Water polo duel: Kirchheim fights, but loses to Cannstatt!

Water polo duel: Kirchheim fights, but loses to Cannstatt!

Last Wednesday evening, VfL Kirchheim met the leaders of the water polo association league, SV Cannstatt III, in their outdoor pool. Despite all efforts, Kirchheim ultimately had to admit defeat 4:12. The difference between the two teams was particularly noticeable in the experience and penetration of their attacks.

The game started slowly for the young VfL Kirchheim team. SV Cannstatt III, equipped with an experienced team, was already ahead 4-1 at halftime. Only Oliver Eckert was able to get on the top scorer list for Kirchheim. In the third quarter, Cannstatt significantly increased the lead to 9:1 with another five goals. However, Kirchheim showed morale and scored three goals in the final period, scored by Alexander Gonser, Tim Eckert and Lukas Deuschle, so that the end result was at least a little more bearable. Coach Peter Funke praised his team's fighting spirit and regretted the lack of assertiveness in attack.

Outlook for the next games

Things continue for VfL Kirchheim on Saturday when the team meets SGW Leimen/Mannheim II in their next home game. The players will try to learn from their experiences and present themselves better.

At the same time, SV Cannstatt is facing an exciting challenge with another team. The club was able to prevail in the play-off final of the water polo Bundesliga and defeated the Uerdingen team in two exciting games in a five-meter shootout. Marko Zemun was his team's top scorer in the decisive game with three goals, while coach Djordje Milojkovic described the high emotional pressure the games brought and that the weekend had cost him "two years of his life". Despite the nervousness, the coach was ultimately happy about the success and the opportunity to be promoted to the first division, which is a great motivation.

Sports psychology in competitive sports

Given the challenges that the players face at both Kirchheim and Cannstatt, sports psychological support is playing an increasingly important role. This is based on current scientific findings and aims to sustainably optimize talent development as well as the quality of training and competition. Offers include, among other things, basic psychological and skills training in groups, but also individual collaboration with athletes and trainers. A continuous exchange between research and sports practice promotes the long-term development of athletes and players.

The committed work in the field of applied sports psychology is located in the “magic triangle” of sports science, psychology and sports practice and aims to offer those involved in sports practice solid support through psychological expertise. This becomes particularly important when pressure situations such as in play-offs or decisive games affect the athletes.

Overall, the water polo evening was an interesting mix of exciting encounters and educational experiences for those involved. Both VfL Kirchheim and SV Cannstatt are ready to face the challenges ahead and learn from their experiences.