Watch: Elite unit preparatory course
(Video) Training on dunes near Netanya, young men acquire self-confidence, discipline and fitness endurance before their upcoming IDF draft
Training on the dunes helps these teenagers acquire self-confidence, discipline and fitness endurance. It also helps them form friendships.
Setting bar very high
"They guys who come here are guys that have set the bar very high for themselves beforehand," says Nir Cohen, chief trainer at Excellent Training. "Guys who are willing to dedicate three and sometimes four days a week, two whole hours each time, to bring their body to do things that are not in their comfort zone."
Learning to deal with difficulties
Training to be drafted to elite units in the IDF is not just physical. It also includes training for the psyche and for the mind.
"There are leadership exercises that are meant to develop skills – how to arrange the group, how to delegate to other people," Cohen explains. "These are things they will encounter in their military meet-ups, and so we are trying to have them face them here first.
"I also have them listen to lectures by top military men who speak to them about mentally preparing before the difficulties they will encounter during their military basic training."
"These are difficult training sessions for lengthy periods, and we each need to cope and know that even if it's tough, you can't just stop," Bar-Zeev adds.
Why are there no girls in the team-building meet-ups?
"The simulation day for the team-building meet-ups focuses on meet-ups of the IDF's elite units, which according to the army's policy, are restricted to men only. Girls train in the group and we encourage their integration in the groups and the annual activity.
"From my experience, the contribution of our activity for girls is much bigger, relatively, than the contribution to boys. Girls who train regularly acquire self-confidence and an improved self-image, as well as better physical skills."
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