Bernhard Kempa (19 November 1920 – 20 July 2017) was a prominent figure in German handball, celebrated both for his accomplishments on the field and his influence as a coach. Born in Opole, Upper Silesia, he rose to international recognition as a member of the German national side that won world titles in field handball in the early 1950s. Over a long career he became known not only for team success but also for a distinctive attacking technique that bears his name.
Playing style and contributions
Kempa combined strong technical skill with inventive tactics. He played during a transitional era when field handball (played outdoors with larger teams) and indoor handball (the modern 7-a-side game) overlapped. Teammates and opponents remembered him for precise passing, clever positioning and an ability to finish under pressure. His name endures in the sport because of the "Kempa" move: an aerial assist followed by an immediate finish, which emphasises timing between passer and scorer and has been widely adopted in modern handball coaching and training.
Club career and coaching achievements
Kempa spent most of his club career associated with the Göppingen handball organisation, later known widely as Frisch Auf Göppingen. As a player he collected national honours and continued his success after turning to coaching. His teams dominated German indoor handball across several seasons and also achieved success at European level.
- World champion with the German national team (field handball): 1952 and 1955.
- Domestic titles as a player: national championships with Göppingen in both field and indoor competitions during the 1950s.
- As coach of Göppingen, led the club to multiple indoor championships (late 1950s and 1960s) and to European club success, including the European Cup in 1960.
Legacy and recognition
Kempa is frequently cited in histories of handball as one of the sport's formative figures in postwar Germany. The "Kempa" move remains a staple in coaching manuals and youth development programmes, used to teach coordination, timing and team cooperation. In recognition of his long-standing impact on German sport, Kempa was inducted into Germany's Sports Hall of Fame in 2011, an honour reflecting both his playing record and his contributions as a coach and innovator.
Later life and death
After retiring from competition and top-level coaching, Kempa remained a respected elder statesman within the handball community, often consulted on tactical matters and remembered at club events. He died in Bad Boll on 20 July 2017 at the age of 96 from complications related to Parkinson's disease. His death prompted tributes that emphasised his creative influence on the sport and the lasting popularity of the skill move that carries his name.