European Team Championship U15. The floor to coaches Konstantin Rybalchenko and Alexander Bulgakov

From 9 to 12 May, in the Dutch town of Eindhoven, the European Junior Team Championship was held, where five athletes from Ukraine took part.

The national team of Ukraine among juniors under 15 took 10th place at the European Team Squash Championship. The first place was taken by the England team, the second - by Ireland. In six appearances on the court, the Ukrainians made only three mistakes. It was a good start, given the long break of Ukrainians at international championships of this format, we believe that next year our athletes will be able to qualify from the group and prove their right to be on the podium among champions.

Coaches of Ukraine - Alexander Bulgakov and Konstantin Rybalchenko, who were responsible for the preparation of squash players in the Ukrainian junior national team, Dmitry Shcherbakov (base), Timofey Radionov (base), Olga Kotova (base) and Oleg Pozdnyakov (reserve), took a direct part in the preparation and conduct of the training. Velichko Milena (reserve). In an interview with FSU, the coaches talked about how the championship went.

The coach of the junior national team of Ukraine Oleksandr Bulgakov with his students during the ETC-2019.

Alexander Bulgakov, coach of the Ukrainian national team U15:

- Are you satisfied with the performance of the U15 national team at the European Championship?

- The result was expected to be different, and the task was to show it. At the same time, I cannot reproach anyone from the team, everyone showed their capabilities almost to the maximum. This suggests that training should be on a different level.

- What plans were set for the juniors and how successfully were these plans fulfilled?

- The task was at least to enter the top 8 teams. For the coaching staff, the task was to really assess all the players and make adjustments to the further training of each individually and the team in general, with an eye to the next European Championship.

- Who made you happy, and who, perhaps, disappointed with your performance?

- I try not to apply criteria - pleased or disappointed. I try to look objectively at the level of the game, having an idea of ​​their best form and what kind of game they show at the tournament.

- What is the essential difference in the opponents' play, what do they do better than our players?

- Two teams of U15 finalists - England and Ireland - have a qualitative difference in the game. In all aspects of the game, they are head and shoulders above us and everyone who was represented at the tournament. With the rest of the national teams Ukraine can play with dignity and show the best results. You just need to change / have a little training plans for all cycles for each player and the desire to follow them. And the fact that our guys are talented and capable, I personally have no doubts.

- Was the result fair or could you put the squeeze out of the group?

- As they say in sports: "the result is on the scoreboard." And the reasoning is fair, not fair - this is from the field of emotions. A lot was decided in the match with the Czechs, and it so happened that the Czechs beat us. It's a sport. When two players cross the threshold of the court, no one knows who will be the winner, there is no draw in squash. You always want your player to be the winner, but this is not always the case. We do not make a tragedy out of this. We endure lessons and experience.

- Are you satisfied with the tenth place? For five years Ukraine did not play in the CCE until 15.

- I think that no athlete can be satisfied with any place other than the first. And we all don't feel satisfied with the tenth place. We have to look realistically - this is our result today. This is the starting point for the next European Championship. The championship is over and I can say thanks to the whole team for the dedication, struggle and emotions. All adults should not forget that we are talking about children 12-14 years old, that these children are in puberty and their psychology is now very difficult for communication with adults and real perception of events around them. At the same time, they perform, compete and work on themselves. Remember, if you can, yourself during this period of life. And what thoughts and desires did you have? But it is important for everyone to understand that if the players of the national team do not continue the process of self-improvement and development, they can give way in the national team to those who are worthy of them. This is the principle of the national team.

- It is difficult to make such predictions, but the tournament is over. Who is the big star of the national team that in five or six years we will admire?

- It can be each of them, or maybe none can become a real star. This is not the main thing for them now. This usually worries parents and adults. It is important for children to become the best version of themselves every day.

- What are your plans after the European Championship?

- I won't exaggerate if I say that without the active development of children's and youth squash, squash in Ukraine will be at a low level. Therefore, it is necessary to raise and help develop the work in all the children's squash clubs in the country. This will increase the competition, and it will improve the selection for the national team. I think this is the number one challenge for the federation and the coaches.

For the Ukrainian national team under 15:

- each was sent a conclusion based on the results of the game at the European Championship, where the problems that need to be eliminated were highlighted in detail.

- the coach of the national team will send proposals to the FSO for the next annual cycle for the preparation of the national team. What is clear today is that it is necessary to increase the frequency of the training of the national team under the guidance of the national team coaches. All players must have a tournament plan for the year. Develop a macro training cycle based on the tournament plan. Improve the physical and tactical training of players. Increase competition in the national team. Next year we have to present the national team up to 15 and 17. The team should be a model and a goal for all juniors!

The coach of the junior national team of Ukraine Konstantin Rybalchenko with his students during the ETC-2019.

Konstantin Rybalchenko, coach of the Ukrainian national team U15:

- Are you satisfied with the performance of the U15 national team at the European Championship?

- First of all, I am pleased that our national team Ukraine was a participant in this Championship, which could see the best teams in Europe, watch and play with them. In general, I am satisfied with the team result.

- What plans were set for the juniors and how successfully were these plans fulfilled?

- The task of each was to show their maximum, to be one whole, to be a team. Not everyone managed to show their best game, but the fact that the guys were one big sports family throughout the championship made me happy.

- Who made you happy, and who, perhaps, disappointed with your performance?

- Our task was to give every player of the national team the opportunity to play, to prove himself and get competitive experience. The first number of the national team Dima Shcherbakov looked very cool and confident, despite strong rivals he looked decent on the court - three wins and two losses. Radionov and Pozdnyakov played under the second numbers.

Timofey demonstrated good quality squash, I think that he lacked competitive practice (he was a lot nervous, which affected his uncertainty, especially in the end of the games). It was not easy for Oleg, his every game was very protracted and psychologically nervous, but he was able to find the strength to show his character and thus brought 2 victories to our team's piggy bank.

Our girls Olya and Milena were not only prettier than everyone else at the Championship, but also showed a decent result. Olya confidently beat her rivals thanks to her powerful shots from the front of the court, with stronger rivals she lacked physical condition. The youngest member of our team - Milena - showed all her technical arsenal and will to win, I am sure that all her victories and achievements are in the near future.

- What is the essential difference in the opponents' play, what do they do better than our players?

- Despite their young age, they play squash !!! Obvious superiority in physical and tactical qualities.

- Was the result fair or could you put the squeeze out of the group?

- In general, yes. There was a chance to get into the top 8, but ... ..then we will not miss it on the next championship !!!

- Are you satisfied with the tenth place? For five years Ukraine did not play in the CCE until 15.

- Satisfied. We have recorded on video all the matches of our team, made an analysis, and are ready to work further!

- It is difficult to make such predictions, but nevertheless the tournament is over: who is that big star of the national team, whom we will admire in five or six years?

- The one that will add one light bulb every day to shine for a long time and for the whole world !!!

- What are your plans after the European Championship?

- Register the training plan for the preparation of the national team for the next season. Watch juniors all over Ukraine, who will be able to get into the team in the future. Get stronger.

©Anna Tesleva