Building the Next Generation in Handball: The Coach Albertsen Way

What were the key principles you focused on when building one of the best European youth handball programs in Switzerland?

I looked for 15-16-year-old players who were not only the best at that time but also had the potential to become the best in the future.

There was room for both natural talents and hard-working, competitive players who fit the framework—trainability, will, a competitive mindset, and athletic potential.

From there, we focused on developing players with strong technical skills, tactical intelligence, excellent game intuition, stress tolerance, speed, and explosiveness.

A plan was created with skill development goals for each position.

How did you ensure that the program was set up for long-term success, even after you were no longer responsible for its development?

Above all, I relied on over 20 years of experience as a professional coach in the sport. Players were trained through programs that prepared them for careers as professional handball players, covering physical, technical, tactical, and mental skills, as well as diet, nutrition, social relationships, personal development, guidance—and plenty of fun.

The foundation and skills the players acquired would serve them throughout their handball careers. I placed significant focus on reframing and mental work, incorporating these practices into their everyday routines.

I coached the girls at the academy and national team level through a wide range of scenarios they could face as professionals, such as working with different types of coaches and navigating club relationships—essentially preparing them for anything they might encounter.

At what stage in their development do you believe coordination should become a focus for youth athletes, and how do you integrate it into your training sessions?

In my opinion, coordination should be incorporated as a foundation in all training with youth athletes. Players enjoy developing their individual skills in both attack and defense, and coordination provides the essential basis for this personal development.

What are some of your favorite coordination, speed, and agility drills that you consistently use with young handball players?

I have many favorites! For some inspiration, feel free to check out drills and examples on my page @coachalbertsen /  https://www.coachalbertsen.com/en/

What injury prevention strategies do you implement for young athletes, and how do you balance the intensity of training with injury risk?

I stay updated on the latest research, carefully choosing feints, movements, and exercises that minimize injury risk. We monitor players daily to ensure they’re at an appropriate workload, with continuous testing to maintain consistency in training conditions, including temperature. Warm-ups incorporate elements from other sports to add variety in movement beyond typical handball patterns.

What are the biggest challenges young athletes face when transitioning from youth to senior-level handball, and how do you help them overcome these obstacles?

It’s crucial that young athletes transition with strong handball self-esteem, ensuring their skills can compete with seniors and help them weather the ups and downs without losing confidence. Patience in adjusting to the senior environment is essential, as is finding a coach who believes in them—building rapport and human connections with the coach and team makes a difference. Communication is also vital, both from coach to player and among teammates, especially in clubs that successfully integrate talent. Using mental tools like reframing, analysis, and self-reflection can further support players as they navigate these challenges.

How important is continuous education for youth coaches, and what areas do you think coaches should prioritize to keep improving?

Continuous learning is essential for all coaches—curiosity and a drive for growth are key. Handball, like all sports, evolves constantly, as do the young athletes we coach. In recent years, there’s been a marked development in areas such as team cohesion and communication, both among young athletes and between coaches and players. Staying informed and adapting in these areas is vital for supporting players in their growth.