The EHF Masterplan Coach Development Project, spearheaded by British Handball, is a strategic initiative designed to equip ambitious coaches in England and Scotland with the performance tools necessary to lead at the Great Britain (GB) performance level.
By blending high-level theory with elite practical exposure, the programme provides a pathway for coaches to transition into performance environments. This is achieved through:
- Expert Mentorship: Online workshops led by Master Coaches Ricardo Vasconcelos and Mark Hawkins.
- Deep Analysis: Rigorous evaluation of coaching philosophies and tactical systems.
- Hands-on Experience: Direct involvement with GB squads during national training camps and international competitions.
One coach who has exemplified the transformative power of this project is Artem Kuybida.
The Evolution of a Coach: Artem’s Project Highlights
Artem entered the programme as a coach for Brighton Handball Club and the EHA South Regional Academy. Over the course of the project, his responsibilities evolved significantly; he is now coaching at the highest domestic levels with London GD Women, the EHA National Academy, and serving as an Assistant Coach for the GB U18 Boys.
His final project serves as a roadmap for this professional transition, moving away from an "experience-led" perspective toward a structured, analytical, and evidence-informed coaching practice.
1. Bridging the Gap: From Playing to Performance
A cornerstone of Artem’s development was his participation in national training camps with the Senior GB and U18 squads. Having previously experienced these environments as a player, the project allowed him to re-evaluate the camp structure through a coaching lens. He gained vital insights into:
- The intricacies of athlete management and daily performance structures.
- How to effectively manage training loads and support athlete welfare.
- Creating the specific conditions required to maximise performance outcomes in a high-pressure environment.
- 2. Mastering the Season: Strategic Planning
- - Pre-Season: Focusing on physical baselines and tactical foundations.
- - In-Season Consolidation: Stabilising performance and defining individual roles.
- - Performance Optimisation: Managing fatigue and adapting tactics for key opponents.
- - Finals Preparation: Maximising psychological readiness and tactical refinement.
- - Off-Season: Evaluating progress and planning for the next strategic cycle.
3. Modernising the Toolkit: Digitalisation and Conditioning- Analytical Growth: He developed a custom workflow for match analysis, using video clips to provide feedback to players even when face-to-face time was limited.
- Professional Collaboration: By consulting with international experts like Joao Florencio (Minaur Baia Mare) and Andre Roncato (Ex-FC Porto), Artem developed a sophisticated pre-season fitness plan specifically for his work with London GD Women.
Closing Thoughts: "Earning the Title"- Analytical Growth: He developed a custom workflow for match analysis, using video clips to provide feedback to players even when face-to-face time was limited.
- - Pre-Season: Focusing on physical baselines and tactical foundations.
