How has goalkeeping changed throughout the years? What happens to the brain of a goalkeeper the more they train? Why is mental preparation so critical for games?

Answers to these questions and more were offered on Thursday (5 October) and Friday at the inaugural Goalkeeper Summit in Vienna, organised by the European Handball Federation.

Gathered in Vienna, 42 goalkeepers, experts, coaches and players, met for two days of talks from some of the best minds of handball, including Mats Olsson, World Championship gold medallist with Sweden and current goalkeeping coach of the Norwegian women’s national team, and renowned sports psychologist Prof. Dr. Sc. Renata Baric.

Mats Olsson’s fascinating explanation of goalkeeper’s physical preparation and Claes Hellgren’s - also a former Swedish goalkeeper - brilliantly detailed explanation on the development of goalkeeper techniques are two examples of the captivating lectures on offer at the event.

Packed with handball innovation, knowledge sharing and friendly chatter amongst the community, the event brought together an unrivalled atmosphere.

HEAR IT FROM THE EXPERTS
We talked to some of the experts on site to hear what they think is so valuable about what is happening at the goalkeeper summit.

Pedro Vieira, Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Coach Kadetten Schaffhausen:

"The event is rich, innovative, something you cannot lose. You have the top speakers here. We go not only for talks on training itself, but also the psychology and physical conditioning, covering so many different areas for goalkeepers.

"We heard new things, new ideas, new tendencies, the game is changing and the people here are perfect for teaching us how it is changing and how to respond to this.”

Prof. Dr. Sc. Renata Baric (pictured below), author of the EHF manual “Mentally Fit in Handball”:

"I think that everyone who is working with people has to be in line with new information – a successful coach is one who is continuing to learn something and has to be in touch with new knowledge – especially in a top sport.

"In a top sport everyone’s reached a certain level of technical preparation of equipment, everything is already high-level and if you want to be really successful then you should focus on the small details and everything that can help you to take advantage in something small step is important. You can find some new resource of knowledge or experience from your colleague."

The EHF CAN is pleased to announce that the EHF teaching videos are now available on youtube in the following categories:

1. Minihandball

2. Basic Handball

3. Alternative Games

4. Beach Handball

5. Wheelchair Handball

Based on both the advice and conceptional preparation by the EHF Methods Commission and the EHF Beach Handball Commission, the EHF video archive will be continuously enhanced in order to serve the needs of the target groups such as teachers, mini, youth and Beach Handball coaches.

All videos can be viewed online and/or downloaded in the EHF CAN Teaching Video Library.