Biathlon Team's Bold New Strategy Brings Success
The German biathlon team, led by returnee Franziska Preuß and surprise man Philipp Nawrath, has started the winter season like never before. Under the guidance of their new head coach, Uros Velepec, there's a noticeable difference, especially in the shooting department. There's more risk-taking, and the atmosphere is brimming with confidence.
Before the World Cup opener in Hochfilzen, the mood was electric. German athlete, Philipp Nawrath, who had won his first World Cup race the previous week and finished second a day later, was basking in the glory of his yellow jersey, the symbol of the front runner. The team was on a roll, and it was all thanks to Velepec's coaching approach.
"I've built up the necessary self-confidence with him," said Nawrath. His issues with standing shooting, which had adversely affected his results in the past, seemed to have been addressed with the team's new strategy.
"Just a little fine-tuning needed"
Mark Kirchner, the former coach of the team, retired in the spring. His assistant, Velepec, took over as the new head coach, and former cross-country skier Jens Filbrich joined the team. The change brought new momentum to the team thanks to improved training plans and a different methodology. Velepec and his team agreed that the squad was already in a good starting position; it just needed a few tweaks here and there.
Velepec, an open-minded coach, has fostered excellent communication within the team. His motivational speeches and encouragement have been particularly effective. In 2022, English became the official language during training sessions, but Velepec, who speaks and understands German fluently, has been a tremendous help to the team.
"You need courage, you have to dare"
"We have to take more risks, shoot faster, and do everything 100 percent, otherwise, we have no chance," said Velepec before his debut season as head of the ski hunters. The emphasis was on risky shooting, meaning getting the projectiles out swiftly and building on their wealth of training experience.
The new strategy is crucial as Norwegian athletes, particularly Johannes Thingnes Bö, have set rapid-fire standards. If the German team wants to keep up, they have to be self-confident. "That's the only way we can put the others under pressure," said Strelow in the snow-covered Pillerseetal.
Velepec's innovative approach has dramatically improved the German team's performance, especially in the competition against Norway. Coaches, sport psychologists, and athletes have taken notice of the team's success and are eager to learn more about its strategy.
Enrichment Data:
- Strategic Adjustments: Velepec has emphasized precision and consistency in shooting. By focusing on better techniques and mental preparation, the team has seen an improvement in their accuracy.
- Risk Management: Velepec has encouraged his athletes to take calculated risks in the pursuit stages of races, helping them maintain their positions without unnecessary penalties.
- Competition with Norway: Velepec's strategy has helped German athletes improve their shooting skills, allowing them to compete closely with Norway in rapid-fire disciplines.
- Team Dynamics: Velepec has focused on improving team dynamics and cohesion, fostering a more positive and supportive team environment.
- Adaptability: The new strategy has emphasized adaptability, helping the team navigate different weather conditions and course layouts more effectively.
- Youth Development: Velepc has also placed a strong emphasis on developing young talent within the team, aiming to create a sustainable competitive edge for Germany in the future.
