It's great to see that ball hockey is continuing to develop in Switzerland, says Tobias Strahm, head coach of the Swiss U16 national team

In May and June, we will have the final phase of preparation

Tobias, in what stage of preparation is your team currently?
In April, our training was put on hold due to the ongoing playoffs. Earlier this year, we held intensive training sessions that included test matches against Swiss club teams. These matches helped us evaluate the players, and based on the results, we finalized our roster for the World Championship in Hradec Králové. In May and June, we’ll enter the final phase of preparation, which will include a test game against Hostivař.

Last year, your team took part in the Three Nations Tournament. How much progress have you seen since then?
We learned valuable lessons during that tournament. Our primary focus has been on improving our composure with the ball and increasing our intensity. We’ve been making noticeable progress in both areas, and it’s showing on the rink.

Thanks to the Three Nations Tournament, we have players with international experience

Are there any strengths in your team that could surprise the ‘Big Four’ nations?
Yes. Some of our players are already very advanced for their age and have competed at a high level. Unlike past U16 squads, this group includes players who have gained international experience thanks to the Three Nations Tournament in Prague. That’s a key difference and something that gives us an edge.

Could you give us some insight into the current state of youth ball hockey in Switzerland?
It’s really encouraging to see how ball hockey is progressing in Switzerland. In the last two years, several clubs have moved to plastic playing surfaces, and youth development in the larger clubs is becoming increasingly professional. Each year, we’re seeing more junior teams join the ranks, which strengthens the sport’s foundation and raises the level of national youth competitions.
As a national coach, however, I do have one wish: I’d like to see more steps toward professionalizing competitive ball hockey. That’s what will bring Switzerland closer to the top nations on the international stage.

I don't make a successful tournament dependent on results

How much of an inspiration is the Swiss men's bronze medal at the last World Championship for your team?
Most of our players were in the stands for that bronze medal game against the USA and were truly inspired by it. Naturally, we want to follow in the footsteps of those role models and play for medals as well. But we also understand that our starting point is different—the men’s national team has matured over many years, whereas our group is just beginning its journey.

Your U16 team did not participate in last year’s World Championship, and in 2023 finished seventh. What would you consider a success this year?
Unfortunately, Switzerland hasn’t been able to participate in every World Championship, though I hope that changes in the near future. For me, a successful tournament isn’t only about results. What matters most is that we play proactively and stay committed to our style of play—even against the top nations.
Long-term success comes when players take ownership on the rink: when they play with courage, take responsibility, stay on the ball, and create together. If I see a team determined to take their fate into their own hands and fight to win every game, then that’s a successful championship in my eyes.

Head coach Tobias Strahm in Liberec 2023. Photo of: Markéta Křížová.