Intensive on-site support and standardization of training as a recipe for success
Looking ahead: A few days after missing out on promotion to the top division, the analysis in the U20 national team is in full swing. “We currently lack the breadth to play at the top international level,” says U20 national coach Christian Künast, adding: “That’s another reason why I can’t blame the team, the players have tried everything and so far fought to the end.”
However, commitment and struggle alone cannot make up for the years of deficits in training. Stefan Schaidnagel, national coach for science and training, is also aware of this. "We have to face the facts. Our young talent is currently only second-class," says the Sonthofen sports scientist.
One of the most important reasons: the lack of financial resources for qualified training of young players for a long time. An individual license fee should remedy this in the future. “Through this solidarity contribution from the entire ice hockey family, we can support important projects in the countries and optimize and intensify local club support,” says Berthold Wipfler, as DEB-Vice President responsible for Young Talent and Finance.
As part of the restructuring of German ice hockey DEB-Presidium under its new president Franz Reindl launched the POWERPLAY26 concept last year. The first measures in terms of club and talent support have been underway since the summer of this year. Five of them support, among others DEB-Trainer weekly DEB-Local member associations.
"A player spends 95% of his time in his home club. So the quality of training, support and selection must be massively increased," says Stefan Schaidnagel, justifying the approach.
ParaWell, that's what he says DEB to a profound restructuring of trainer training. The central point is a uniform understanding in the training of the U13 to U15 age groups in terms of technology, tactics, athletics and holistic training.
Schaidnagel: “We have a Herculean task ahead of us. But together we will succeed.”