Planning training sessions can be a major challenge for many parent coaches in handball. Former Norwegian national team player Bjarte Myrhol has developed a tool to help. Through the digital coaching platform LearnHandball.com, parents get access to drills, ready-made training sessions, and inspirational videos featuring top handball players.
– We want to become the best digital coaching platform in the world, Myrhol tells GoHandball.
LearnHandball was founded by Myrhol and his brother. Both were coaching their own children and experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to plan effective practices. They wanted to find a way to simplify the process for coaches while giving young players equal opportunities to develop.
– It started with me and my brother filming different movements and exercises. Then we created a simple website with exercises tailored for different age groups, Myrhol explains to GoHandball.
The concept quickly became a major success in Norway, and today more than half of the country’s handball clubs use LearnHandball. The platform has also expanded beyond Norway to countries such as Denmark and Germany.
Over time, the app has grown into a large collection of exercises for players from beginner level up to the age of 16. Coaches receive structured, ready-to-use training plans for the entire season, and players can also access the platform themselves.
– Players can communicate with coaches and view the training plan. We also collaborate with top players like Mathias Gidsel, Sander Sagosen, and Nora Mørk. Users can watch videos and get inspiration from star players who demonstrate and explain how to perform different skills, Myrhol explains.
Affordable for all clubs
The business model is based on making coaching easier, and LearnHandball is designed to be affordable for all clubs.
– We have said that cost should not be a reason to say no. Today there are two options: approximately €1,300 for the whole club, or around €650 for access for ten coaches, Myrhol explains.
Recently, LearnHandball signed a cooperation agreement with the European Handball Federation (EHF), and Myrhol’s vision is to support parent coaches across Europe.
– We want to become the best digital coaching platform in the world. I think parent-coaches are something very positive, both economically for clubs, but also because parents get closer to their children, Myrhol concludes.