director David Fink. “These ladies were so impressive in all phases of the exam and the WPH is so proud to name Aoife and Catriona as Certified Coaches.”
Junior WPH Clinic at the Jr. Vasquez 3-Wall California Doubles Championship
Junior WPH proudly hosted a junior handball clinic at the Jr. Vasquez California State 3-Wall Doubles Championships. WPH Player’s Cup elite pros and WPH Coaches Sal Duenas and Samzon Hernandez instructed the junior clinic at the famed Jr. Vasquez event for the second consecutive year.
“Junior WPH growth and development is second to none,” barked Duenas. “I was honored to help the juniors improve their games. The juniors were taught proper stretching, fun drills to improve the fundamentals of each stroke, and Samzon and I teamed up with the kids to play doubles points.”
Junior WPH Women’s Shootout Benefit
Junior WPH hosted its first ever Women’s Shootout Benefit event to raise money for Junior WPH and the growth of the game in Tucson, AZ. WPH Women’s Race 4 Eight stars Catriona Casey, Tracy Davis and Aoife McCarthy played one another in an exciting one game to 25 round robin format, with Casey winning the first ever Junior WPH Women’s Shootout with dominating victories over Aoife McCarthy and Tracy Davis. Huge thank you to Doug Clark, Gurumeet Khalsa, and Charlie Wicker for donating to the event and for the fans at the Tucson Racquet Club that came to support the fundraiser.
Like the World Players of Handball on Facebook, log onto wphlive.tv or follow the WPH on twitter @dfwph and @wphlive for all of the handball news from on and off the court! The World Players of Handball is a non-profit foundation aiming to grow the game of handball through innovation and inspiring the next generation of players through junior clinics with certified WPH coaches, junior tournaments and the Race 4 Eight tour.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today and supporting the growth of the game. 100% of donations go towards junior handball development.
JR WPH PERFORMS REGULAR CLINICS
The first session of Junior WPH handball coaching at the Tucson Racquet Club All Sports Camp was widely successful with Junior WPH hosting 80 junior handball clinics in the first four weeks of camp, while also arranging for a special Loop Rawlins “One Man Wild Wild West Show” for the youngsters.
Junior WPH Coaches handed out awards at the end of first session awards ceremony for first four week. “All of the kids have been outstanding, so selecting two youngsters out of 150 kids was very difficult,” revealed WPH Master Instructor David Fink. “The two youngsters given awards demonstrated not only a willingness to learn and improve during clinics, but also volunteered to work as assistant coaches during other sessions.”
With two sessions and six weeks remaining in the TRC All Sports Camp, Junior WPH is proud to have added Catriona Casey, Aoife McCarthy and Tanner Cleveland as Junior WPH coaches to teach clinics and inspire new players at the camp. “I believe this is the best summer camp in the country,” barked Tucson legend and TRC All Sports Camp Director Coach Anderson. “In the first week, Catriona, Aoife and Tanner have already demonstrated that they are incredible coaches and the kids already love them. Junior WPH coaches are always so professional and organized and the kids and the camp itself are very fortunate to have them at the camp.”
Junior WPH will be hosting 10 clinics per day for the remainder of the summer at the TRC All Sports Camp and will also host a five-day junior handball clinic in Calgary, AB July 1st-5th. Hall of Famer and Junior WPH Certified Coach John Bike will head north to host the Junior WPH Calgary clinic. “I’m very excited to work with the kids,” barked John Bike. “I have hosted hundreds of clinics in my life and I always love to be able to help players improve.”
Like the World Players of Handball on facebook, log onto wphlive.tv or follow the WPH on twitter @dfwph and @wphlive for all of the handball news from on and off the court! The World Players of Handball is a non-profit foundation aiming to grow the game of handball through innovation and inspiring the next generation of players through junior clinics with certified WPH coaches, junior tournaments and the Race 4 Eight tour.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today and supporting the growth of the game. 100% of donations go towards junior handball development!
JUNIOR WPH CLINIC DENVER
Junior WPH staged one of its most successful Race junior clinics in Race clinic history. 20 junior handball players between the ages of 7-19 were treated to a two-court Junior WPH Clinic led by WPH certified instructors David Fink, Anthony Selestow and Jon Iglesias. The majority of the youngsters were students of former USHA President and junior handball coach and ambassador Bob Hickman. Several youngsters from Juarez, Mexico also enjoyed the sensational clinic.
“I had never seen that type of energy and enthusiasm from such a large group of junior handball players at a Race event,” stated WPH Master Instructor David Fink in reference to Denver’s Junior WPH Clinic. “I was extremely impressed with the talent of the kids, many of whom had been playing for less than a year. Junior handball is certainly thriving in Colorado thanks to Bob Hickman and the Colorado Handball Association.”
Anthony Selestow and Jon Iglesias organized a lowest kill shot competition amongst the entire group. The juniors were then separated into two groups for more individualized instruction and game play. The juniors were given the opportunity to receive tips from coaches Selestow and Iglesias and play singles and doubles points against their heroes.
“I really love being able to give back to the game and show some of the kids how to improve their games,” stated Iglesias. “I have been fortunate to have been coached by some of the greatest coaches in the game and being able to pass that knowledge onto the next generation is very rewarding.”
Junior WPH is very proud to incorporate junior clinics at all Race events to inspire the next generation of players. The WPH firmly believes in creating role models on and off the court to spawn junior handballers that embrace the fundamentals, etiquette and respect for the game. WPH pros coach clinics at all of the Race events and many of them are certified WPH coaches that have taken the Junior WPH Coaching clinic and passed the rigorous three-part WPH coaching certification exam.
Junior WPH continues to teach handball clinics at elementary schools, after school programs, universities, summer camps and at all WPH pro events. Look for the next webcasted Junior WPH clinic in Salt Lake City at the WPH Edtl Player’s Championship April 18th-20th.
JR WPH COACHING MANUAL
The Junior WPH Coaching Manual was created to properly educate handball instructors to organize and teach current and new handball players in a rewarding, structured, and fun environment. The WPH Coaching Manual recognizes that teaching and playing handball are two completely different skills, and the manual provides the foundation for handball players and handball enthusiasts of all levels to build a thriving handball program based on the techniques and strategies used in teaching other sports, as well as understanding the handball specific techniques and strategies. Learning and applying the skills in the manual equips Certified WPH Instructors with the knowledge and confidence to lead a group of players of any level and any size. Instructors that have passed the three-part WPH coaching certification process understand how to manage their time during a lesson, appreciate the keys to becoming a great instructor, and develop a curriculum for any group of students to make every lesson gratifying for both the instructor and the student.
The WPH Coaching Manual does not simply focus on playing the game, but stresses the importance of the warm-up and cross training to handball, as well as the fundamentals of the correct handball strokes and recognizing the common fundamental errors. Coaches are taught drills and games to implement the proper fundamentals in game-based situations. The manual also teaches instructors how to promote the social aspect of handball, introduce handball competition to students, and present the rules and history of handball to the students. Complete with color illustrations of all of the correct techniques and exercises, instructors are prepared to teach every aspect of the game of handball.
How can I get the manual? Contact Youth Donor and Development Director, David Fink for details: Fink@race4eight.com