Norway national team coach on differentiation

Topping and differentiating are two different things. Topping is essential when it comes to winning the World Cup. But in children's sports, it's never about winning, but giving kids joy and mastery with handball. In children's sports, differentiating becomes a tool to be used wisely.

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When Berge plans trainings for his children, he always has this phrase in mind:

“Everyone should have the same opportunity to be as good as they want. Our task is to facilitate training with an eye on each child for development.”

But when it comes to combat situation he is clock-ready:

“We don't differentiate in fights!”

Learn Handball agrees 100% with Berge in his views on children's sports. But how to implement this in practice?

One way might be to through rolling swaps in battle.

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Rolling Switches:

1. Place the players one after the other on the bench. Always change first, and when you come in from the field you sit at the back of the row. This gives the coach a full overview of the order in which to switch.

2. Always switch in the next player after about the same number of minutes. A little depending on how many trade-ins you have. On the younger teams, for example, it can fit every 3 minutes

3. Always replace the winger who plays closest to the bench. Insert the new player on the opposite edge. The rest of the team rolls one position.

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This will give you as a coach:

• Children who get to play just as much

• Children who learn to play and understand all places on the field. (The keeper is the exception — this space must also be rolled on, but it must be pleasurable.)

• Zero comments from guardians or players about unfair playing time or “fixed” pitches

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Did you know that the idea of rolling prey originated in another sport? Which one?

Some inspiration:

“The Next Big Idea”, this podcast discusses broad experience versus single focus, and what is the key to success.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4q8EAY7SoF42hDgYaIV4of?si=uv7t3wYTR3mvALuiNvzBsg

We look forward to discussing more about differentiation next week.
Handball greetings, Bjarte Myrhol and the Learn Handball team