Breakthrough: The Handball Podcast

The Handball Collective

Welcome to Breakthrough: The Handball Podcast, your dedicated source for all things European Handball. Hosted by a rotating cast of players from the past and present, our show delves deep into the heart of the game, offering unique insights and meaningful conversations on the sport at a pivotal moment of its evolution. Each episode, we break down the fundamentals of the game, how to get started, as well as local and global match results. We explore the transformative changes in the sport, from the grass roots to international play as we build towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. ”Breakthrough: The Handball Podcast” goes beyond the court, bringing you interviews with key figures in the sport - from coaches to players, officials to fans. We tackle hot topics, celebrate victories, and investigate challenges facing European Handball in Australia and the region today. Whether you’re a seasoned handball enthusiast, a player, or just a curious newcomer, ”Breakthrough: The Handball Podcast” is your go-to place for engaging handball content. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of European Handball, right from the front line. Subscribe to ”Breakthrough: The Handball Podcast” and become part of our handball community today! read less
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Episodes

From Down Under to the World Stage: Bevan Calvert’s Journey in Handball
Aug 27 2023
From Down Under to the World Stage: Bevan Calvert’s Journey in Handball
In this latest episode, we share the inspiring journey of Bevan Calvert, who started his handball career in Australia and eventually made his way to the international stage. From Australia to Denmark and then onto Germany, Bevan's story will captivate you and show that limitations are merely perceived barriers that can be overcome. Throughout the episode, we explore the passion and intensity of handball games, comparing it to the electric atmosphere of rugby games in Australia. We delve into the unique culture surrounding handball, where opposing teams can display camaraderie and the fans play an integral role in creating an unforgettable experience. You won't want to miss this fascinating discussion!   The episode also emphasizes the importance of preparation and training, even without direct access to handball facilities. Our guest shares their valuable insights on improving strength, conditioning, and technique, as well as seeking guidance from local handball experts to enhance performance.Furthermore, we touch upon the pathways to a career in handball, highlighting the speaker's personal journey of falling in love with the sport, seeking advanced training opportunities, and ultimately making the leap to Europe. Hear firsthand about the challenges they faced, the support they received, and their incredible experiences playing at an international level.   So, whether you're a die-hard handball fan or new to the sport, this episode promises to leave you feeling inspired and ready to overcome any obstacles in your own journey. Tune in to Season 01 Episode 07 of Breakthrough: The Handball Podcast now available on your favorite podcast platforms.
2023 Australian Handball Club Championship: Sydney University Women Go Back-to-Back as Men’s Reign Ends
Aug 1 2023
2023 Australian Handball Club Championship: Sydney University Women Go Back-to-Back as Men’s Reign Ends
In this week's exciting episode, your host, Steve Plummer, recaps the thrilling events and highlights from the recent handball tournament in Australia. So, grab your headphones and get ready to relive the action! Steve pays homage to the incredible St Kilda players, acknowledging their power and skill on the fast break. However, Steve also addresses the impact of certain referee decisions, which disrupted St Kilda's momentum. Despite the challenges, the team managed to catch up and equalize the score by halftime, setting the stage for an intense second half. The episode shines a spotlight on Ignacio 'Nacho' Olega Bellastar , who truly showcased his talent as the MVP of the tournament. With Nacho leading the way, St Kilda made an impressive comeback in the second half, gradually pulling away from their opponents in the final ten minutes. Daniel Ried, the Australian national team goalkeeper, played an unstoppable role, making 15 saves and proving to be a formidable force. In an exciting turn of events, the University of Queensland ultimately emerged as the champions, taking the lead and securing victory in the final moments. They will now get the chance to represent Australia and Oceania in the upcoming Superglobe Tournament in Saudi Arabia. Make sure to mark your calendars for this thrilling international event in November! Moving on from the tournament, Steve shares his experience attending a handball tournament in Canberra. Highlighting the dedication of the Canberra Handball Club committee, Steve expresses his gratitude for the well-organized event. Despite some initial challenges with unsafe courts and injuries, the handball community came together to create a fantastic atmosphere. Congratulations are in order for Dillon Matadilla, who was crowned the top scorer of the men's tournament, showcasing exceptional skills and talent. Meanwhile, the women's championship saw a spirited and closely contested match between Sydney University and UTs, ultimately resulting in Sydney University's victory. Cho from UTS was recognized as the tournament MVP for her unstoppable performance on the fast break. Wrapping up the episode, Steve underscores the importance of community and the spirit of handball that brings us all together. As always, he encourages you, our dedicated listeners, to reach out with any questions or feedback you may have. In the coming weeks, be sure to look out for an upcoming episode featuring Bevin Calvert, an Australian handball legend who has represented our country at the Olympics and played for THW Kiel, one of Europe's premier clubs. This is an episode you definitely won't want to miss! And finally, a special mention goes out to Marie for her outstanding work in updating social media, organizing social events, and announcing goals during the final. Your hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated!Once again, we'd like to extend our gratitude to the Canberra Handball Club for hosting an exceptional tournament, and we wish the University of Queensland the best of luck in the upcoming Superglobe Tournament. Until next time, keep breaking through barriers and reaching new heights in the world of handball!
The Importance of Club Culture: Interview with Australian Coach and Handball Legend Taip Ramadani
Jul 3 2023
The Importance of Club Culture: Interview with Australian Coach and Handball Legend Taip Ramadani
In this episode, our hosts, Steve Plummer and Chris Scholl, share an insightful conversation with the remarkable Taip Ramadani. During the episode, Taip shares his observations about the handball culture in Hungary, where players embraced a professional and dedicated approach to training. He highlighted the emphasis on error-free performance, improvement, and recovery. It was fascinating to hear about the high expectations set by the national team players, creating a culture of hard work and accountability. Taip also reflected on his own handball journey, acknowledging that he lacked certain physical attributes but compensated with sheer determination and hard work. He recognized the benefits of the vast resources available today, helping athletes improve their technical skills, physical conditioning, and overall game knowledge. Our guest also took us back in time and shared his experience leading up to the Sydney Olympics in 2000. The excitement and transformation the city underwent were truly inspiring, serving as a driving force for Taip and his team. The memories of that cherished time brought a smile to our faces. We were also privileged to hear about Taip's early exposure to handball in Kosovo, Yugoslavia, and the profound impact it had on him. Handball's popularity in Kosovo, with its rich history and passionate fanbase, was evident through Taip's engaging storytelling. Taip's extensive experience as a player and coach in Australia and abroad brings a wealth of knowledge to our handball community.In the world of handball, there is always exciting news to share. We caught up on the PHL and celebrated the achievements of Sukhvir Singh Brah and Rahul Tk, who won the golden ball and Golden Glove awards respectively in a recent league competition in India. Additionally, we learned about the ongoing Asian women's junior handball championship and the Junior Men's World Championship happening in Greece and Germany.