Become the best with an alternative training philosophy
Studies and research show that it is more likely to reach the top in sports by practicing versatile and varied training during childhood and adolescence. It is therefore remarkable to see how few clubs dare to collaborate across sports. Even when we know that it would have been a pleasure for both athletes and Norwegian sport.
I have had a long talk with Erik Kubon Halvorsen about development culture, club development and alternative training. Halvorsen has been a youth coach in several clubs, and has both fostered national team players, increased recruitment and reduced the dropout rate where he has been.
In order to give the handball players a wider training offer, Halvorsen chooses a different strategy to the normal one. Because where many people think that more handball should be trained to create early development, Halvorsen chooses to focus on more alternative training and an inclusive environment. He does this by letting the players try out various sports, and that several social gatherings are arranged at the same time.
In addition to the usual handball training, Halvorsen gathers impulses from other sports and environments. The aim is to create a safe and good environment with a focus on mastery.
Kickboxing, padel, athletics with a focus on speed and running technique and basic training with the body as a load are just some of the many alternative training sessions that are carried out.
"Everyone can develop, regardless of level and genetic predisposition. With alternative training, you can create a feeling of mastery for everyone!" says Halvorsen.
In addition to the alternative training, unity is created with gingerbread baking, betting competitions, timing in the slide in the swimming pool, mountain hikes and much, much more.
Pictures say more than 1000 words, they say. To me, there is no doubt that these girls look happy.
The result for Halvorsen's team
- Significantly reduced dropout
- Increased recruitment
- NM titles
- National team players at both junior and senior level
I am therefore wondering. Why don't more sports clubs and teams do this?
The transfer of learning through varied training in childhood and adolescence is an important prerequisite for the more specialized training that comes later.
This works! Try something new, too!?
Facts about alternative and versatile training
- Greater probability of reaching the elite
- Increases cognitive motor ability
- Greater probability of choosing the sport you would most like to play
- Reduces the risk of injury
- Reduces dropouts
- It is not essential that the sports are similar to each other. It's about learning from other sports
