Interviews

11. 6. 2024 - Pavol Humeník

Czech U16 Coach: We Want to Play Active and Attractive Hockey ball

The Czech U16 national team is traveling to Žilina for the World Ball Hockey Championships as the defending champions. Head coach Pavel Štefka provided us with an interview about the preparation status a month and a half before the championship.

In what phase is your team’s preparation for the championship in Žilina?

We have two camps scheduled for the end of June, just before the World Championships, where we will work with a narrower selection of players.

When will the final nomination be clear?

The player nomination will be announced after the camp on June 22 and 23 in Pardubice.

What is the primary focus of your preparation for the championship – tactics, teamwork, speed, or fitness?

We played friendly matches to test the players' physical readiness and to see them in various game situations. Tactical preparation and teamwork will be the focus of the upcoming camps.

What style of play would you like to present at the championship?

We would like to play actively and show a visually appealing hockey ball.

Did you change anything in the preparation for the championship compared to the situation from a year ago?

I was coaching the U20 team a year ago. It’s a significant difference. The U20 category consists of more experienced players, often with international match experience. In the U16 category, this will be new for most players, and we must focus on more factors.

Are you planning any preparatory matches before the championship?

We plan to play a model match between the U16 or U18 teams.

Do you have any other activities planned in Slovakia besides hockey ball? Maybe to see some interesting places in the country?

I would love to. Slovakia is a beautiful country, but the schedule is quite tight, and we haven't addressed this specifically yet.

The Czech Republic is going to the championship as the defending champions. Your goal is certainly gold, but do you think you have a stronger team now than the one that won in Liberec?

I can't answer that. I wasn’t with the previous team and cannot make an objective comparison.

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