Korfball drills

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.

In short: various games where playing together in a certain direction is very important.

Organisation: Form two teams (number of players can vary from 3 to 8). There is a playing field of at least 20 by 12, preferably 40 by 20 meters (a micro court). At the place where the baskets are in indoor korfball, there is now a 'fortress', formed for example by a pylon. Around the castle a circle is drawn with a diameter of about 4 meters.

The players play with a korfball. If this is the first time this exercise is done in a group, it is advisable to set out a number of squares with pawns or something similar.

The numbers 1 and 3 can of course play the ball to each other for a while, and number 2 can run to and fro, but that is of course not the intention. If necessary, limit the number of times that two players can throw the ball to and fro. The exercise is suitable to hammer home the point that korfball players must always have two points of contact. But I think the above exercise is seen by most trainers (and players, not to forget) as a suitable condition exercise. Of course, small variations can be made, such as with the command to play everything with one hand.

Where to? Where to? The idea is that the players hit the 'fortress' of the other team. They have to play together, because walking with the ball in their hands is prohibited. None of the players, including the defenders, is allowed to enter the circle. In fact, castle ball is just mono-basketball, where the basket has been replaced by a pylon on the ground. It is an ideal game to practice playing together and running free.

Variations:

1 ) The pylon can be replaced by all kinds of objects. It is very obvious to place a loose basket on the ground, where the goal is to aim the ball into the basket.

2 ) To make scoring more difficult, a goalkeeper can be appointed, who is allowed to enter the circle.

3 ) Pole ball. The castle is now replaced by a korfball pole. A defender stands in the circle just like in variation 2. The ball must be thrown against the post. Make sure you don't throw the ball too hard, because the poles might fall over.

4 ) When the group is rather large, make 2 squares. The game should be played just like indoor korfball, with a change after two points.

5 ) Handball, where dribbling with the ball is forbidden. At both ends of the field two goals are made, with a goalkeeper in them. There is a semi-circle about 8 meters from the goal, in which the other players are not allowed to enter.

6 ) Burchtball with rugby rules. A variant suitable for a nice weekend, a sports afternoon, or when the weather is terrible and 'serious training' is out of the question. Even when it was raining and snowing, this game - where you can kick the ball, grab your opponents and you can walk with the ball - could keep us warm at my old club. This game is less suitable for children.

In short: three players have to pass the ball to each other in a square. That's tricky, because one player is missing all the time...

Organisation: Three players stand in an imaginary square about eight metres from each other. One corner remains unoccupied. The middle player (number 2) of the three has the ball.

The aim is to play the ball along the lines of the imaginary square. Number 2 plays the ball either to number 1 or to number 3, for the sake of explanation: to number 3. Now the players have to make sure that number 3 also has two 'easy' passing points (along the lines of the square). In this case, number 1 must take care of that, she must sprint to the empty corner of the square as soon as she sees that number 3 receives the ball. Now it is number 3's turn to play (the situation is now as in the second figure). Suppose that she chooses number 1. Number 2 has to sprint to the place where number 1 just came from, so that number 1 has two points of play again. At the moment that number 1 has received the ball, the situation is (if number 2 has indeed run hard) as in Fig. 3. Suppose number 1 plays the ball back to number 3. Then it is number 2's turn to run again, etc.

In short: exercise with the emphasis on turning away from the opponent.

Organisation: One ball per foursome. There are two regular referees who stand about 12 metres apart. One of the handlers has the ball.

a ) Attacker A stands somewhere between the two declarers. Defender V is playing against her. A plays continuously with the two declarators who stand still. A is allowed to play several times in a row to the same declarer. V tries to intercept the ball. After about 45 seconds the players change functions.

b ) As a., but now the attacker is not allowed to play to the same declarer twice in a row. The defender tries to intercept again, but when A has received the ball, she lets A play the ball easily to the next declarer. The essence of this exercise is that A must try to get free in a relatively small space from the defender who is constantly following her. Explain that the attacker must not run at the same pace, and that she must suddenly change her direction of play in order to become free (cut and run).

c ) The exercise is the same as in a., but the line-up is changed (see figure). The attacker must stay behind the line, which is 5 metres from the attackers. To free herself she may run in any direction.

Variation: Exercise c. is actually quite difficult for many. To make it easier for the attacker, you can give both declarers a ball. Or: let both declarators play together, the defender then does not know how she can position herself best, because she does not know who has the ball.

d ) Lay out another line, parallel to the other one with three metres in between. Continue as c., but now the attacker has only a three-metre-wide space which she is not allowed to leave. It is now very important to make good sharp moves, to change the pace etc. A deep ball is now impossible! A deep ball is now impossible! The defender lets the attacker play the ball to the attacker (because this exercise is about free running).

e ) As d., but now the defender also makes it difficult for the attacker to pass the ball to the declarer. The attacker can -in order to play the ball well- choose between an overhand sling throw, a pivoting throw, etc.

In short: a very well-known game in which playing together and running free is central.

Organisation: Two teams of three to five players in a space delimited by pylons of about 20 by 20 metres (on the field somewhat larger). Ten-ball is a game of which I have the idea, that it is more popular with Party 1 has the ball and has to try to play 10 times together than with players: sitting in front without the other party intercepting the ball. If it fails, then most korfball players are not enough, it is party 2's turn. If they do succeed in playing 10 times together, then they get the challenge. Make the challenge therefore play together, then party 1 gets a point and party 2 may try to play 10 times together, etc. Which side gets the most points? make it more difficult with for example the following variations:

1 ) If the ball is touched by the defending side, then the attacking side is also 'off'.

2 ) Make the playing field small: combining in an area of 10 by 10 is significantly more difficult than playing together in an area of 30 by 30 meters.

3 ) Increase the number of times to combine: for seniors, 50 times should not be a problem either (it usually is, by the way!).

4 ) Just ten ball, with the understanding that the ball may not be played back to the person from whom it was received.

In short: exercise with the emphasis on turning away from the opponent.

Organisation: Each team has a ball and an area of about 20 by 20 metres. The players are numbered.

a ) Number 1 is attacking, number 2 is defending and numbers 3, 4 and 5 are playing together with the attacker. Everybody can move freely through the area. The attacker always gets the ball back from numbers 3, 4 and 5. The defender's task is to intercept the ball. Can the attacker manage not to lose the ball a single time? The ball may not fall on the ground either! After about 30 seconds the players change tasks: number 3 attacks, number 4 defends, etc. until everyone has been attacker and defender once.

b ) As a., but give the instruction that the attacker should always turn away from her defender: that way she can both pass and receive the ball back easily. I call this: 'cutting and turning', others call it 'keeping your opponent on your back'.

c ) As a., but now the team-mates 3, 4 and 5 stand still in a triangle with a distance of about 15 metres. This makes it more difficult for the attacker.

d ) It becomes even more difficult if the attacker is instructed to pass the ball to the other players in a fixed order. She now has to run in circles, so that the defender knows exactly where the ball will go, or where the attacker wants to run to. Many balls will now be intercepted, or at least touched.

e ) Again part c. Show that the attacker has an easier time of it now because of the freedom of choice By turning away from her opponent, she creates a sea of space for herself!

Inshort: simple exercises in playing together, where it is all about handling the ball in the run and running well.

Organisation: Groups of approximately 4 persons have a ball and are allocated a part of the hall or the field.

a ) The players are instructed to throw the ball to each other in random order. Everyone is constantly in motion: the ball must be caught in the run and passed back as quickly as possible. The ball may not fall on the ground once!

b ) One of the players is the 'worker' for 30 seconds: she has to run at high speed, and all balls are passed back to her continuously. After 30 seconds it's the next player's turn. In which group the ball won't be dropped once?

c ) Like exercise a., but now the ball may only be played to players who come running to the ball with a small sprint. Make it clear to the players that when they run like this, defenders have little chance of intercepting the ball. Unless there is forwards defending, but for that there is part d:

d ) The players play together again, but now they may only throw to players who are moving away from the ball and therefore into free space. Also an individual skill: taking a penalty throw.

e ) Alternating part c. and d.: it is only allowed to throw to players who are either clearly moving towards the ball or who want to play, otherwise many balls will not arrive in free space. It is even so, that the exercise is probably better.

f ) As d., but now there must be a sweep: the players will move towards the one with the ball first if there is a slight threat from a defender! run, but after a few passes they stop, and run the other way, into free space.

Variations:

1 ) All parts can of course also be performed with opponents. You can then choose between 'play along' and 'try to intercept as many balls as possible'.

2 ) The parts a. up to e. but now without each group having its own area: all players are mixed up, so you have to be careful!

Free running: condition for playing together

Inshort: a ball game, in which pure throwing is very important.

Organisation: In a rectangle of approx. 20 metres length and 10 metres width, two teams of about 6 players are lined up. A centre line divides the field in two. At both back sides is a strip of 1 to 2 metres wide. The players of side A stand in section A, while one player from A stands in lane A. The players of side B stand, except for one player, in section B. The players must try to hit the players of the other side with the ball. They are not allowed to leave their section. Furthermore the players are not allowed to run with the ball in their hands. Fending with the hands is allowed. If a player is hit, he goes to the back of the court and plays with the ball. Will one of the players succeed in clearing the other team's box? Make sure the hunters do not start throwing hard. If this is likely to cause problems, decide that the throw can only be made via a bounce. Make sure they do not start throwing very hard. If this threatens to cause problems, determine that only a bumping throw may be made.

Variations:

1 ) If a player can catch a ball from the opposing team, the player who threw is off.

2 ) Exchange referee: if a player from the back lane hits the ball, he may return to his own section.

3 ) The strips at the back are extended with side strips, so that the compartments are completely enclosed.

Inshort: a game of catch with a ball, in which throwing is important.

Organisation: All players are spread out in a space of about 20 by 15 metres. Two players are the hunters.

The hunters play together with a (soft) ball and try to throw the other players off. The one who is hit, keeps on playing. How many times do the hunters succeed in hitting someone? After 45 seconds two new hunters.

In short: practising all sorts of tricks with the ball, mainly with the aim of developing a feeling for the ball.

Organisation: every player has a ball, everyone is free to move around the room. If there are not enough korfballs, it is not a problem to use volleyballs, basketballs or even tennis balls.

(a ) The players bounce the ball around the room.

b ) The bouncing must be done alternately with the left and the right.

c ) The ball is thrown up (high) and caught in the jump. First, jump up high and catch the ball at the highest point, later also from the run.

d ) As c., but catch with one hand (alternately with left and right). Let this part be practised in the run as well.

e ) The players hold the ball in front of their body, throw the ball over their head in a small arc and try to catch the ball behind their body (without turning around!).

f ) As e., but now with the players walking or dribbling through the hall.

g ) The ball is thrown up, the players make a quick turn, and catch the ball again.

h ) The ball is thrown up, the players sit down, immediately get up again and catch the ball before it falls to the ground.

i ) Players stand still. They throw the ball with their right arm extended over their head and catch the ball with their left hand and vice versa. Let them do the same in the run.

j ) Turn the ball around the belly by passing it from one hand to the other. (The ball may not touch the body).

k ) The ball makes a corkscrew movement around the body: as j, but starting with turning the ball around the head, then chest height, belly height, hip height etc. till the toes.

l ) Making a circular movement of the ball with stretched arms: 'swing' the ball above the head with the right arm, take it over on the left arm, let it drop with a big curve until in front of the knees, take it over on the right hand again, etc. m. Playing the ball with the right hand under the raised right leg (like with knee lifts) over the left hand. Then put the right leg down, lift the left knee and pass the ball with the left hand under the left upper leg to the right hand, etc. The exercise is performed with a straight back!

n ) Stand in a forward bent stance. Move the ball around both legs in a figure of eight motion.