Coaching Philosophy
"We have to play fast handball — such trends are now in the world. In order to find quick goals in the attack, he has to work hard and actively in the defense. I want us to be extremely aggressive and active in the defense, because then there are opportunities to collect goals in a quick attack, and not just play positionally."
— Gintaras Savukynas, on taking over Lithuania NT (2022), Handball Planet
Core Principles
What I Believe In
Fast Transition Handball
Attack starts in defense. Aggressive defending creates turnovers, turnovers create fast breaks. The goal is to score before the opponent can organize. This demands fitness, discipline, and decision-making speed.
System Over Talent
In Finland, we didn't have the biggest budgets or the most famous players. But we had a system. Every player knew their role, every situation had a plan. That's how a team from Riihimäki — a city of 29,000 — reached the EHF Champions League.
Player Development Path
I don't just prepare players for the current season. I build development pathways — from youth academy to first team to international level. At Cocks, players from 10 different nationalities played together because the system was clear enough for anyone to step in.
Mentality & Team Spirit
Team spirit and motivation won us the Baltic Handball League Final Four after finishing 5th in the group stage. Technical skill matters, but character wins tournaments.
Continuous Professional Growth
Even after 30+ years, I'm still learning. EHF Master Coach. EHF Handball Manager Certificate at Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln. IHF/EHF symposiums. The game evolves, and the coach must evolve with it.
Interested in working together?
I'm currently available for a new head coaching position. Let's discuss how I can help your club build a winning program.