18.11.2025 / English
NLZ training: How to make the game-deciding first contact?
The ball lands right at the feet of a young player. A quick glance, a swift touch – and it's already decided whether the play succeeds or falters. This crucial first touch was precisely the focus of the coaching training course at the Darmstadt youth academy (NLZ), which has now taken place for the fourth time.
The training session began with a scene from Darmstadt’s competitive match against Dresden. This scene was used to analyse how Killian Corredor and Fraser Hornby utilised their first touch to score. Following this, Michael Fischer, Sporting Director for the U10 to U14 age groups, and Luca Fischer, U11 coach, led the participants through the evening’s theoretical and practical content.
Our aim as a professional club in this region is to provide coaches with tools they can use in their respective areas. We try to support clubs in the region by giving them ideas and showing them where to focus their efforts.
The game-deciding first contact
The training course further emphasised the key aspects of the first ball contact: reception, control, and the immediate follow-up action that continues the play. The coaches received valuable information and methods to help their players execute technically sound moves in these crucial moments.
Training tools
Following the presentation, the coaches received a selection of practical exercises and games that they could use specifically in their own training sessions. The exercises were designed to cover both technical and coordinative elements and could be flexibly adapted to different age groups and performance levels. This provided the coaches with concrete tools to make their training sessions even more effective and to optimally prepare their players.
Passing on knowledge, fostering young talent
The SV 98 youth academy plans to continue offering regular training courses for club coaches. The aim remains to share knowledge and thus sustainably promote the development of young footballers in the region.
Defeat with Heart
Darmstadt 98 lost to Hannover 96 while playing with ten men and must continue to wait for their first win of this second division season. Read our analysis to find out what positives remain and why Darmstadt 98 had factored in setbacks on their chosen path.
Jonathan-Heimes-Platz officially opened
Around the time of the home game against Hannover 96 on Sunday (August 30th), the Jonathan Heimes Square was officially inaugurated. Before kickoff, club president Markus Pfitzner and Martin Heimes, father of Jonathan Heimes, who died of cancer about ten years ago, gave speeches highlighting "Johnny's" importance and his commitment to people with cancer.
Running together to do good: “Run for ME/CFS”
The Lilien Team Marathon is not just about athletic performance and the shared experience around the Böllenfalltor stadium – but also about making a difference together.
Still undefeated
The SV Darmstadt 98 U21 team drew 2-2 (0-1) against SV Unter-Flockenbach. After a heated home game, the young Lilies had to settle for a frustrating, but ultimately deserved, draw. In this extremely balanced league, Patrick Kurt's team continues to grow week by week, gaining valuable experience.
“Our belief in this path is immense.”
An emotional match with many controversial moments unfolded on Sunday afternoon at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Ultimately, Darmstadt suffered their first home defeat of the young season. We've compiled the post-match reactions for you.
Outnumbered: Lilies Lose to 96ers
Tried everything, but to no avail: SV 98 came up short in their home game against Hannover 96. The final score was 1-0 (0-0) to the visitors, whilst the Lilies had to play with ten men after Vukotic was sent off in the 20th minute.
Team News: Three Changes in the Starting XI
Home game against Hannover! On matchday 3, Darmstadt 98 will host the ambitious Lower Saxons at the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. Florian Kohfeldt has made three changes to his starting lineup compared to the victory in Jena. Hiroki Akiyama replaces the suspended Kai Klefisch, while Nicolas Verkooijen (making his first start) and Yosuke Furukawa start in place of Carlo Sickinger and Manolo Merx.
Matchday Guide: All Information before the Hannover Game
Weekend, Lilies fever! On Sunday (August 30th/1:30pm), the Lilies have their third matchday on the schedule. Hannover 96, the club from the Lower Saxon capital, will be visiting the Bölle. What do the two head coaches have to say before kickoff? Who will be refereeing the match? And where can you watch the game? As usual, we've compiled all the important information about the match against Hannover in our "Matchday Guide"
Transfer News: Mikelbrencis strengthens SV 98
One day before their home game against Hannover 96, Darmstadt 98 have announced another new signing. William Mikelbrencis will now wear the SV 98 jersey. The 22-year-old Frenchman was under contract with Hamburger SV until June 30th.
“I’d be up for it”
In the press conference before the second home game of the still young season, our head coach spoke about, among other things, our team's attacking play and the past week. As usual, you can find the most important statements before the match against Hannover 96 (August 30th/1:30pm) here for you.
Opposition Check: Hannover 96
A second-division team on the Berlin Mount Olympus: Hannover 96 achieved something unique in 1992. On May 23, the Lower Saxony club defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach in the DFB Cup final, securing another major title in the club's history 38 years after their German championship win in 1954. Hannover became the first and, to this day, only "true" second-division team to win the DFB Cup, causing one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history.
