The Art of Elite Beach Volleyball Coaching: A Deep Dive with Jetmund Berntsen

In the demanding world of elite sports, the role of the coach is often paramount, shaping not just strategy but the very fabric of a team. For Norway`s Jetmund Berntsen, the architect behind the dominance of beach volleyball titans Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, coaching is far more than a profession; it`s an all-encompassing lifestyle woven intricately with family and a relentless drive for improvement.

Berntsen recently shared insights into his coaching philosophy and experiences, shedding light on what it takes to operate at the pinnacle of beach volleyball. His perspective offers a unique glimpse into the complexities and rewards of guiding athletes on the global stage.

Embracing the Evolving Landscape of Competition

The beach volleyball calendar is seeing an increase in team-based competitions like the CEV Beachvolley Nations Cup. Berntsen views this trend positively, provided the events maintain a high level of professionalism. He praises tournaments like the Nations Cup in Vienna, describing it as an “amazing” event that offers valuable exposure to a wider pool of players. This expansion, he believes, is crucial for the sport`s growth, creating more opportunities for players and coaches to pursue beach volleyball as a viable career.

While acknowledging the importance of the traditional world circuit, Berntsen sees these new formats as vital stages for showcasing the sport, potentially elevating its profile and possibilities “up to heaven.”

The Nuance of Coaching a Pair: Skill Meets Synergy

Coaching a beach volleyball pair presents a unique challenge: balancing the development of individual technical prowess with the intricate dynamic between two players. Berntsen emphasizes that both are indispensable, with the specific focus shifting based on the players` level and age. However, he underscores a fundamental principle for success at the highest level: the ability to elevate one`s teammate.

“The chemistry has to be there,” he states. Unlike team sports with substitutions, a beach pair spends an immense amount of time together, both on and off the sand. Their ability to function harmoniously is not merely a bonus but a critical foundation for sustained success. It truly has to *work*.

Beyond the Beach: The Reality of the Coaching Lifestyle

The public often pictures elite beach volleyball coaching as a sun-drenched tour of exotic locales. Berntsen offers a pragmatic, perhaps slightly ironic, correction. While travel is involved, the reality is spending over 250 days a year away from home and family. The work is constant, a “24/7 lifestyle” that continues even when seemingly “off-duty.” And, as he dryly notes, it`s not perpetually sunny on every beach around the world.

He even highlights a lesser-known quirk of the beach volleyball world: coaches might practice with the very opponents they are set to face the following day. Despite the demands and the occasional lack of perpetual sunshine, Berntsen isn`t complaining; it`s simply the reality of the path chosen.

The Pillars of Berntsen`s Success

When asked about the key to his considerable success, Berntsen points to a combination of personal attributes and collaborative practices: curiosity, asking questions, involving players, building a team, and maintaining an open mind. He thrives on daily discussions with players, other coaches, and even involved parents and young athletes.

Working solely with a two-player pair, he admits, would be “too boring.” The energy comes from building a larger team structure involving multiple players (boys and girls) and a dedicated coaching staff. This collaborative environment, coupled with his involvement in nurturing young talent at ToppVolley Norge, makes volleyball and beach volleyball the undisputed center of his life.

Family: The Extended Team

Perhaps the most distinctive element of Berntsen`s coaching world is the deep integration of family. He consistently uses the pronoun “we,” acknowledging the partnership with his long-time colleague Kare Mol and the involvement of their respective children within the volleyball programs, from senior teams down to youth levels. This isn`t just a job; it`s a shared family lifestyle.

With multiple family members playing or involved, everyone, willingly or not, becomes part of the journey. Berntsen humorously points out that even his dog, Kiara, is seemingly involved in high-level volleyball. He credits their “amazing wives” for providing the crucial balance needed to navigate this merged family-sporting existence.

Teaching to Win: Quality Practice is Paramount

At its core, sports is about competition and winning. Berntsen doesn`t shy away from this, stating his main teaching goal is simply “to win games!” However, the path to victory is paved with diligent preparation and execution. He teaches players the fundamental necessity of practicing well, being prepared, and consistently giving their best effort.

Beach volleyball is a sport of dynamic situations. A critical skill taught is the ability to quickly recognize these unfolding scenarios and select the most effective solution. Above all, Berntsen stresses the importance of high-quality practice, which he defines as sessions that incorporate fun, competition, tangible achievements, and opportunities for the coach to learn and adapt alongside the players.

Continuous Growth and Unconventional Recovery

Berntsen doesn`t subscribe to having specific role models. Instead, he focuses on continuous self-improvement, identifying his own strengths and constantly seeking new methods. He observes techniques from the best in various sports, considering how they might be adapted or even improved upon within his own coaching context. Discussion and evaluation with others are key components of this ongoing learning process.

Escaping the “beach bubble” for rest and recovery can be challenging when one`s life and family are so intertwined with the sport. His methods include walks in the woods with his wife and dogs, enjoying a nice dinner with a glass of red wine, and engaging in physical activity himself, such as running intervals or playing his “second best sport,” badminton. He even lightheartedly expresses a competitive desire to challenge and defeat fellow beach volleyball figure, Alexander Horst, on the badminton court – a charming glimpse of the competitive spirit that underlies his success.

Jetmund Berntsen`s journey illustrates that elite coaching is a multifaceted endeavor, requiring technical expertise, strategic vision, profound interpersonal skills, and the ability to integrate the demanding nature of the job with personal life. His approach, grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and a clear focus on effective practice, provides a compelling blueprint for success on the global beach volleyball stage.