Handballexercises for u18

We'll play team ball like we're used to. Team 1 must score on the mat of team 2. Hereby the following rules apply;

  • Tipping the ball is not allowed
  • Maximum 3-pas
  • Each player has to bounce the ball through her legs before they can continue playing (basketball)
The first team to reach the 3 wins, the losing team sprints.
Players split up in the LH and RH, all balls to the trainer on the centre spot.

  • At the signal of the trainer, players 1 from both corners sprint towards the trainer. Whoever gets there first gets the ball. The other defends.
  • The player with the ball has 5 seconds to come to a conclusion within the 9 meters.
  • If the player completes and scores, the defender presses 3 times.
  • If the player does not complete or does not score within 9 meters, she presses 3 times.
In this exercise, we're looking at how the coverage should be in a 6-0 variant, and who should be in touch when.
This is mainly a theoretical exercise, show the different situations in slow-motion. Points of attention are;

  • Let the players think for themselves about what they have to do in different situations!
  • Communication in (especially) the central block is important!
  • Corners should not be too offensive, unless they actually have the ball
Questions you can ask your players;

  • What happens when the circle runner changes position?
  • What happens when a corner passes?
  • What happens when the opponent plays a rehearsed attack?
  • When do you as left back court or right back court have to help?
  • When do you as left back court or right back court have to step out?
  • How far should you step out?
  • An attack is played between 3 attackers and 2 defenders.
  • The attack is played on a slightly wider field than the posts (about 6 meters)
  • The goal of the attackers is to complete the attack, this can be done via an action or via the circle.
  • The goal of the defenders is to prevent the attackers from finishing.

  1. The circle player stands on 2 and tries to get the builder to finish.
  2. The set-up player should not come too far inside the circle so that she does not end up in the middle.
drawing Circle player on 2
All players start on the LO in a line, everyone has a ball. In the field there are poles to finish on the spots LH, LO, MO, RO, RH.

  • Player 1 starts with a cross and shoots at goal.
  • Player 1 walks backwards to the LO, picks up the ball there.
  • Player 1 rounds the LO, passes to MO etc.
This has to be done on a high tempo and with high intensity! Players must be tired.

Make 2 teams and give 1 team vests.
Play with a good bouncing ball (hard handball/ goalcha ball/ beach handball/ tennis ball/ volleyball etc.)
Rules:

  1. You may only touch the ball with your body (arms/legs/feet/head) 2x in a row. After that you may not touch it again until another player has touched the ball.
  2. You may therefore both play football and hit the ball
  3. If you touch the ball a 3rd time, the ball is for the opponent (free ball)
Goal:
  • Try to score on 1 of the goals
  • Scored? Ball for the opponent
Extension/variation:
  • Play 2 or 3 balls at the same time (depending on the size of the group)
    • Link rules to the different balls
      • Example: football only heading, handball only playing with your foot etc.
  • Vary the places where the goals are placed (mat/duck out/advertising board).
  • Vary the number of places where goals can be scored
To improve your balance you can stand in pairs on the sideline and throw the ball.

This can be done with different tasks:
  • Tightrope walk (feet together, flat on the ground)
  • Tightrope walk + toes position
  • Stand on 1 leg
  • Jumping up and landing on the line on 1 or 2 legs and then throwing up

  • Ball goes from the set-up to the middle set-up
  • Middle build-up breaks away and starts in towards the middle and passes the ball to the incoming corner
  • Corner puts pressure between 2 and 3
  • The build-up passes behind the corner at the level of 2 and 3 and finishes in the middle.


drawing Change centre, construction and corner
  • Put everyone in a circle with the ball in their hand and hold it high above their shoulder.
  • They start with dribbling on the spot in high speed, after 30 seconds you do another exercise.
    • Skipping (2 times on 1 leg then on the other leg)
    • Jumping forward (2 legs at the same time) and back again
    • Stepping to the left and to the right
    • Shuffle forwards and backwards
    • High speed dribble
  • If this is too easy, extend the exercise by 45 seconds or 1 minute

  • All players run through each other in a smaller field (10x10).
  • They run the ball at speed, which they do for about 2 minutes
  • Afterwards they do an exercise after they played
    • Lie flat on their stomach and get up again
    • Squat 2 times
    • 2 times jumping jacks
You indicate which exercise they should do


  • LO a line with ball
  • RO a row
  • In every deep corner 1 defender
  • As soon as the builders start to run, the two defenders move to the middle as quickly as possible
  • The team builders who are competing with the defenders are going to pressure well next to the man
  • The defenders pay attention to a good defence, stepping out on the player with the ball and immediately back to the 6 when the ball is to the other player
  • After rounding on the goal, the attackers become defenders. Do not go and get the ball!
  • Defenders go into the deep corner again and two new attackers start


  • From the back line make three rows LO/MO/ RO
  • The trio which starts from the 6 meter
  • LO passes the ball to MO who makes a short pass on the right side
  • The RO comes from behind and receives the ball and makes a short dribble and a short change on the left
  • The outside builders run wide
  • The LO comes through the middle and receives the ball from the RO
  • The new MO shoots at the goal. Alternate positions