In the demanding world of elite sports, a coach`s influence can be the difference between participation and podium finishes. Few embody this truth as profoundly as Jetmund Berntsen, the strategic mind steering the world`s top men`s beach volleyball pair, Anders Mol & Christian Sorum, often known as the `Beachvolley Vikings`. His expertise recently propelled the Norwegian men`s national team to victory at the CEV Beachvolley Nations Cup, a testament to a philosophy built on curiosity, connection, and relentless pursuit of excellence. But what truly defines the journey of a coach at this level? It`s far more than just sunny beaches and competitive rallies.
The Evolving Landscape of Beach Volleyball
Berntsen`s journey highlights a significant shift in beach volleyball: the rise of more team-centric competitions like the Nations Cup. He enthusiastically describes these events as “AMAZING TOURNAMENTS,” appreciating the format for allowing more teams to compete on larger stages. This trend, he believes, is crucial for the sport`s growth, fostering inspiration and motivation across a broader spectrum of players. The dream, for Berntsen, is a professional circuit where more players and coaches can truly make a living, elevating beach volleyball to “heaven” in terms of its potential.
The Art of the Duo: More Than Individual Brilliance
When coaching a beach volleyball pair, the balance between individual skill development and fostering synergy is paramount. Berntsen acknowledges both are vital, but for top-level play, the emphasis leans heavily on interaction. “To play at the top level in a team sport, the most important thing is how good you can make your teammates,” he states. This isn`t just about technical prowess; it`s about an undeniable chemistry that must thrive both on and off the sand, especially with no substitutions to break the tension of a difficult match.
The Unseen Chapters of a Coach`s Life
While many envision a beach volleyball coach`s life as a perpetual holiday – jet-setting to exotic locales and basking in the sun – Berntsen offers a candid, and perhaps slightly ironic, reality check. “Everyone I meet says I’m so lucky traveling around the world, enjoying all the nice cities and beaches in the sun,” he muses. “What they don’t know is that we are away from home and family 250 days a year and we are working all the time, even when we’re at home. It’s not a job, it’s a 24/7 life style. And it’s not always sunny on the beach…! But I don’t complain…” It`s a testament to the passion that drives these dedicated professionals, far beyond the glimmer of prize money or Instagram-worthy backdrops.
The Berntsen Blueprint for Success
What`s the secret sauce behind Berntsen`s remarkable achievements? He distills it into several key elements:
- Curiosity and Questioning: A constant desire to learn and challenge assumptions.
- Player Involvement: Empowering athletes by including them in the strategic process.
- Team Building: Cultivating a cohesive unit, not just two players, but an entire support structure.
- Open-mindedness: Adaptability and willingness to explore new approaches.
- A Broader Vision: For Berntsen, working with just two players would be “too boring.” He thrives on creating a dynamic team with multiple players, boys and girls, alongside a dedicated coaching staff. This extends to nurturing young talent at ToppVolley Norge, ensuring a pipeline of future champions.
Family: The Unseen Force
Perhaps most uniquely, Berntsen`s success is deeply intertwined with his family. His collaborative journey with his coaching partner, Kare, began from the project`s inception. Their families are not just supportive; they are actively involved. “With so much family involved, everyone is a part of it, no matter if they want it or not…” he jokes, highlighting a lifestyle where volleyball is the central pillar. His children, Mathias and Frida, are part of the team, as are Kare`s three children, with two more on the horizon, all immersed in the sport. This integrated family dynamic fosters an unparalleled level of commitment and understanding, balancing the demands of elite coaching with domestic harmony – a feat his “amazing wives” manage “in a perfect way!”
The Relentless Pursuit of Victory
At its core, Berntsen’s ultimate teaching goal is clear: “To win games! That’s why we are in sports, to compete and win, isn’t it?” But winning is merely the outcome of a carefully crafted process. He emphasizes the importance of:
- High-Quality Practice: Every session must be well-prepared and executed with maximum effort.
- Situational Awareness: Teaching players to quickly recognize game situations and choose optimal solutions.
- Engagement: A good practice, he insists, must always contain “some fun, some competition, some achievements and something the coach can gain.”
A Self-Made Path to Mastery
Unusually for a coach of his stature, Berntsen doesn`t subscribe to the idea of a single role model. “I don’t have any role models. I just try to be the best I can be,” he asserts. His method involves continuous self-assessment, identifying strengths, and exploring novel ways to improve. He draws inspiration from various coaches across different sports, engaging in discussions and evaluations to refine his own unique approach.
Recharging the Architect of Champions
With a life so intrinsically linked to beach volleyball, finding time to switch off is a challenge. Yet, Berntsen has his strategies: long walks in the woods with his wife, Anette, and their two dogs, enjoying a nice dinner with a glass of red wine, and engaging in his own physical activities. Running intervals or a competitive game of badminton – a sport where he humorously aims to “beat Alexander Horst’s ass” – provide the much-needed energy and mental break. It`s a reminder that even the most dedicated professionals need their moments of personal escape to sustain their demanding lifestyle.
Jetmund Berntsen’s story is a compelling narrative of passion, meticulous strategy, and the profound impact of a coach who sees the bigger picture. His success with the Beachvolley Vikings and the Norwegian national team isn`t just about gold medals; it`s about building a sustainable culture of excellence, fueled by a genuine love for the game and an unwavering commitment to the people within it.
