Collecting Data Teaches Handball Coach Some Very Valuable Lessons About Load Management
Phillip Tandrup Holm transitioned transitioned from being a professional handball player to a pivotal role as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for Skjern Håndbold, a Danish handball club that plays in Denmark’s top division. Before assuming his coaching role, Holm collected data for another Danish men’s league team, while pursuing his master’s degree.
“We analyzed the distance covered during running acceleration to determine the levels of intensity — high or medium. The goal was to understand how these practice intensities correspond to those in actual matches,” he said.
What Makes Accumulated Acceleration Load So Important for Handball Players?
Phillip Tandrup Holm transitioned from being a professional handball player to a pivotal role as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for Skjern Håndbold, a Danish handball club with a rich history. Before assuming his coaching role, Holm collected data for the KIF Kolding handball club, while pursuing his master’s degree.
“We focused on specific metrics such as accumulated acceleration, load, and exertion,” he said. “We then analyzed the distance covered during running acceleration to determine the levels of intensity — high or medium. The goal was to understand how these practice intensities correspond to those in actual matches.”
Coach Holm says he learned a lot about how to manage workloads and prevent injuries from this experience but faced an interesting challenge when a unique circumstance occurred.
The Challenge of Load Imbalance in Handball
The team had two right backs, but midway through the season, one of them was sold to another team. As a result, the remaining right back found himself alone in that position during tactical and half-court training sessions. With only one right back, the workload became disproportionately high compared to other positions.
Coach Holm engaged in discussions with the coaches and players to address this issue. He pointed out what the data was showing, and they recognized that the lone right back needed relief to prevent overuse injuries. Their solution? Having other players take on the role of a right-handed right back in practice. This strategic move not only lightened the load for the player but also provided an opportunity to train someone else for that position, ensuring readiness in case of injuries.
Holm says, “You can always be unlucky with injuries, and if you have injuries, somebody must play the position. So why not do it in practice as well?”
Their solution? Having other players take on the role of a right-handed right back in practice. This strategic move not only lightened the load for the player but also provided an opportunity to train someone else for that position, ensuring readiness in case of injuries.
Holm says, “You can always be unlucky with injuries, and if you have injuries, somebody must play the position. So why not do it in practice as well?”
What Metrics Matter Most in Handball?
“I think the biggest takeaway from this experience (collecting data for KIF Kolding) is learning how to structure a week to make sure that the players not only get the volume they need, but also the high intensity they need.”
Phillip Tandrup Holm’s journey from player to Strength and Conditioning Coach exemplifies the importance of holistic approaches to training. By balancing workload, structuring training weeks, and fostering communication, he ensures that Skjern Håndbold’s players perform at their best while minimizing injury risks. As handball continues to evolve, coaches like Holm play a pivotal role in shaping the game’s future.
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