Impressions
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Planning my first participation in “Handball4all” academy, I had quite high expectations. But now that it’s all over, I have to say they’re completely outdone! Everything is so well organized and synchronized that time simply flies before your eyes full of different activities that require full attention, because you have a unique opportunity to see and listen live not only handball experts but also world experts in the field of physical and mental preparation. For me, who had just started my coaching job (I stopped playing active handball two years ago), it was extremely important to get so much information not only from training and theoretical sessions, but also from conversations with lecturers and other colleagues. When the academy was over, I definitely felt like I expanded my handball knowledge and I am looking forward to participate again in the years to come!
Jelena POPOVIC (SRB)
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It was a privilege to be a part of such a well-organized project as is "Handball4all". I have been following the work of the academy for a long time and this year I had the opportunity to be present in person, and to learn a lot of handball "secrets" and skills. We, as young coaches there have an opportunity to talk with more experienced colleagues - who are some of the best on the world, and have selflessly shared their knowledge. Unique and special!
Goran KUZMANOSKI (MKD)
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Being a member of the “Handball4all” family for three years and seeing that the experience I gained in the process contributed positively to my coaching job is an amazing experience. It was really special to get to know different handball views and philosophy. I would like to thank Dragan and his staff for looking at us and respecting us as their equals, and for not leaving us alone throughout the season and supporting us in many different ways.
Mehmet SERKAN INCI (TUR)
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Choosing to participate in “Handball4All” was the right choice as a specific investment, you will come home with so many more experiences and ideas (at least that happened to me); and have more friends than you had before. I suggest to anyone who is passionate about handball and looking for similar people with whom he would share his passion, not to miss this opportunity and participate. Just brilliant!
Andrea CASALI (HOL)
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It was an honour to participate in "Handball4all" with some of the biggest name in handball world. I have learned a lot of things and I want to be present at as many editions as possible in the future. Good luck and as many achievements as possible!
Marius NOVANC (ROU)
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It was a great pleasure to take part in “Handball4all” - edition 9. The academy is perfectly organized by Mr. Djukic. He and his team are delivering unique experience, professional trainings and theoretical sessions, all given by the best-known handball specialist from all around the world. The academy takes place in a small Serbian town of Kladovo – place where river Danube is dividing Serbia and Romania. This quiet and peaceful place is not only equipped with a nice hotel and a functional sport hall, but is also full of friendly people. In only one-week time we got so many useful information one could use straight in his daily practices. This is definitely something what makes the unique style of the academy! I have met a lot of new friends and colleagues, shared various ideas and visions, was surrounded by the best specialists in nowadays handball! I strongly recommend the academy as a trampoline to another level of handball knowledge, and I truly believe this kind of events are life changing, because of the personalities who are leading the academy and know how to share! For me, personally, this was the best handball experience till this moment I took part in! Thank you very much, for the invitation, perfect organization, excellent “know-how” handball and great Serbian hospitality! Knowing that Edition X is coming next summer, I am already excited about it! Hvala puno, “Handball4all”!
Aleydin Aliev (BUG)coach, participant on edition 2019
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When I was invited to be a lecturer in “Handball4all” international academy I expected it to be 7 days of good experience in handball world. My expectations were exceeded. In those 7-day lecturers, coaches and players lives together as a family. Sharing not only professional experiences and knowledges but everyday life stories. From day to day we getting to know each other better, meet new friends for life. One can see players who never played together in the teams becoming a team after couple of days. Handball 4 all was one of the best professional events in my coaching career.
Aleksandar Petrovic (SRB)lecturer, participant on edition 2019
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Hi everyone! I am Ali Kobeissi from Lebanon. "Handball4all" was really different from anything before in my carrier, and it changed completely my approach to the game. I learned some new moves and strategies that can be implemented into my “style”, and had opportunity to meet and train with some of the world best coaches that helped me enhance my movements, endurance and skills. It was definitely one of best handball experience I have had.
Ali Kobeissi (LBN)player, participant on edition 2019
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“Handball4all” is a unique setup and it was a new experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to work with, talk to and watch other world class coaches work in an environment that is made for learning and teaching. After the week my backpack was full with new knowledge. The atmosphere is an open atmosphere and it’s all about making the experience something special for the trainers and the players. Young coaches have the opportunity to sit down and talk to older coaches and share knowledge, young players get the opportunity to play against older players on the pitch. I really can’t see a better way of learning and sharing experience, then the way “Handball 4 all” is showing! I wish there was a “Handball4all” when I was a young coach …
Johan Zanotti (SWE)lecturer, participant on edition 2018
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I have known about "Handball4all" project for many years, but only when I participated I realized the high standards the academy is set up on. Quality and expertise of the people involved (coaches, staff, players...) guarantees excellent experience. It was a privilege to share knowledge and learn from the handball and sports lovers at the academy. I have left “Handball4all” as a better coach and with a lot of new and positive energy. Until we meet again good luck everyone in your future endeavors.
Marko Sesum (SRB)lecturer, participant on edition 2018
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Work and stay in a unique academy for coaches and players was a real pleasure to me. The “good old” ways to exchange the ideas, visions and the knowledge of what we know so much and what we love so much - handball! I was accompanied of amazing people and top experts, listened to and absorbed their experiences, talked about my views, to say briefly: it was amazing, because I was at the same time a teacher and a student, the one who gives, but also someone who receive. We all have lots of experiences on the court that we can feel when something works with a lot of hearts and love. That's exactly what comes out of every details of this academy and the pleasure we've been together. Taking in mind all of the experts previously participated on academy over the years, I feel privileged to become a member of “Handball4all” family. This year I've been on academy for the first time and I promise to be back whenever I'm invited and when my duty allowed me to be there.
Nenad Sostaric (CRO)lecturer, participant on edition 2018
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“Handball4all” academy it’s more than you can say or think. Words can’t give you an idea about what’s going on. You must feel it. It begins on the details and commitment of the organizers, going through an amazing atmosphere between all participants and lots of sharing among all. It was for me, a unique experience and a never-ending week about giving and taking from top coaches, and having the opportunity to work with present/future great players. This project is a fantastic time to players who want to develop their skills looking into the new season, but also for coaches who have passion for our sport. Thank you Dragan, for the invitation and for having such a good idea in creating this project.
Rolando Freitas (POR)lecturer, participant on edition 2018
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I was very happy to have the opportunity to learn from the great staff of the academy and to see some other handball “points of view” of some of the best trainers there are. The academy had all the facilities that we needed and I enjoyed the company of the people that have attended, players, coaches and staff. I will be happy to participate again in “Handball4all”!
Ram Turkenitz (ISR)Player, participant on edition 2018
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First of all, I would like to thank to great coaches, staffs and all the players I met on academy. Thanks to them, I spend such a valuable and grateful time. It was so impressive to meet them and share the information through our beautiful sport - handball. I keep trying to benefit from new information’s I learned there. I would like to see you all next year on "Handball4all", a place very special to me!
Ryoko Amitani (JPN)Player, participant on edition 2018
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„It was a really nice experience. For the coaches among themselves as well as for the players to learn new things. The atmosphere and organisation was great, thank you for the event!"
Bob Hanning (GER)lecturer
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First of all, this is a completely new approach that involves more coaches themselves and their progress, but also with a special attention of participants on the "small things", details that make up the essence of the handball game as well as the fact that there are really great names from the coach's world which can we learned a lot. I hope that "Handball4All" will continue to grow as a project because it represents something that handball really needs. See you next year! Regards from Barcelona, your Borko
Borko Ristovski (MKD)promoter
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“The great aim of education is not knowledge but action” – Herbert Spencer Things what everyone of you from the "Handball4All" doing every year for us is quite in line with it - more precisely, academy provokes the construction of new coaching giants ... From the perspective of one young coach like me, every minute spent at “H4All” is a new piece of mosaic of my professional development and (at least I sincerely hope), approaching the coaching sizes that are present each year at your academy as lecturers or guests.
Stevče Aluševskicoach participant
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"Handball4All" was a great experience one more time (it was my second time to participate on the academy). Very original idea where players and coaches met during some days to share ideas and knowledge and learn from each other’s. For me was a great to spend the time with handball lovers from all over the world and keep in touch after all with some of them! That's for me the greatest thing! See you soon on the handball court guys! Good season for all of you!
Xavier Sabaté (ESP)lecturer
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It has been truly an eye opener training camp this summer, at “Handball4all”, arranged by Dragan Djukic for the 7th year. It was my first time that I attended this program, and humbly, I must say, it was unique and unusual for me for the next reasons: Coaching staff – lead by Dragan Djukic, we had insights from coaches around Europe – different philosophy, inspiring coaching methods, tactics, technic, goalies, players – all was taken in reason, and all had specific practices to improve personal ability, while combining group work Accommodation – excellent hotel, great meals, all is taking care of Hall – superb. With all equipment and all a players/coaches needs Evening meeting – every evening we had a lecture by one of the top coaches in Europe, trying to raise and solve different handball issues that concerns both coaches and players Not only handball – 2 trips, half day each, beautiful sight-seeing on mountains and on boat Players & coaches – it was really “Handball4all” – all around European players and coaches, speaking the same handball-language, day in day out I can keep on and on, though I think the most important thing that I took from this academy is the ability to implement all we learned – we have the booklet – now let’s make it come true. I would like to say “Thank you coach Djukic” and all of the coaching staff. It was a remembered week and I surly hope to attend it again.
Oded NemanHead of the Israeli Handball Academy
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At the academy, I got a lot of knowledge from the best European trainers. I will have the opportunity to use this knowledge throughout my entire career, and since I am a goalkeeper, especially what the goalkeepers coach Mihailo Radosavljevic taught me. I'm still in contact with a lot of friends whom I met on academy ... I sincerely hope that I will be able to participate in "H4All" for some other time!
Dan Teeperplayer, participant on edition 2017
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The first thing to notice at "Handball4All" is the amount of the positive energy that is felt everywhere, starting with Dragan and other people responsible for organization, through lecturers and trainers who are there to share their knowledge and experience to the players themselves who are arrived there after the long season keep smiling and eager to progress. I am impressed with the names of the people who were with us and shared their knowledge and experience, I would never have an opportunity to personally meet people like Bob Hanning and learn from him, and I am also very happy to have chance introducing myself to the coaches like are Xavi Sabate, Dragan Adzic ... All in all, it was a beautiful seven days full of learning, friendship and getting to know a handful of interesting people. I am sure that I will again be a part of the academy, whether as a direct participant or as an observer.
Slobodan Acimov (SRB)lecturer on edition 2017
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Academy "Handball4all" is unique as an idea and as a project, providing additional space for the improvement of the players coming out of the most sensitive period in their development. Concept of work permits them to get something new before the next season start, giving guidelines what should they do to improve themselves and gives a wonderful week with a unique opportunity to work with experienced trainers in a relaxed atmosphere, get some new information and finding the way to the success of those who have already passed. A lot of players coming back to the academy year after year which also says that they grow as a human and as players and understand its importance for their own development. Many top coaches who were part of academy separated it from similar simply because such experts are rarely difficult to be found in one single place. The presence of all these wonderful people is certainly result of a good project, but also long and successful career of Dragan Djukic and his human relations to all - the players and colleagues, and specially presence of young coaches from all over the world on academy is the best indicator of its creator, the quality of idea and the level of work. For me personally it is a great honor to be a part of this project because I found it like the best handball academy in Europe. With great anticipation, I look for every incoming academy also with personal opportunity to learn something new, exchange experiences, and check the progress of those who already have been in previous editions, and help in the development of those who are first time with us. We are all there to give each other something (knowledge, experience, passion, energy…) and help each participant on and off the court!
Dragan Adzic (MNE)lecturer on editions 2014, 2015 and 2016
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Attending my second edition of “Handball4All” was a great experience, once previously as a player and now as a coach. The amazing level of participants and guests from all over the world is a fantastic environment for coaches to share ideas, take new ideas and learn from people actively coaching and playing at the highest level of the sport. The environment supports everything a player needs to learn more about the professional lifestyle and gives them the exposure in front of so many coaches and managers who can provide opportunities for them to progress and develop. Would highly recommend this to any players and coaches with ambitions to develop and improve themselves.
Mark Hawkins (ENG)participant – editions 2012 and 2016
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In handball there are a many of different summer academies and handball schools but project "Handball4all" is something special in terms of education of coaches and players. Unlike other "H4all" deal seriously with the breadth of knowledge, which is routed through practical training and theory sections, so that participants know exactly why and how certain principles of training performed. It's not only to be seen, but also to spread the mind, theoretically and practically, and learning about new principles of training. Once a year in those seven days happens handball world in small :). Gratitude to the main "culprit", the founder and creator of "Handball4all" project, Dragan Djukic for such a nice handball experience every year. Greetings from Ljubljana.
Marko Mrak (SLO)lecturer – editions 2015 and 2016
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I am very pleased and surprised by the project itself. It was great honor for me to be a special guest of such event. In two days spent at the academy, I have accumulated a lot of new experiences and expand my own handball knowledge. In addition to handball very pleasant was to talk with so many people from the world of sport. All in all, one amazing project, and I wish you to be in the future even better, more professional and with higher quality. Handball as a sport are sorely needed events such is the "H4all"!
Kiril Lazarov (MKD)special guest – edition 2016
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My name is Jovana, I'm 23 and for the third season I play handball abroad, currently in the French club ''Noisy le Grand" from Paris. Thanks to the coach Dragan Djukic, who is organizer of the whole project, for last three years I was part of “H4all”. At the beginning was a little weird because I was the only girl there, however, now I cannot wait the end of June, because for me participation in the academy is the most beautiful way to finish the season. I am very happy to have worked with so many top coaches and feel privileged for opportunity to train with such giants like are Abas Arslanagic, Mirko Basic, Alexandru Buligan... Working conditions are phenomenal, as well as accommodation and friendship there, but most important of all is that through the work in the Academy I learned so many new things, which I now apply in the game. I cannot wait for a new edition in 2017!
Jovana Misailović (SRB)goalkeeper, participant on editions 2014, 2015 i 2016
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I really enjoyed time on “H4all”. It was a great experience to be part of academy. I would strongly recommend this program to everyone, who wants to achieve something in handball. Not only that we had chance to train with very experienced players, but we also enjoyed a lot of fun. I personally improved lot of aspects in the way I play and corrected mistakes I was making in the past.
David Lefan (CZE)player, participant on 2016 edition
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The “Handball4all” academy was a great experience. New, original and different idea for players and coaches. Fantastic atmosphere to practice, learn and make friendship with great coaches!
Xavi SabateCoach - edition 2015
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In the 24-year what I participated actively in handball, I was like any other athlete, seeking adequate solutions to the problems that I encountered. Exist summer camps also at that time, but unfortunately none with this approach, where I would be for sure every year an active participant, because I could not get the right answers to all my questions and dilemmas, about how to doing, how to raise the level of my individual quality and how to get ready into the new season. So, I lost a lot of time, energy and nerves to take the desired results. A thing what was delighted me at the academy is deep and systematic approach to the theoretical part, very important for the modern athlete, and special psychophysical approach to the development of handball skills. I will not speak about the specifically handball technical and tactical work, because I am convinced that there is no place in the world where handball player can better progressing. Today - above all, young handball players have to seize this unique opportunity and help themselves, to realize that they are not alone and that each year of participation in the academy raises the level of their quality, teaching and working with the best. Every athlete needs to know that the summer break is the right time when there is a chance to work on it, and that work during this period will make the difference between the average and top handball players. Average athlete spend this precious time on such fleeting pleasures, and excellent one for work, progress, development... Without intending to praise, (after all you will see by yourself if you come just once), "Handball 4all" is the true place where young handball players can get proper guidance and help to become excellent, and for older ones to prepare themselves on a special way to entering into the new season.
Ivan LapcevicPromoter - edition 2015
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Project "Handball 4all" is certainly unique in Europe. I would single him from others because of several reasons: 1) The term in which it is held, (the summer break between the two seasons), is a period when a players can progress a lot. For sure, ambitious players used this time to reduce the break between preparatory period with their clubs and improve their knowledge through work with top experts. A lot of players who are U-19 and U-21 through the work on academy quickly adapt to the senior handball, gain a realistic picture of where they are in relation what they needs/demands in seniors handball. With excellent coaches in the training process and sufficient number of players who already have a distinguished career through practice with them young players can upgrade them self and progress quicker and see the elements what have to work on in coming period ... Another advantage is that the players coming on academy from all over the world and from different schools of handball, which gives a special charm to the whole project. 2) From the coaching point of view I think that "Handball 4All" project is the best place where coach can meet the experts. In my 15-year-old coaching career, I attended to dozens of high level EHF and IHF seminars, as well as several seminars in the neighboring countries, but the experience and knowledge gained in the two editions of "Handball4all" Academy is immeasurable! It is good that each edition has a particular topic with several thematic units. There are all important segments: physical preparation, work with goalkeepers, individual and group elements of attack and defense, theoretical lectures, interviews with legends of handball and lot of like ... What is important for young coaches and also valuable, is that after each training lecturers in detail explain everything they have done in training, what they wanted to achieve with certain exercises, and they are always available to all coaches for a variety of questions! Every day is organize theoretical courses, often as an introduction to the practical part, which entitled the next day, which certainly gives a special charm ... And what I find like really interesting, the fact that every edition is unique and different than the previous because they are represented by lecturers and handball trainers from all schools that mean something in the world of handball.
Nikola MaksimovicCoach - participant in the editions 2013 and 2014.
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First of all, being a part of the HANDBALL4ALL Family, it was and it is a great honor. Never forget my first participation as a Lecturer, working with GB players (congrats my boys, again!) when, asking about the Topics of the Course, Dragan, said: "Alex just share with us your philosophy about handball and handball preparation". So, in that moments, I realized that..."all those guys, involved in this fantastic project, are only work with heart, soul and spirit", lucky me. I started working with them, and during the entire time spent together, year after year, I've been so impressed about the resonance and vibration created between all of us during the practical lessons, theoretical ones... and not on the last moments... during ...."steak sharing"..."blinking dunja"... "climbing mountains"... and our jokes.... never ending. The high quality of this project, in my opinion, is not only to invite some of the great name of the handball, players, coaches, specialists, as: Antonio Carlos Ortega, Claus Feldman, Jure Sterbucl, Andrea Lekic, Momir Ilic, Alexandru Buligan, Ivan Lapcevis, Staffan Olsson, Dragan Adzic, Svetlana Kitic, Dragan Ilic, Nenad Perunicic and so, and so, and so... (sorry not mentioned all of them), but making all of them to be so familiar during all the moments mentioned before and felt GREAT.... Pure and simple!
Prof. Alexandru Acsinte Ph.D.EHF Lecturer- ROU
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It is a great idea and a good place to share and collect information with coaches around the world.
Antonio Carlos OrtegaLecturer - edition 2015
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Academy "Handball 4All" is a place of positive energy where people live and learn handball, exchange ideas and open new horizons. Dragan is a special visionary and handball lover, big as a human and coach. Every year academy visits young players from all over the world with desire to progress and share some knowledge with eminent experts. I was there, participated... and will participate again!
Danijel AndjelkovicPromoter - edition 2011
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My personal impression of the academy can be described in one word - GREAT! I'm glad that I was a small part of such a project. Maximum dedication, commitment and above all, love for handball. Honestly, I did not expect something different when Dragan takes control and responsibility to do something. It was a pleasure, if I - in any way, helped someone of many young players who have been there, and I'm glad that I was able to exchange experiences and meet some new people. Overall impressions are SUPER, as I have already said. I hope that "H4all" will continue to grow and every year get better and better, because something like that is really necessary in handball, which unfortunately here in Serbia does not go exactly in the direction would we like...
Nenad Vuckovicpromoter of the edition 2011.
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I had a chance to be a part of this program on its first edition when I was only 23 and participated from Iran with one of my young players. Kopaonik and the academy opened a new window to me, which there is a great opportunity for every young coach who is starting his/her job. The patient and courage of a group of people, leadership by Dragan Djukic, which we could learn a lot of every moment being with them. Four years later, at 2015, I came back while I was more experienced at my job and it could change my view. Well, the academy had become much better. But I can tell you as a participant, that the only things which didn’t change there, was the energy, discipline and endless friendships. Handball 4 all academy could be a window to the world of handball for every player or coach who wants to improve on the way which they never experienced before. I always speak to my players or friends who ask me about the academy, that if you are looking for solving your problems in handball, learn new drills for almost a year, and making good friends - than never ever miss this opportunity!
Danial Aminayi (Iran)Coach, participant in editions 2011 and 2015
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“Handball 4 All” is most impressive training camp I have ever had. Not only opportunity to work with world top class lecturers but because they show us are their current original ideas. The evening session gives you an intriguing glance of world-level-players past life. With players and coaches from different countries we spend precious moments.
Eiko YamadaCoach (JPN)
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“Name of the project "Handball for all" - says a lot, but most importantly, the academy is for those who truly love handball, and want something to give and to receive. About academy quality speaks the names of those who participate, always and fully handing the best. In addition to the very professional topics, my strongest impression are people who have shared their experiences ... I need a lot of words to describe such a project and you really must be a part of it in order to felt and understand everything. While it is great, always could be better 🙂 - bigger media coverage - professional recording of all events – opportunity that participants choose at least one single theme for lecturers - one evening round table with discussion on various topics ... I look forward to see you all people in June 2016 - Best regards!”
Akim KomnenicCoach (SRB)
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I have attended “Handbal4All” on three occasions. The main reasons for my attendance were, to learn from fellow coaches, have our players share in this great opportunity and finally to enjoy the opportunity to relax in the evening with new and old friends. “Handball4All” helped me improve my coaching in several ways and boost my confidence. I learnt a lot of creative ways to deliver sessions and techniques. Director Dragan Djukic is always there to answer my questions and offer his support. In my opinion this is a terrific experience not to be missed by both payers and coaches.
Bill BaillieHead coach of GB
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I have only good words for “Handball4all”. A project which brings people from all over the world together in Serbia. People who have one thing in common: the passion for handball. The camp gave me the opportunity to work with world-class coaches. An opportunity you should grab with both hands. I am glad that I was able to learn from the best. It was a great pleasure to participate.
Gertjan BongaertsPlayer (BEL)
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"Handball4all is a unique place for young players to develop their skills and to get in contact with other players. Coaches who coming from all over the world, here can work and discuss their ideas in a smooth atmosphere of creativity."
Claus Feldmann (GER)IHF/EHF lecturer
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Amazing staff, fantastic and very professional, year by year better and better players and coaches. I enjoy every moment what I stay there.
Alexandru BuliganIHF lecturer (ESP/ROU)
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I had a very great time in Serbia! It’s always good to travel somewhere away from your country for some time... The “Handball4all” staff was very nice and informative for every aspect of my stay there. From what is the right thing to do when being in a team, to every detail of my game play. The coaching staff gives everybody the attention they need, so that the players can learn as much as they can while being there. The medical staff is always there for you with preparing before and after the training process, giving you advices on how to prepare for every training/match and how to relax and give your body the deserved rest. The food was really good, 3 course meal + an afternoon snack before the second training. I had a tiny doubt, going there for the first time... Because I was "new", from another country etc. Didn’t really know if I will get along with the other players, but in the first one-hour all those doubts went away. Training mates were really nice to me throughout my stay there; we "clicked" really fast, so that was very good for me. Most of them are in my Facebook, and we are chatting and keeping information on how each of us is doing on personal matters. So if somebody is seeking something different/fresh/new to do during the summer, the “Handball4all” academy is the place to be. Hard and educational trainings, lectures and coaches from all around Europe, famous and achieved handball persons… Great people that you will become friends with!
Milen Dimitrov SlavovPlayer participant in edition 2013, Bulgaria
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Let’s be honest, I have been horrible about writing blog; but I made some promises to pick up to the slack. Since my last update from Denmark, I have finished the season, played in the USA National Championships, earn a promotion with my Danish club team, and returned home to Wisconsin for the summer. Luckily just because it is summer, handball for me hasn’t stopped. Toward the end of my stay in Denmark, I received an invitation to a camp in Serbia at the beginning of July. I accepted and that is where I am writing my blog from. The camp is called “Handball for All”. Dragan Djukic, former Champion’s league coach and coach of numerous national teams, including current national team Great Britain. Other than Dragan, there is a star studded cast of coaches, including past Olympians, World Champions, and top league coaches from all over Europe. Along with quality coaches, there are also quality players; players at the camp come from Denmark, Iran, Great Britten, and Serbia. After a four hour bus ride from the airport in Belgrade, we ended in Kopaonik, in the mountains, on Monday, the forth. We got in to the Ozon hotel around six, and then we were given our room assignments and time to look around. We were told to be ready for a short training at seven thirty. My first impression of the environment in one word is stunning. Not only is the hotel in the mountains, but a short twenty second walk out of the hotel’s front door brings you to the hall were we train. Below the hall is a very nicely put together gym. Going into the first training session, I really didn’t know what to expect. I thought maybe some drills along with games and scrimmages. It turns out, not only would we work on handball skills, but the strength and conditioning that goes along with being a top level handball player, with a world class handball strength and conditionings coach. The first night we focused on running on the front part of our feet as well as using our hamstrings for a more explosive sprint. Later in the training we broke up into groups and started to work some fundamentals. Following training we had a nice dinner. After diner we had a meeting with the coaching staff and then given the rest of the night to get to know each other better. The next morning we woke up at half past seven; each person reported one at a time to have body measurements done. We were told later in the camp we will have a meeting with the coaches so they can help design a specific plan for each person on the things we need to improve to help reach the full potential of our bodies physically. After breakfast, we reported to training at nine thirty. We started again with some strength exercises and then moved into work with the ball. With the ball we worked a lot of skills with the ball and moving with and without the ball. After a nice lunch and downtime, we had another training in the evening. This training was the first time we shot the ball, but that isn’t a bad thing; in the first two days we have put a lot of time into fine tuning things we all should have all ready have known. That night after training, we had a question and answer session with Nenad Vuckovic, Serbian national player and player in the German Bundesliga. It was a good opportunity to learn what each of us needs to do on and off the court to make it in the top leagues. The next day, Wednesday, followed a similar schedule of the first day. After breakfast we headed to the gym to work on proper technique for a new lifting program each of us will be given at the end of the camp. After the gym, we headed up to the court to work on moving with and without the ball. The main point of trainings on Wednesday was movement. After lunch and rest, we hit the court again. This time, we did some agility moves with a three section ladder on the floor, along with balance and ankle work. We then moved into some handball skills. For this training, we were not only working on moving with and without the ball, but also defense and communication. To end the training, we did a full body movement circuit, to work on the areas that are essential in handball. That night, after dinner, we had another meeting, but this time is was more information about the strength and conditioning program we will receive at the end of the camp. So far this camp has been a great experience, and it has just started. I am looking forward to the following days, in Kopanik; even though we have only had three trainings, I have learned an immense amount of knowledge. I have made friends from all over the world and learned handball from some of the best to ever be in the game.
Ethan PickettUSA Team