In the high-stakes world of elite sports, few roles are as pivotal yet as often misunderstood as that of a coach. For every glorious spike and triumphant block witnessed by millions, there`s a mastermind tirelessly working behind the scenes. Jetmund Berntsen, the celebrated Norwegian coach behind beach volleyball sensations Anders Mol and Christian Sørum – the Olympic, world, and four-time European champions – offers a rare glimpse into this demanding realm. This isn`t just about strategy; it`s a 24/7 lifestyle, a family affair, and a continuous quest for perfection that extends far beyond the sun-drenched sands of the court.
Beyond the Sand: The Coach`s 24/7 Reality
One might envision an elite beach volleyball coach`s life as an endless summer holiday, jet-setting to exotic locations and basking in the glow of victory. Berntsen, with a hint of irony, quickly dispels this romanticized notion. «Everyone I meet says I’m so lucky traveling around the world, enjoying all the nice cities and beaches in the sun,» he muses. The reality? «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…!»
This relentless schedule underscores the profound dedication required. Coaching isn`t a 9-to-5; it`s an immersive commitment. From intricate strategy sessions to physical conditioning, every moment is a chance to refine, analyze, and push the boundaries of performance. It’s a life dictated by tournaments, training camps, and the relentless pursuit of marginal gains, often far from the public eye. Even the unique practice dynamic in beach volleyball, where teams might train alongside their very next opponents, highlights the sport`s intimate yet intensely competitive nature.
The Art of Synergy: Forging Elite Pairs
In a sport defined by pairs, the balance between individual brilliance and cohesive partnership is delicate. Berntsen emphasizes that while individual skills are foundational, the true magic lies in the interaction. «To play at the top level in a team sport, the most important thing is how good you can make your teammates. The chemistry has to be there, because you spent so much time together on and off the court, without substitutions. It has to work!»
This «chemistry» isn`t merely about liking each other; it`s a deep, unspoken understanding forged through countless hours of shared effort, triumphs, and setbacks. It`s about anticipating a partner`s move before they make it, covering their weaknesses, and elevating their strengths. Berntsen`s approach is a testament to the belief that the sum is greater than its parts, and an elite coach`s role is to meticulously craft that synergy.
Cultivating a Winning Mindset: Berntsen`s Teaching Philosophy
When asked about the main thing he tries to teach his players, Berntsen`s answer is refreshingly direct: «To win games! That’s why we are in sports, to compete and win, isn’t it?» Yet, beneath this straightforward goal lies a nuanced pedagogical approach. Winning isn`t achieved through grim determination alone. It`s a blend of focused effort and enjoyment.
His philosophy hinges on the importance of «high-quality practice,» where players are taught to be well-prepared, do their best, and operate with relaxed focus. Beach volleyball, with its dynamic, ever-changing situations, demands rapid decision-making. Berntsen trains his athletes to swiftly «recognize the situations fast and choose the correct solutions.» And for every training session, a simple yet powerful formula applies: «some fun, some competition, some achievements and something the coach can gain.» It’s a holistic view, ensuring growth for everyone involved.
The Family Factor: A Lifestyle Woven with Volleyball
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Berntsen`s success is the deep integration of his family into his professional life. He often speaks in «we,» referring not just to his players but also to his co-coach Kare Mol and their respective families. «When I talk about myself as a coach, I always say ‘we’. Kare and I have been in this project together from the start,» he explains, highlighting a shared vision and collaborative spirit.
This extends to their home lives, where «everyone is a part of it, no matter if they want it or not…» he jests. His own children, Mathias and Frida, are involved, as are Kare`s three sons and two younger children. «Luckily for me, my whole family has the same interest as I do, even my dog Kiara plays some really high-level volleyball,» he adds, showcasing a truly unique, almost familial, team ecosystem. While his wife «thinks it can be too much sometimes,» the shared passion ultimately strengthens their bond, allowing them to travel and grow together.
The Evolving Landscape of Beach Volleyball
The sport itself is in constant evolution, with new team competitions like the Nations Cup gaining traction. Berntsen welcomes this trend, seeing it as an opportunity for growth and increased visibility. «It’s good that more competitions are coming as long as the events are professional,» he states. Such events provide more stages for the sport and inspire more participants. However, he`s quick to point out that continued improvement is necessary to enable more players and coaches to make a sustainable living from beach volleyball.
While national tours are vital for development, Berntsen affirms that «The world circuit will always be our most important stage.» His vision is clear: by working together to enhance the professional circuit, beach volleyball has the potential to ascend «up to heaven, for both players and coaches.»
The Coach`s Own Playbook: Continuous Growth and Recovery
Unlike many, Berntsen doesn`t adhere to a single role model. Instead, he embodies a philosophy of continuous self-improvement and open-mindedness. «I just try to be the best I can be. I know my strengths and always think of new ways to be better,» he says. He gleans insights from coaches across various sports, engaging in discussions and evaluations to refine his own methods.
Even a 24/7 lifestyle requires downtime, though for Berntsen, «It’s not easy to go outside ‘beach bubble’.» His recovery strategies are simple yet effective: long walks with his wife Anette and their two big dogs, a nice dinner with a glass of red wine, and personal physical activity. He stays sharp by running intervals or indulging in his «second best sport,» badminton, with a cheeky ambition to «really like to beat Alexander Horst’s ass…» A competitive spirit, it seems, is a constant companion, both on and off the court.
Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Passion and Partnership
Jetmund Berntsen`s journey reveals that elite beach volleyball coaching is far more than technical instruction. It`s a symphony of strategic acumen, psychological insight, unwavering dedication, and profound personal integration. From fostering unparalleled team chemistry to navigating the demanding realities of professional sport, his approach is a testament to a holistic vision where family, passion, and the pursuit of excellence intertwine. His success with the Beachvolley Vikings and Olympic champions Mol & Sørum is not just a story of wins, but a vivid narrative of what it truly means to live and breathe the sport, crafting champions one meticulously planned, yet joyously executed, practice at a time.