Korfball drills

In short: basic exercise for learning or improving the through ball.

Organization: see below.

First phase: learning the hopscotch

a ) The players line up on one side of the hall. No materials are used. Everyone runs to the other side and jumps up when the coach tells them to.

b ) Same, but now everybody has to check for themselves which leg they are using for the push-off.

c ) Everyone walks to the other side at a steady pace and at the signal of the trainer makes a lunge on the leg other than the preferred leg and then one more step to come to a standstill. The preferred leg is now in front.

d ) As c., but now after the hop and the pass a small jump is made from the preferred leg, while simultaneously raising both hands (as with the through ball). Wait a moment after landing and then continue walking calmly. Now there is a hop, skip and jump rhythm. When this rhythm is well mastered, we take the ball:

e ) Like d. but now with ball. Everybody walks to the other side, throws the ball about 2 meters up and let it bounce on the ground in front of them. As soon as the ball bounces, the hurdle is performed on the 'wrong' leg. The ball is caught during the hop. Then the pass and a small jump follow, bringing the ball up with the hands.

f ) Now to the baskets. The declarer stands about 3-4 metres in front of the basket. The ball lies on his sideways extended arm at a height of approx. 80 cm. The passer comes slowly from about 8 meter in front of the basket. When he has reached the height of the attacker, he jumps on the 'wrong' leg, just like in e. During the hop, he takes the ball from the outstretched arm. He makes another pass, after which he brings the ball up, while his preferred leg is in front. As soon as this happens without any major hiccups, switch to g.

(g ) As f., but now the server stands under the basket and throws the ball. This exercise is considerably more difficult than the previous one. On the one hand because the receiver does not know when the ball is thrown. But also because the declarer will often not place the ball correctly. As an intermediate step, you can make sure that only the better players pass (or you do it yourself).

This exercise is pretty much the basis for all shooting styles. The emphasis can be put on many things: learning technique, improving technique, practicing speed, improving shot accuracy (by deliberately making corrections when shot attempts fail), etc. For many people, it works very well if you give them assignments like: 'at which basket do we score the first ... goals first? Because of its simplicity, the exercise is also suitable to start a training session or to be included in a training session that focuses on maintaining or improving fitness (in the latter case, preferably work with pawns).

The movements of the parts j. to

The movements for the items j. - m ) can be learned quite quickly, the exact timing however is much more difficult. In order to learn this, it is necessary in my opinion to perform the exercises frequently with defenders present. See the exercise FOURTEEN, WITH A FIXED DEPENDENT below. In k. and l. there are various ways of making feints

In short: basic exercise with pairs to learn or improve the distance shot.

Organisation: each pair a basket and a ball. There is one person in charge, after some time (or after a goal) the tasks are changed.

a ) The shooter walks calmly at some distance in front of the basket. After receiving the ball, the shooter turns towards the basket and shoots. Pay attention to the technique of the shot.

b ) As in a., but now the players walk in front of the basket, with their upper body directed towards the basket: thus with cross passes.

c ) As b., but now at higher speed. In this way, the players will automatically 'hang' more on the outside leg. In my opinion, it makes no sense to shoot 'dry', without using the basket. If there are not enough baskets, it is possible to use them. Another possibility is to work with threes or with two pairs per basket.

Aim well!

The dodge ball has two major problems: maintaining balance after receiving the ball and not having enough "power" to give the ball enough speed, which makes each shot too short. A very good tool for keeping the balance and therefore for learning the dodge is to make a hink while catching the ball.

With an evasive ball on the right, one or more cross passes are followed by a hop on the left leg. The ball is caught during the hop-up phase. The player then lands on the left leg, after which the right leg is placed (quite far) diagonally backwards. The player bounces back on this right leg, after which the shot is fired, releasing the left leg from the ground. Many beginning korfball players and almost all ladies first connect: they first place the left leg next to the right leg, after which a shot from standing comes from two legs.

In the following tutorial, a through ball was chosen with a hop while catching the ball.

Experience has shown that the hop is a very good aid in learning the technique. It is not the intention that korfball players who have a good through ball should have to learn to through ball without a hop. The hop is only an aid, not a goal in itself. Exercise a and b are only meant to find out what is the preferred leg of each player when moving.

It will turn out that almost everyone uses the same leg for a high jump with one leg. When shooting a through ball, the ball is dropped with the preferred leg. The trainer can also find out what everyone's preferred leg is.

d ) The players now make a 'real' dodge ball (over the right side): they walk from about 7 metres in front of the basket a few metres in the direction of the basket, make a dodge movement to the right, walk with cross passes to the right, receive the ball and shoot.

e ) As d., but at higher speed.

f ) The distances are increased individually (do not force!).

g ) As d, but now with a double evasive move: a number of korfball players appear to be 'not defending' with their evasive move. A closer look at the video footage shows that almost all of them make not one, but two clear evasive movements. The first evasive movement is the one described above, at a few metres distance in front of the basket. The second evasive move is made at the moment they receive the ball: they walk past the basket (with their defender still close by), but while catching the ball, they evade the defender by placing their 'outer leg' far backwards, after which they immediately make a shot. This movement, which takes only a few tenths of seconds, is indefensible. However, it takes a lot of strength (and coordination).

Inshort: basic exercise with pairs to learn or improve the distance shot.

Organisation: each pair a basket and a ball. There is one person in charge, after some time (or after a goal) the tasks are changed.

a ) Shooting overhead from about 3 metres (5 metres for older children and adults). Pay extensive attention to the technique of the shot. See for example the book

e ) a. See also the video tape SCOREN and the corresponding workbook from the VIEKOR project.

b ) Same, but now: who has 3 goals first?

c ) Distances are increased individually (don't force it!).

d ) Shooting from 3 metres next to or behind the basket.

e ) The shooter comes in from about 8 metres in front of the basket. He receives the ball at about 3 or 4 metres, stops immediately and shoots.

f ) The shooter walks to and fro a few metres in front of the basket. After receiving the ball, the player shoots immediately.

g ) As f. but with more speed.

h ) As g. but now with a defender near the shooter. This defender interferes (by being present and sticking out his arms) but allows the shooter to shoot.

In short: exercise in hindering throwing.

Organisation: One ball for every three players (of the same height as possible). There are two attackers and one hindering defender.

a ) Both attackers stand about 8 metres apart and continuously throw the ball to each other with an overhand stretch. The defender stands near one of them. She tries to tap the ball thrown by her opponent in a correct way. The attacker does not try to prevent this tapping, she plays the game. After some time, change.

b ) ls a., but now the ball is thrown with the other hand, and so the defender must try to block the ball with the other hand as well.

c ) Like a. and b., but now against another opponent.

d ) As a., but now the attacking players do their utmost to throw the ball to the co-attacking player (but only with an overhand stretching throw). If all goes well, not many balls will be hit anymore. Defending has now become real hindering.

e ) A2 moves back and forth continuously. At points 1 and 2 she gets the ball from A1, and she also plays it back immediately. V is defending her and tries to prevent her from playing the ball back. How many times can she do that in half a minute? A2 plays along, she doesn't do her best to avoid the hindering arms.

f ) Like e, but now A2 walks in V-form (she makes sideways movements all the time).

g ) Like f., but now A2 plays the ball back with swinging movements.

h ) Most difficult for the defender: A2 may choose in what way she plays the ball back to A1. Further as f.

In short: initial exercise for defending, where everyone has to follow the movements of the trainer.

Organisation: The players are spread out in the room with a distance of at least 4 metres between them. Everyone stands facing the trainer, who is about 8 metres in front of the group.

a) The trainer walks at a steady pace towards the group. The players must now walk backwards at the same pace, so that the distance to the trainer remains the same. After about ten meters, the trainer stops and walks backwards away from the group. The players also have to stop and walk forwards. The trainer gradually increases the pace and makes sure to walk forwards and backwards at different distances.

b ) As a., but now the trainer walks at a steady pace to the left, the players walk to the right. This way the players walk continuously alternating to the left and to the right, over ever changing distances, at an ever increasing pace.

c ) As a., but now it is important that the players react as fast as possible. The distance between the players should also remain the same. The tempo is high.

d ) Like b., but also at high speed and with a quick reaction. The trainer can verbally support her movements to encourage: "to the left, to the right, faster, yes, good girl! A nice variation that requires more concentration of the players: occasionally shout 'to the left', and then deliberately walk to the right! The command was: follow me, so the players have to follow the movements.

e ) The trainer now walks alternately in 4 different directions, which the players have to follow (combination of c. and d.). The pace is quite high. In principle, this is already a normal defensive exercise. Especially if we move on to f:

f ) As e., but the trainer brings clear tempo changes to her running. She usually runs at a steady pace, but occasionally there is a significant acceleration The players have to react to it immediately! Variations: It may happen that the trainer gets tired herself during this exercise. Or she may have forgotten her korfball shoes (of course it's a shame, but it can happen), or she may be injured. Then there are two solutions possible:

1 ) Not the trainer stands in front of the group, but one of the players, who has been explained the intention beforehand by the trainer. Many (especially children) will find this fun to do. The danger is that there will be more 'gossiping'.

2) The trainer stands in front of the group and indicates with her arms what has to happen: if the left arm is stretched out, the group has to walk to the right, if the arms are brought backwards with a beckoning movement, the group has to walk forwards, etc. The tempo changes are indicated by the trainer. The trainer indicates the changes in pace verbally: 'calm walk,.... And now a little faster, .... pace! ... and again calmly ....'

Tapping or blocking the ball is, just like blocking the shot, largely a matter of feeling. That is why it is important to perform the same exercise against a different opponent. Because this person throws differently, the exercise will be completely different.

In short: exercise to teach the defender to block a shot.

Organisation: Three teams with a ball near a basket. There are two attackers who stand still, and one defender. The players are as tall as possible.

As soon as the competition character is emphasized more, many defenders will switch back to the familiar, consistent "man-to-man" defending. This should be forbidden, as the aim of this exercise is to teach the defenders to intercept the ball.

By alternating between "normal" and "on-ball" play by the defender, the attacker becomes insecure. Many people cannot cope with this, and will not be able to take advantage of the risks taken by the defender from time to time Tell them that after this exercise!

Many players have never blocked a ball in their life Giving them this experience is the purpose of this exercise Attacker A2 plays the game: she shoots at first deliberately a bit slower than usual, and also from a covered position.

In exercise d, V gets it considerably harder now. In the previous exercises, she could count on the shot to follow after accepting the ball, now she must first make the decision 'whether or not to try to block the ball', which takes some time and as a result she will often be too late. Make sure that the attackers keep shooting on a regular basis.

a ) Marker A1 signals A2, who shoots from a position. Defender V is standing at a meter of A2, so it is not covered. V gets the assignment to block the shot of A2. That means: timing. She can't be too late, that's clear, but also not too early, because then the ball hasn't left A2's hands yet and she'll be fouled. After about ten attempts, they switch tasks. When everyone has really blocked a ball at least once, then comes part b.

b ) A2 starts moving slightly. A1 plays A2, and A2 shoots almost immediately. Defender V tries again to block the shot in a correct way. A1 and A2 are still playing the game: V has to be able to hit or actually block the ball a number of times. After 10 attempts switch tasks again.

c ) As b., but the attackers don't play along now. However: A2 must shoot as soon as she receives the ball, even if she has the idea her shot will be blocked! (It is and remains an exercise for the defender).

d ) Attacker A2 now gets the opportunity to also take through balls: she can try to fool the defender with a fake shot. The defender must keep trying to block the shot, but she must not 'go up in the air' with every ball!

e ) During half a minute to a full minute attack-defend. A2 is allowed to attack in all ways, but has to shoot at least three times. A2 gets a point for every goal she scores, V gets a point for every blocked shot. Who wins?

In short: exercise to teach the defender to intercept balls.

Organisation: Three teams with a ball near a basket. There are two attackers who stand still, and one defender.

a ) Attacker A1 throws the ball to A2. Defender V defends A2 and tries to interrupt the ball being passed to her. She can see from the attitude, the behaviour or even from the eyes of A2, that the ball is approaching. By raising one or both arms, she tries to block the ball. After, for example, 10 attempts she changes her position. In this section the basket is not used yet. Attackers A1 and A2 must play along, especially in the beginning they must let the defender intercept the ball one or more times.

b ) As a., but now the defender turns around as soon as she feels the ball coming towards her, and she tries to intercept. This method involves much more risk, and is therefore usually less suitable, although I know korfball players who can make life incredibly difficult for the attackers in this way.

c ) As a., but now A2 moves slightly back and forth. How often does the defender succeed in hitting or catching the ball?

d ) Like c. The defender now clearly chooses one side. She e.g. constantly looks over her left shoulder to try and prevent the ball from being passed to her.

e ) As d., but now over the other side.

f ) As d., but the defender switches sides all the time (she stands a little differently each time, and looks over her left and right shoulder alternately).

g ) We get the baskets. A1 is standing under the basket to indicate, A2 is standing some 8 metres in front of the basket (but within shooting distance). Defender V is in front of A2. A1 plays the ball to A2, who -if she receives the ball at least- releases a shot. The defender's task is to intercept the ball, or at least to make sure that A2 cannot receive the ball.

h ) Like g., but now A2 is also allowed to move backwards and forwards, giving the defender less time to adjust to the ball.

i ) Like h. We make it a game. Announcer A1 and 'striker' A2 try to score as many goals as possible by playing well together. Each goal earns a point for A2. Defender V gets the assignment to get hold of the ball. By intercepting the ball she too can score points. Who scores the most points? V or A2?

j ) In part i. attacker A2 will be able to take advantage of a very 'ball-loving' defender, and because of that be able to make a walkthrough quite often. This becomes more difficult now: the defender is instructed to try to intercept every now and then, and for the rest to 'just' defend. Furthermore as i. How many goals can the attacker make now and how often does V intercept the ball?

In brief: defensive exercise with pairs.

Organisation: Make pairs of attackers and defenders. Per basket one ball and three or four pairs. One of the pairs stands under the basket and has the ball. The other pairs stand in front of the basket at about 15 metres distance.

(a ) The attackers are instructed to make a through ball. The defenders know this, and are ordered to prevent scoring. The attacker starts at about 10 metres in front of the basket, her defender stands in front of her at 1 metre. There is a rotation: when the first pair has had one turn, they signal the attacker of the next pair to make a through ball. The first responders walk to the front. When the first pair has had another turn, they change positions.

b ) As a., but the attackers must try to shoot after a dodge. In both a. and b., the goal is for the defender to concentrate on the one action she knows is coming, and try to prevent it completely. If all goes well, the attackers will in fact have no chance to shoot.

c ) Now the attacker gets the choice between a walkthrough ball and a dodge ball. But: she gets only one chance. If she chooses for the through ball, and she does not pass, her turn is over. The task becomes more difficult for the defender, but still many attackers will not get a foothold.

d ) The attacker gets a third option: after a dodge, she can also make a loose ball. Now it becomes even more difficult for the defender. It becomes important to estimate (or rather, to see in time) which action the attacker will take.

e ) A game: the attacker and the defender can earn points: the attacker gets a point if she scores a goal, the defender gets a point if she does not score a goal. Further as d.

f ) As e., but the attacker may receive the ball a number of times (maximum 3 times).

In brief: some defensive tactics in the 1-1 game

Organisation: 3-3 or 4-4. One side constantly attacks from a 4-0 organisation to 3-1 or 2-1-1 for some time. The defending side is instructed to neutralise its direct opponent in one of the following ways

1 ) The triangle. The defender positions herself so that she can see both the opponent and the ball at a glance The defender can also form the triangle in such a way (by moving out of line) that she is more or less inviting her opponent to pass to one side Of course, this will not work, as the defender is particularly wary of doing so

2) Standing wide, with both legs close together in front of the attacker and ready to run in all directions at any time If the attacker actually starts to pass, the defender will not give her a free route to the basket, but will try to let her 'run around' as much as possible without blocking. The defender turns with her, but stays in a straight line towards the basket for as long as possible and puts out her 'outer hand' to defend. The 'real defenders', the sticklers, choose the latter method, as opposed to the former, which is favoured by slower defenders. Both methods can be equally successful. Other tactics

3 ) The defenders limit themselves to defending the "real chances" and allow distance shots from more than 7 meters. A tactic that can be excellently combined with the so called "back defending".

4 ) The defenders know the preferred moves of their personal opponents and try not to allow those moves. The opponent is forced to do things she is not used to doing, becomes insecure and therefore less pure.

5 ) The defenders make feints: they threaten to step in, but don't do it at the last moment. Here, too, the aim is to make the attacker hesitate.

In short: man-to-man defence exercise at the basket.

Organisation: three players with a ball near the basket. Number 1 is attacker, number 2 defender and number 3 passes and catches. After 30 to 45 seconds, the position is changed. The exercise can also be done in teams of 4; this requires less stamina.

a ) Number 1 attacks as well as she can, supported by number 3 who marks and passes. Number 2 defends her, but does so in such a way that she never misses a pass. Will the defender succeed in not giving up a goal? Jan de Jager in defensive position during a training match for the Dutch team.

b ) As a., but now the defender is also not allowed to allow any shot from a distance smaller than 6 meters. By this extension the task of the defender becomes considerably more difficult.

c ) Number 1 attacks again as best as she can, but now the defender in any case does not allow any shot from distance.

d ) The normal 1-1 game. The defenders now defend in the way they think will result in the fewest goals against. Which of the trio will score the fewest goals in 45 seconds?

Variation:

As an alternative to the sequence a. to d. you can also choose the following sequence: a. the attacker may only move in the depth line (in the direction of the basket), Exercise c. is for the most b. the attacker is only allowed to move in the broad line (at the same distance from the basket), but they must now move with the ball, which makes the risk of a walkthrough d. d'. the 1-1 duel. However, the purpose of this exercise is e. Switching between opponents. Playing against a different opponent to give the defenders the feeling that they can and cannot go along with this exercise often means a huge change.

f ) The attacker attacks as usual, but the defender must now try to intercept. This can be done by working with the arms (holding them high or to the side), by standing somewhat differently (as it were, with one eye on the attacker and the other on the declarer), or even by defending completely with one's back to the attacker. The latter is a bit too risky, though...

g ) As d., but now the defender may also choose to intercept.

In short: exercises in following the opponent.

Organization: Pairs are lined up along one long side of the hall or field. On the court mark out an area of approximately 50 by 20 metres. One of the two is attacking, the other is defending.

a ) The attacking players run at a slow pace to the other side of the hall or the field. The defenders' task is to stay as close as possible to the attackers. They must keep both feet on the ground as much as possible (the so-called 'shoving'). As soon as everyone is on the other side, the tasks are changed and the players walk (shift) back.

b ) The attackers run faster, but it is not yet a sprint. The defenders cannot 'slide' any more, but must now run 'normally' with cross passes, the face and upper body remaining directed towards the attacker.

c ) The attackers try to pass the defenders alternately left and right. They are still not allowed to run at sprinting speed and must continue to run forwards. The defenders must always turn, but they must not turn around: they must face the attacker. You will hear the expression 'change the front leg'.

d ) As c., but the attackers also change their walking pace. They also stop every now and then, and then suddenly start again, which makes it much more difficult for the defenders to keep up. The running tempo of the attackers is still not maximum and the movements are exclusively forwards and backwards.

e ) As d, but the attackers make every effort to pass the defenders. Give the following instructions:
the attackers
must
try to pass the defender on the side where she has her front foot (some trainers say: walk on the back side).

f )As d., but now also with sideways movements. The walking pace does not yet reach sprint speed.

g )As f., but the attackers may also try to pass at sprint speed. We have reached the real 1-1 duel, but without the ball. The course is continued with the exercises described below in the 1-1 duel.

In brief: exercise in free running with foursomes.

Organization: Foursomes each get a square area of about 20 by 20 meters. This area is divided into four equal squares. One player stands in each square. Per foursome one ball.

a ) The players play the ball to each other in random order. They each stay in their own square. The ball may not come on the ground. Before receiving the ball, they must have made a running-around move.

b )The ball is played around. Before receiving the ball, the players must have made a neighbourhood move (in-out move), with the last move going in the direction of the player with the ball.

c ) The ball is played around the other side. Now you have to throw with the other hand as well. To whom shall I throw now?

d ) Like b., but now the players walk away from the ball after the move to the side (in space). Also this in the other direction.

e ) In each square comes a defender. The attackers must pass the ball to each other and are not allowed to leave their own section. The defenders only make passing the ball difficult, they allow the ball to be passed to them. After a few minutes the players change tasks.

f ) As e., but now the defenders can work 100 % to try to intercept.

g ) As e., but now the attackers may only place the ball on fellow players who run into the space.

h ) As e., but the attackers may only play to players who are coming towards the ball.

i ) Like e., but now the attackers get a point if they can play 10 times together. When the defenders intercept the ball, it's their turn.