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📸 yellowballcultI just made something public that was previously only for FRESH participants: <h2>The “Roundnet Coaching at FRESH” playlist</h2>These are short coaching clips with clear tips you can use in training. Not highlights. Real technique.A great example is “Defense Body Block - Nelson Explanation.” Nelson Dziruni, one of the top defenders and a European Champion, explains a simple idea: you can use your body to close space and guide the ball upward.<h2>What the video teaches</h2> Nelson shows how to body block with purpose, not by accident. The key points are:Distance to the net - not too close, not too far Defensive angle - position your body to cover the most important space Start low, then rise with the hit - so the ball pops up and you can move for the next touch Arm position - use your arms to close space without losing quick side movement<h2>Why this playlist exists</h2> At FRESH we learn by sharing small, practical details like this. The playlist brings that coaching to everyone, even if you cannot come to Mallorca.<h3>How to use it in your training</h3> Keep it simple:Watch 1 video Choose 1 or 2 tips Try them in your next training Pay attention: do you get more defensive touches and cleaner second touches?Here’s the playlist:&nbsp; (you can also add subtitles in any language, click on "CC")<figure id="figure-ksxlcm8sacmjfqlmmd" class=""><iframe id="ksxlcm8sacmjfqlmmd" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZDwa0tW_Q5Y" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDwa0tW_Q5Y&amp;list=PLq82btWqiU5ZdPHGgLMhogaJVe85wQFCF" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZDwa0tW_Q5Y" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>More videos are coming.&nbsp;if you want to be part of the 5th Fresh, <a data-mce-href="https://fwango.io/fresh26" href="https://fwango.io/fresh26">sign up here</a>.

Roundnet Coaching at FRESH - Nelson explains the Defense Body Block

Back in 2022, there wasn’t really a European roundnet scene. No clear calendar. No big shared culture. Just clusters. Munich doing its thing, Vienna doing its thing, pockets in France, Spain, UK, Benelux. There were tournaments, sometimes even international, but it was scattered. You’d meet people for a weekend, take a photo, then everyone vanished back into their own bubble.And that’s exactly why FRESH 22 happened.The idea was stupidly simple: stop meeting for one day and start living roundnet together for a week. Not a tournament. Not “let’s play five games and go home.” A real bubble. A place where people could train, hang out, learn, and actually build friendships across countries. Mallorca made sense. Quick flights for most. Warm enough. Cheap enough. And the dates lined up with German school holidays, which mattered because I was teaching full-time. So I just booked a villa. €2,000 out of pocket. No sponsors. No guarantees. No fancy systems.Then messages started coming in from outside the usual Future Roundnet circle. France. UK. “Can I come?” That’s when it stopped being “a team week” and became something bigger.<figure id="figure-adx1eqncdqmjbgnbvj" class=""><img id="adx1eqncdqmjbgnbvj" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3bqybfUIVqFvsWmpbX6IG3C9ytAxeUYcneg9AKKIp3HBf47BN99CK4rER2gPTgGB.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="📸two_swedes" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3bqybfUIVqFvsWmpbX6IG3C9ytAxeUYcneg9AKKIp3HBf47BN99CK4rER2gPTgGB.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 50%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">📸two_swedes</figcaption></figure>And here’s the part most people still underestimate: I spent around two months convincing Buddy Hammond to fly in from Los Angeles. Buddy was the best defender in the world, one of the best players on the planet. Then Skyler Boles, an absolute roundnet legend, came too - from California. Both on their own costs. No appearance fees. They came because they believed the idea was worth it. And we learned an insane amount from just having them around.<figure id="figure-17ind1f0fgmjbgt55n"><img id="17ind1f0fgmjbgt55n" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22iAmmztu3NX5tQwmIJ5J0r1iyTtLFfLo7FghRylaN9H3b4SDgDWM4yhkbgHjwtx.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="📸two_swedes, a happy group" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22iAmmztu3NX5tQwmIJ5J0r1iyTtLFfLo7FghRylaN9H3b4SDgDWM4yhkbgHjwtx.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">📸two_swedes, a happy group</figcaption></figure>We built the week so more people could join. In the end, we were around 40 to 50 people spread across villas in the area, basically a little roundnet village. We’d walk 30 minutes to the fields, then play from sunrise till sunset. Training, pickup, chaos, laughs, sweating, food runs, late-night talks, and that feeling like you’re part of something that doesn’t exist back home yet.FRESH 22 was the moment those European “islands” started connecting. And it was awesome. For the full story, watch/listen to this video.<figure id="figure-2qdzftam2cmjbgll45"><iframe id="2qdzftam2cmjbgll45" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lOyixKEHjdE" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOyixKEHjdE" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lOyixKEHjdE" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>If you want to experience what FRESH has evolved into - FRESH 26 is the 5th edition, and it’s the biggest step forward so far. Same DNA: train hard, play all day, meet the people you normally only see once a year.New level: better setup, smoother logistics, more structure, more freedom.If you’ve ever thought “one day I’ll do FRESH” - this is the year.Details and spots are <a data-mce-href="https://futureroundnet.com/fresh-26-2" href="https://futureroundnet.com/fresh-26-2">on the website.</a>

FRESH 22 - How a “Villa Idea” Turned Into a Movement

📸 yellowballcult<h3>The lobby is loud in the best way.</h3>People are hugging like they’ve known each other for years, even though half of them just met. Someone is already barefoot. Someone is balancing a bag, a coffee, and a grin. Two guys are debating balls like it’s a UN summit, Premier Spike or Spikeball?. There’s laughter, sunburn, and that first-day energy where everyone can feel the week is going to be legendary.Behind the scenes, it’s a different movie.A couple arrives and says, “We’re in 214.” The key doesn’t work.Then it stacks fast. People check in with the wrong roommates. Someone quietly extended their stay. Someone shortened it. Two people swapped rooms without telling anyone. Someone is suddenly next to the elevator and wants out. Someone is already here and wants to play right now, but also asks: <h3>“Where’s the equipment? Where are the balls? Can I take one? I’ll bring it back, promise.”</h3>And while all of that is happening, the team is not sitting in a beach chair. The team is hauling 30+ nets out of a storage facility, moving gear, setting up training fields, and trying to keep the flow clean so nobody’s first day turns into chaos. The team goes into quiet mode. No drama. No panic. Just fixing. One person is on rooming lists and numbers. Another is at reception, translating, smiling, negotiating. Someone is running upstairs to solve the next “small” problem before it becomes a big one. And in the background, messages keep coming: “Where do we meet?”, “Can I add breakfast?”, “I’m here but I don’t see anyone”, “My flight is delayed”, “Can I switch roommates?”Meanwhile, the players are doing exactly what they came for.They’re chatting. They’re laughing. They’re meeting new people. They’re warming up. They’re taking photos. And an hour later, they walk onto the turf and it’s simple: the fields are rented all week, just for us. No fighting for space. No random bookings. No “sorry guys, someone else is coming.” Just roundnet, all day.And that’s the whole point.The best events feel effortless - not because they are effortless, but because someone is carrying the weight so everyone else can just show up and enjoy it.<h3>Honestly?</h3>We wish FRESH were just a hotel booking.If you want to be part of 5th edition of FRESH, <a data-mce-href="https://futureroundnet.com/fresh-26-2" href="https://futureroundnet.com/fresh-26-2" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">check out this page.</a>

Welcome to FRESH: Where the Holiday Begins for You

<h2>The New World Order&nbsp;</h2>The field echoes with the chant, 'This is Europe! This is Europe!' as European teams claim three individual world roundnet titles.Einsenträger/Siemer 🇩🇪 in men’s!Kadlec/Leybourne 🇦🇹 in women’s!Kunzelmann/Ramon 🇨🇭in mixed!Words fail me. The pride I feel as a European right now is a tidal wave that washes over me. It's a shared emotion, a collective triumph for all of us.What's more, European women took also second place (Stadler J./Stadler F. 🇩🇪) and third (Alt/Paysan 🇫🇷) as well as half of fourth (Washburn played for team USA with Allen but she is half American, half Danish and lives in Denmark!)European women's teams dominated the competition, claiming second and third place with Stadler J./Stadler F. 🇩🇪 and Alt/Paysan 🇫🇷, respectively.And while Washburn played for Team USA with Allen, she's half American, half Danish, and lives in Denmark, making it a European victory in disguise.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-uvf0vx3mwem0hg27hx" class=""><img id="uvf0vx3mwem0hg27hx" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/euQDU6OIoVDefUtPhyVSymKzzl6pLLU29B76bjGpPvFfr68s5I7YobarqxXYpwq1.jpg" alt="roundnet match" title="roundnet match" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="From left: Eisenträger, Kadlec, Siemer, Leybourne, Ramon and Kunzelmann 📸 roundnet.sports.photography" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/euQDU6OIoVDefUtPhyVSymKzzl6pLLU29B76bjGpPvFfr68s5I7YobarqxXYpwq1.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">From left: Eisenträger, Kadlec, Siemer, Leybourne, Ramon and Kunzelmann 📸 roundnet.sports.photography</figcaption></figure>Europe has conquered the world of roundnet! We've dethroned the United States, the traditional powerhouse. Even the most optimistic fans couldn't have imagined such an amazing performance. While I believed we could win the women's division, a clean sweep of all three individual titles was beyond my wildest dreams.I'm still shaking, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of this achievement. Can you imagine the emotions the players must be feeling? I can't, and I won't pretend to. But let's explore why this victory is so personal and emotional for me.It took me over three hours to write down my thoughts and the article is not ready yet... it is 2:24 am... I will publish it later. In the meantime, since squad brackets start in a couple of hours, I only have one message for my fellow Europeans!In the words of the late Kobe Bryant:<figure id="figure-yili9kn8ujm0hgce0n" class=""><img id="yili9kn8ujm0hgce0n" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24aKdTUUEacnSCxYcsxnfTakWdomDx8ZbqeUCRSMAh2j4gr6xmWZC86qCPMmHQl0.png" alt="two woman sitting by the window laughing" title="two woman sitting by the window laughing" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Squad bracket starts Saturday, August 31!" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24aKdTUUEacnSCxYcsxnfTakWdomDx8ZbqeUCRSMAh2j4gr6xmWZC86qCPMmHQl0.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Squad bracket starts Saturday, August 31!</figcaption></figure>Watch on <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCloOPkaQY_Wo0016hhe1Uhg" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCloOPkaQY_Wo0016hhe1Uhg">Spikeball YouTube Channel</a>, coverage starts between 10:30 - 11:30 am with Round of 16. Follow the scores <a data-mce-href="https://fwango.io/irf-worlds-2024/l39q77N52VE3nc4ZKoPO?div=e6ueyC9Exw8qGQWzpx9X" href="https://fwango.io/irf-worlds-2024/l39q77N52VE3nc4ZKoPO?div=e6ueyC9Exw8qGQWzpx9X">here</a>.

Europe Triumphs at the Roundnet World Championship

📸 roundnet.sports.photography and 📸 SpikeballWant to get up to speed on the World Championship? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Just read our previews for <a data-mce-href="https://futureroundnet.org/blog/men-s-worlds--preview---who-can-defeat-the------all-stars" href="https://futureroundnet.org/blog/men-s-worlds--preview---who-can-defeat-the------all-stars">men's</a>, <a data-mce-href="https://futureroundnet.org/blog/who-can-stop-the-twinz--women-s-individual-preview" href="https://futureroundnet.org/blog/who-can-stop-the-twinz--women-s-individual-preview">women's</a> and <a data-mce-href="https://futureroundnet.org/blog/mixed-worlds-preview---who-will-secure-the-fourth-place" href="https://futureroundnet.org/blog/mixed-worlds-preview---who-will-secure-the-fourth-place">mixed</a>!<h3>German Roundnet Teams Dominate Early Rounds of World Championship</h3>The German roundnet teams have made a strong start at the World Championship, with all four men's teams finishing in the top 24 and all four women's teams placing in the top 16. Additionally, both mixed teams have advanced to the top 8.This impressive performance underscores the depth and talent of the German roundnet scene. The teams' consistent success at the highest level is a testament to their dedication, skill, and strategic prowess.While the individual teams have achieved remarkable results so far (semifinals and finals will be played on Friday afternoon, August 29), the German national teams are now focused on the squad competition, which begins on Friday. The squad competition will be a crucial test of the teams' teamwork and ability to perform under pressure.<h3>Day 1 Recap: A Roundnet Rollercoaster</h3>The opening day of the Roundnet World Championship was a whirlwind of upsets, comebacks, and jaw-dropping plays. It's like watching a high-stakes poker game, where every serve is a calculated gamble and every dig is a desperate bluff.<h3>Mixed: A Wild Card</h3>The mixed division was a chaotic cauldron of talent. The favorites, Pierson/Rose 🇺🇸 and Kunzelmann/Felix 🇨🇭, cruised through their matches like a pair of seasoned pros. Vallée/Prince 🇨🇦 narrowly escaped a gritty battle against Haas/Kanis 🇩🇪, winning in a nail-biting 21-19 thriller - watch the last point <a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_Q-RxQux0s/" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_Q-RxQux0s/">here! Unbelievable</a> - you need Instagram for it.On the other side of the bracket, Riedelsheimer/Schirop 🇩🇪 upset Fonseca/Brown 🇨🇦 in a three-set thriller. It's a David-and-Goliath matchup that has set the stage for a potential upset in the semifinals.<h3>Women's: A Battle of Titans</h3>Four teams, four nations...The women's division is shaping up to be a heavyweight bout. The Austrian team of Leybourne/Kadlec, known as "Tiramisu," will face the American duo of Allen/Washburn. Allen/Washburn's quarterfinal victory over the Twinz has boosted her confidence and positioned her team as a strong contender. It's a clash of styles, with the Austrians' precision against the Americans' raw power.The other semifinal pits the German sisters, Franziska and Julia Stadler, against the French highflyers, Alt/Paysan. Both teams have shown incredible hustle, defense, and offensive firepower. It's a matchup that promises to be a highlight of the tournament.<h3>Men's: The Favorites Emerge&nbsp;</h3>In the men's division, the top-seeded teams have largely dominated. The American "Dream Team" has shown its dominance, with established teams like "Rogue" and "Kingdom Come" easily advancing to the later rounds.<h3>Nightmare Quarterfinal for Team USA</h3>Eisenträger/Siemer, the dynamic duo from Frankfurt and Cologne, continued their reign of dominance. Despite narrowly escaping their group stage matches, they unleashed a fury upon the American powerhouse, Rogue, in the quarterfinals. It was a clinic in precision and power, leaving the American fans stunned and speechless. The 21-10, 21:15 victory was a testament to their skill and experience, a stark reminder that even the favorites can be humbled.<figure id="figure-9h7rbvzv44m0ful5e9"><img id="9h7rbvzv44m0ful5e9" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/8I0KNVgskufMTje9SmmFZgGC25HBV7r0aKlk1VcsKxTfay4h6NS90lqytoCuIezT.jpg" alt="person holding compass selective focus photography" title="person holding compass selective focus photography" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="P. Siemer celebrating a point with his teammate, L. Eisenträger 🇩🇪 Can they become world champions? 📸 roundnet.sports.photography 📸 Spikeball" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/8I0KNVgskufMTje9SmmFZgGC25HBV7r0aKlk1VcsKxTfay4h6NS90lqytoCuIezT.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">P. Siemer celebrating a point with his teammate, L. Eisenträger 🇩🇪 Can they become world champions? 📸 roundnet.sports.photography 📸 Spikeball</figcaption></figure>Moreover, the Canadian duo, Dean/Mathieu, have earned their spot in the semifinals after a hard-fought victory over Picone/Nelson. Their previous matchup against Eisenträger/Siemer was a nail-biter, with the Germans narrowly edging out the Canadians. While Dean/Mathieu are the favorites, the unpredictable nature of the tournament means that anything is possible.The second Canadian team of Bosak/Cote has made a strong showing, defeating several top-ranked opponents, including Cole/Klapwijk (“Kingdom Come 🇺🇸”). After dropping game one, Bosak/Cote stepped up their game and cruised to rather dominant victory 21:14 and 21:11. Their challengers are Bondi/Fincchi, the last remaining American team in the individual competition.&nbsp;Overall, the first day of the Roundnet World Championship has been a rollercoaster ride of excitement and drama. With the semifinals and finals still to come, there's plenty more to look forward to.All individual matches will be streamed on Friday afternoon, August 29 on <a data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/@Spikeball" href="https://www.youtube.com/@Spikeball">Spikeball´s YouTube</a> channel.<h3>Program</h3>The squad competition, which is the main focus of the world championship, starts on Friday morning, August 29 with the first rounds of pool play. Again, follow on <a href="https://fwango.io/irf-worlds-2024" data-mce-href="https://fwango.io/irf-worlds-2024">Fwango</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Spikeball" data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/@Spikeball">Spikeball´s YouTube</a>.&nbsp; <figure id="figure-oetgt9m8iqm0fv4dc2"><img id="oetgt9m8iqm0fv4dc2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/17lVRyCigwZUIbxVmHvkSmOp9bvCH1nidqwMbFEG1dQ8d7YStzsmrkqeVLZkA0UI.jpg" alt="woman placing sticky notes on wall" title="woman placing sticky notes on wall" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/17lVRyCigwZUIbxVmHvkSmOp9bvCH1nidqwMbFEG1dQ8d7YStzsmrkqeVLZkA0UI.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure>Do you want to be the first one to learn about new articles, and special offers (coaching or events) and interact more with us, Future Roundnet? Sign up for our free newsletter here and don't miss another set😉.We recently developed our own Roundnet Coaching App - you can download it for free in the App Store or Google Play Store.

Recap of Day 1 - Roundnet Worlds!

<figure id="figure-2mp1pd1c8om0dsp0c0"><img id="2mp1pd1c8om0dsp0c0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13NMAdpt18MEN4xjyZGEi8TWAwF9gH9eLrrMo8uh3CZCMgQajK5EmD59V38Zo3Ck.png" alt="two men talking" title="two men talking" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="Who could beat them?" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13NMAdpt18MEN4xjyZGEi8TWAwF9gH9eLrrMo8uh3CZCMgQajK5EmD59V38Zo3Ck.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Who could beat them?</figcaption></figure><h3>Women’s Individual Preview: Roundnet World Championship</h3>The anticipation is palpable as 66 elite athletes from 28 countries converge for the Women’s Individual Roundnet World Championship. This year’s competition promises a thrilling display of skill and strategy, with a level of parity that sets it apart from the men’s division. European women have consistently demonstrated their prowess, challenging the dominance of North American teams. Notable performances include Kunzelmann’s two second-place finishes in the women’s pro division at the Spikeball Tour Series (STS) Championships, Stadler and Gulden’s third place in 2023, and Tiramisu’s fourth place in 2024. With German and Austrian squads finishing second and third respectively at the last worlds, the title is truly up for grabs.<h3>The Mystical Twinz: Ali &amp; Olivia Jenki</h3>For the first time on European soil, roundnet enthusiasts will witness the legendary Twinz, Ali and Olivia Jenki from the US. Absent from the 2022 worlds, the Twinz are on a mission to cement their legacy as the most dominant women’s team in roundnet history. Having won the last three STS Championships and losing only once at a major event (to Pierson and Kunzelmann in Salt Lake City, 2023), the world titles are the only accolades missing from their impressive trophy cabinet. With impeccable fundamentals, exceptional serve receive skills honed against the world’s best servers, and a wealth of experience, they are poised to reign supreme in England.<figure id="figure-ly0vx71nem0dsqiy2"><img id="ly0vx71nem0dsqiy2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dSHeSNXmJA1yRVUTSVHxDwvu6qCdaCbKDiB2ipko098EdnKOgJoqO7T37ewqsnG.jpg" alt="twins and athletic young man" title="twins and athletic young man" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="The right Twinz posing with me in Dallas, TX, Olivia &amp; Ali or Ali &amp; Olivia? Do you know? " data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dSHeSNXmJA1yRVUTSVHxDwvu6qCdaCbKDiB2ipko098EdnKOgJoqO7T37ewqsnG.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">The right Twinz posing with me in Dallas, TX, Olivia &amp; Ali or Ali &amp; Olivia? Do you know?</figcaption></figure><h3>The Challengers</h3>The closest any European team has come to defeating the Twinz was “Towerful” in last year’s STS Championship final, where Kunzelmann 🇨🇭 and Lorenz 🇩🇪 narrowly lost both sets in extras. Despite Kunzelmann competing in mixed, the Twinz will face a formidable challenge from many other teams.Tiramisu: After missing the last World Championship due to a best friend’s wedding, Daniela Kadlec, the newly crowned Dodgeball World Champion and MVP with Austria, is eyeing another world title in roundnet. Her partner, M. Leybourne, led Austria’s women’s squad to a sensational third place in 2022 without Kadlec. Known as “Tiramisu,” Leybourne and Kadlec aim to redeem themselves after a fourth-place finish at the 2023 STS Championship and a disappointing European campaign at the ETS Vienna Championship, where they had to forfeit their quarterfinal match due to Kadlec’s injury.<figure id="figure-bkv508urom0dsv6fe"><img id="bkv508urom0dsv6fe" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/cvMgmwdBzX8zyGl14AkIobvwGzwqVHkC4pLCMAtMWsmBAQZzM3QBl8151KHfMKkQ.jpg" alt="right arrow sign on wall" title="right arrow sign on wall" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 30%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="deeply focused Leybourne 🇦🇹 at last worlds 📸two_swedes" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="30%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/cvMgmwdBzX8zyGl14AkIobvwGzwqVHkC4pLCMAtMWsmBAQZzM3QBl8151KHfMKkQ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 30%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">deeply focused Leybourne 🇦🇹 at last worlds 📸two_swedes</figcaption></figure>Pernigo/Zanella: When one team struggles, another flourishes. This was the case for Pernigo and Zanella at the ETS Vienna, where they surprised many, including themselves, with a sensational second-place finish, only losing to the super duo of Kunzelmann and Paysan. Can the Italian women make another deep run on Thursday?Fleming/Morgan: Don’t be fooled by a name change! Formerly known as “THUS Parabatai,” Fleming and Morgan, both recently married (maiden names Wu &amp; Miramonsten), are seeded second overall. As former STS Championship finalists and one of the best US women’s teams, they are determined to finally beat the Twinz and claim the world title.Puces &amp; Dives: After a year of “silence,” the agile French duo of Alt and Paysan will reunite, seeded fourth overall. Despite playing the regular club season with different partners, their chemistry from years of playing together remains intact. Paysan’s growth alongside Kunzelmann throughout the season could be crucial if the French team aims for a top-four finish.Aspirot/Tardy 🇨🇦 is another team that can shuffle the final standings, as well as the newly formed team of Allen/Washburn 🇺🇸. Washburn, a dual citizen of the US and Denmark, played for the Danes at the last worlds. However, her stellar performances this year in Europe and the US (with Team Chitty Bang alongside Lorenz 🇩🇪) did not go unnoticed, earning her a spot on Team USA. While her departure brought some tears to the Danes, the entire Danish team supported Washburn’s decision. As the saying goes, “If you really love them, you let them go.” 😊<h3>The German Wave is Coming</h3>All four German women’s teams boast incredible qualities and experience. The top-seeded team is a slight mash-up of Lorenz/Knauf, both regarded as the best individual German women at the moment (hot take 🔥?). Next, we have the three-time European roundnet champion, J. Stadler, fulfilling her dream of playing alongside her sister at worlds (Franzi was injured in 2022). Their hustle, crisp setting, and stellar defense are among their biggest strengths.<figure id="figure-lptdbz87oqm0dsyefk"><img id="lptdbz87oqm0dsyefk" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dAF6m2ZUhnYNEqID1cHb2KfODGPYo9lcu4utl6FuXzGngZoAkWjqPNwCwWMQ1sA.jpg" alt="two person kayaking on open body of water" title="two person kayaking on open body of water" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="More epic battles between Germany and US women are incoming! 📸two_swedes" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dAF6m2ZUhnYNEqID1cHb2KfODGPYo9lcu4utl6FuXzGngZoAkWjqPNwCwWMQ1sA.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">More epic battles between Germany and US women are incoming! 📸two_swedes</figcaption></figure>Moreover, Bauer/Walter have been grinding intensively for over a year, securing some tournament wins in 2024. They remain relatively unknown on the big scene due to their lack of travel, which could work to their advantage. Lastly, the new team of experienced Gulden with the incredible Pfund will trouble almost any team. It wouldn’t be surprising to see all four German teams in the top 16.<h3>Teams to Keep an Eye On</h3>While teams from outside Europe may not be title contenders, there is a lot of excitement surrounding their different playing styles. How will the Colombian women fare against the Japanese or the Polish against Hong Kong?However, one can never write off the Latin American champions Ripoll/Mussiett from Chile. With Bastos 🇧🇷 and Moreno-Medina 🇨🇱 competing in mixed, the second biggest hope lies with the three-time Brazilian national champions, Pereira/Barreto. Can the athletic Brazilian duo dance their way to a great result on Thursday?The stage is set for an electrifying competition, with each team bringing their unique strengths and stories to the forefront. Who will rise to the occasion and etch their names in roundnet history? The world is watching and so can you - on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCloOPkaQY_Wo0016hhe1Uhg" data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCloOPkaQY_Wo0016hhe1Uhg">Spikeball YouTube</a> channel this Thursday, August 29th! Follow the scores <a href="https://fwango.io/irf-worlds-2024/uD1gphIXkSyMWX0veEp2?div=iAajvDHOhg7UQWksb2zs" data-mce-href="https://fwango.io/irf-worlds-2024/uD1gphIXkSyMWX0veEp2?div=iAajvDHOhg7UQWksb2zs">here</a>. <figure id="figure-6yumr1isbgm0dt3rrk"><img id="6yumr1isbgm0dt3rrk" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/dXLB4ekO9Pr0BkpFJAzChjVmSl3Skt31D7ISCEYOmaBTOcub084zkMT9bqUmAQs1.jpg" alt="Training, employee and woman in small business with logistics, checklist or planning a schedule in office. Working, strategy and people check inventory, paperwork or reading rules of workplace" title="Training, employee and woman in small business with logistics, checklist or planning a schedule in office. Working, strategy and people check inventory, paperwork or reading rules of workplace" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="Washburn 🇺🇸 🇩🇰 demonstrating setting form. Get it now!" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Washburn 🇺🇸 🇩🇰 demonstrating setting form. Get it now!</figcaption></figure>-------Do you want to be the first one to learn about new articles, and special offers (coaching or events) and interact more with us, Future Roundnet? 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