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How has the Netherlands moved to the top of the pyramid in Women’s Handball? By building a pyramid in the Netherlands first.
It wasn’t too long ago that Netherlands Women’s Handball could diplomatically be described as mediocre. Now thanks to their 5-1 record in preliminary and main round play they are in the semifinals of the European Championships. Their 3rd consecutive semifinals in a major competition (2015 WC, 2016 Olympics)
How has this remarkable turnaround been accomplished?
To find out I spoke with Netherlands Handball Technical Director, Sjors Rottger and National Team player Lois Abbingh. Rottger describes the 10 year plan that has been implemented to identify athletes at younger ages and then provide them with the training they need to eventually sign professional contracts by age 19 to 21. Abbingh reflects on her time at the Handball Academy in Arnhem and how it prepared her for international play and a pro career.
The Netherlands takes on Denmark tomorrow (Friday, 16 December) at 1815 (CET), 1215 (U.S. East Coast) and the match can be seen live on ehftv.com. The Gold and Bronze medal matches will be on Sunday, also on ehftv.
Netherlands Handball Vision: Link
Lois Abbingh Official Website: Link
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