Korfballexercises for u13

Starting situation

The game is played by two teams, four against four, on one basket, placed in the middle of the 20 by 20 meter square. Dimensions for pupils can be limited to 10 by 10.

Goal of the game

Which team will score the most goals, try to intercept the ball and then play the ball over to a specific point before attacking, try to get in scoring position through team play and try to score.

Game rules

You are not allowed to run with the ball, you are not allowed to play alone, the ball may not be taken out of the hands of the opponent or team-mate. Other rules like defensive shooting or cutting can be omitted.

Approach

The trainer divides the group into two groups of four players each. Explain the meaning of the game and give one of the parties the starting ball. Without much intervention, the trainer can play several games in a row, depending on the material and the number of players. As a trainer, keep the game going and give instructions.

What can you see?

• The game is simple and can be played without guidance.
• Players are constantly busy with korfball and get a lot of balls
• The basic problem, playing together to reach a scoring position, is constantly under discussion
• The technique of playing together, catching and throwing, are practised functionally. There is correction by the situation, in which catching and throwing are means and in which there is counterplay.

Starting situation

The game is played by 2 teams who play against each other between 2 baskets positioned about 15 metres apart. The two teams consist of four players or at least three players. Larger teams are not recommended due to the limited space available for free running.

Goal of the game

Which team scores the most goals? Try to conquer the ball to attack, try to get in scoring position by playing together and try to score.

Game rules

You are not allowed to run with the ball, you are not allowed to play alone, the ball is not allowed to be taken out of the hands of the opponent or team-mate. Other rules like defensive shooting or cutting can be omitted.

Approach

Divide the group into two parties of equal number of players. The trainer can play along with the side in possession of the ball to make sure the game runs smoothly. The participation of two trainers is stimulating for the players and gives them the opportunity to make corrections during the game.

In the course of the game, rules can be added which lead to the targeted practice of basic skills. Examples are:

• You may only throw with one hand and goal attempts are always made with 2 hands
• Players are assigned special tasks, players who help and players who try to score.

What can you see?

• The novice player understands korfball immediately
• There is a lot of opportunity to play korfball, so the basic skills like free running, attacking and defending are taught as well
• While playing, korfball techniques are discussed
• It can be read from the game what needs to be practised specifically in simplified game elements

Each pair a ball and a basket. No. 1 takes penalty throws; no. 2 catches and passes.

Penalty throws must be taken in a concentrated way. We do not recommend games where the goal is to take as many penalties as possible in a certain amount of time. It is better to start with not being allowed to miss a penalty throw.

1. One of the two starts. If you miss, the other one can. Which
   pair scores the most points in 2 minutes?
   
2. Who scores the most goals from 12 penalty throws ?
3. Take turns taking a penalty throw. If you miss twice, start counting again.
   Which pair makes the highest 'series'?
   

In short: nice shooting exercise with a lot of running.

Organisation: the baskets are placed in a circle. At each basket stands a server with a ball. The rest of the players stand in the middle of the circle (the middle must be clearly recognisable).

In the hall there is often a circle, on the field a pylon must be placed). The number of baskets is very precise: aim for 2 baskets per 5 players.

a ) The players in the centre circle are instructed to shoot through balls to one of the baskets, it doesn't matter which one. Since there are slightly more players in the circle than there are free baskets, it is important to find a free basket quickly. When you are not quick enough, you have to wait a bit. And when Johnny is already on his way to a basket, but is passed at the last moment by Marietje, who is running faster, Johnny has to go back to the centre circle and try again from there. Everyone catches his own ball. After the signal everyone runs through the centre circle or around the pylon to find a free basket again as soon as possible.

b ) As a., but now with the assignment: Who will score 10 goals first? Even the players who first thought: 'Never mind, he runs faster than me' will now try to be the first to get to the free basket. Make sure that the players do not 'cut off' by not going through the centre circle or around the pylon.

c ) Like b., but with the assignment: 'Who will be first to score a goal at each basket?

d ) Same as b., but with overhead walkthroughs.

e ) As b., but a 'takeover situation' follows: the runner from the centre circle, after having received the ball, plays the ball back to the declarer who started away from the post. The original declarer must try to score from this start. Who scores 5 goals first?

f ) As b., but the runner takes balls out of the way (left or right, distances not too great). The declarer also catches the shot. The runner runs to the basket and gets the ball from the receiver, who will hurry to try again from the centre, because: who has scored 5 times first?

g ) As f., but after the dodge no shot follows: the ball goes back to the receiver who started at the basket. He shoots with a quarter/half turn. The shooter runs back to the middle, the other person (of course) catches the ball. Variation: The exercise can also be done with defenders present. The defenders have a thankless task: the attacker has a choice of a large number of baskets. Which attacker will be first to score 10 walk-throughs or 5 goals from ducks?

Most korfball players find the above a nice relaxed exercise, which is very suitable to start a training session with, they can use as much energy as they need. When the time has come to really put everyone to work, the next step is to score a goal:

In short: shooting game where scoring is very important.

Organisation: two teams per basket, one team leader and one team leader at, for example, four metres in front of the basket.

The shooters are instructed to score 10 points as quickly as possible. A goal counts as two points, if no goal is scored, then one point is subtracted from the total (if you score 0 and you miss, the total remains 0 points). Once someone has 10 points, they switch tasks.

Variation:

With 'lesser gods' you can make it a bit easier by rewarding a goal with, for example, 3 points, and 'top players' you can make it more difficult by awarding only 1 point for a goal. You can also increase or decrease the distances.

Inshort: practise various forms of the shot in a fun competition format.

Organisation: each group a basket and a ball, the baskets are preferably (but not absolutely necessary) arranged in a circle or rectangle. The number of people per group is less important (all groups should be about the same size).

The first assignment for the groups is: make 10 walkthrough ball goals. When you are done, the creator of the last goal goes to the trainer to get the next assignment. Which group will have completed all assignments first?

The trainer walks around the room, encouraging or correcting the players. He has a piece of paper with a list of assignments. When someone comes to get the next assignment, first ask him which assignment he just completed (after a while this can vary considerably) and then give the next one. Here's an example: 10 walk-through balls, 15 penalty shots, 5 shots from 8 meters, 10 walk-through balls from behind the basket, 5 dodgeballs next to the post, 10 shots from 6 meters. Everything is possible of course, a lot of speed will come when the number of goals to be scored is kept small.

In short: shooting practise (-game) in which the players shoot from different sides of the basket.

Organisation: for every basket, one pair with one ball, or in case of insufficient baskets, two pairs with one ball each. Near each basket, four pawns or other markers: one in front of the basket and one behind it, and one to the left and right of the basket, at intervals of about 6 metres.

One of each pair starts under the basket. The other one's task is to score a goal as quickly as possible from each cone. After that, they will switch functions. Which pair will be quickest to complete their 'journey around the world'?

Variation: the distances can be made larger or smaller as desired. Or: make 2 goals at every pawn.

Variation: instead of shooting from standstill, you can also shoot from movement, or simply: take evasive balls.

Variation: Working with 2 pairs per basket. The two shooters are now asked to score two goals together at each pawn, it doesn't matter who scores the goals. So the team changes functions after 4 times 2 goals have been scored. At which basket is the first to score twice? (This variation was a favourite shooting exercise in my Nic. days. Much later I saw it again in a new jacket: the assignment had to be completed (in the hall) within 2 minutes, otherwise you had to run a certain distance as a punishment!

Beeping' can be a very tiring game, when at the end two players are completely matched! I have seen players break down completely!

The main consideration behind the above exercises is the fact that shooting from in front of the basket is usually preferred. And since a large part of the box is next to or behind the basket, you have to practice from those spots as well. And shooting from there is really different: not only because the baskets usually hang a bit forward, but also because the attachment to the post is clearly visible to the shooter, which affects the estimation of the correct distance and height.

Make sure you do not always stand in the same place, thus unintentionally favouring one of the teams.

Pure shooting is always important of course, but here it's all about scoring goals. When players play this game for the first time, they will be quite noisy at first, and there might be reactions like 'you can't do this' or 'I don't like it'. These reactions disappear after a short time, the players start to shoot very concentrated and the scoring improves by leaps and bounds. What seemed impossible at first, turns out to be possible after all!

In short: shooting game with distance shot and small chances. Sometimes this turns into a fitness exercise!

Organisation: 3-5 players per basket, with two balls. There is a pylon about 6 metres in front of the basket.

The players are numbered and stand in order at the pylon. The numbers 1 and 2 have a ball. Number 1 starts shooting. He catches his own ball.

If he hits the ball, he gives it to the next player in line. If he misses, he shoots again, from the place where he got the ball. If the shot is missed, he shoots again from the spot where he got the ball, until he scores, after which he hands the ball over to the next player in line. The shooter joins the back of the row and waits until it is his turn again.

Number 2 starts shooting as soon as number 1 has fired a shot. He also shoots as long as it takes him to score, then hands the ball to the next player in line and joins the row in front of the basket and so on. But ... If someone manages to score before the person who started shooting before him, then that person is out of the game! Who will stay over the longest?

An example: There are 4 participants. Number 1 scores immediately. He gives the ball to number 3 and gets in line behind number 4. Number 2 does not hit the basket, the ball rolls away. Number 3 shoots in the meantime, so number 2 is out of the game. Numbers 2 and 3 give the ball to numbers 4 and 1. It does not matter who gives the ball to whom: number 1 can wait with shooting until number 4 has shot.

In short: shooting game from various, increasing distances from the basket.

Organisation: pairs per basket. Preferably also about 6 markers per basket, but this is not necessary in the hall, where there are usually enough lines (stripes) on the floor.

The first shooter of each group starts shooting at 2 meters from the basket. After scoring, he/she starts shooting from 3 meters distance. When he has scored from there too, he will shoot from 4 metres and so on. When the shooter misses, it's the other team's turn. Which of the shooters has scored first from each 'line'?

In short: a game in which the groups get different shooting assignments.

Organisation: two, three or four teams per basket. The players take turns to shoot. After each task the groups leave the ball behind and move on to the next basket.

The baskets are spread around the room. The groups are divided over the baskets, where uneven size of the groups is not a real problem. The trainer gives an assignment (see below for some examples). The group that completes the task first gets a point. After that the groups all move one basket, especially when the circumstances per basket are different (sun, floodlights, puddles, strong wind, scoop baskets etc.). It also keeps the momentum of the game which is especially the case when the trainer allows the groups to start immediately, even if not everyone is ready yet. The winner is the group that has gathered the most points after, say, 15 minutes of play.

These exercises do not fit into a competition format, as there is a tendency to indicate something less difficult. When the goal is to learn or improve a certain technique, don't offer all the possibilities mentioned above in one training. Experience shows that the players will then 'show off' too quickly.

Suitable assignments are (at lower levels, smaller numbers of goals to be scored):

• 20 passing balls.
• 20 chances (always shoot from the spot where the ball is caught).
• 10 distance shots from 6 meters.
• 20 overhead runs from behind the basket.
• 6 dodge balls on the left
• 6 dodge balls on the right
• 20 penalty shots
• 10 dribble balls in a row (i.e. as soon as a dribble ball is missed, start counting from 0 again).
• 8 goals from starting away at the basket.
  
  

Also "crazy" assignments work very well in this game:

• Take 5 penalties with your eyes closed.
• Take 10 balls with one hand.
• 5 goals while the shooter is sitting on the ground.
• 10 passing balls, rolling in.
• 10 balls from half a meter in front of the basket, thrown backwards (over the head) into the basket, etc. The competition element plays a big role in this form, so it is not a suitable form to improve technique.

In short: practise passing the ball from difficult situations.

Organisation: three or four teams per basket, one or two people under the basket, two in front of it. After marking the ball, walk forward to make a fastball, i.e. turn around.

(a ) Bouncing balls, indicated by a bounce.

(b ) Signalling too late: take overhead walkthroughs.

(c ) Signalling too late: the runner runs (left or right) past the basket and raises the ball more or less sideways or diagonally backwards. If the runner takes off with the right leg, this movement is the smoothest and the shot is the cleanest if the runner runs past the post on the left.

d ) Passing the ball is done too late: the passer runs along the post and throws the ball with one hand over the head into the basket. I call this movement the Durk Bergsma-ball, after the Stânfries player who has a strong preference for this technique, which looks a lot like a basketball technique.

e ) The signalling happens too late: the ball is taken in the jump.

f ) The ball is passed too early: a 'long pull' ball should be taken with a long floating moment in the movement.

g ) The ball is not thrown but rolled (can also occur in matches when the ball is knocked out of hands, or after an unsuccessful bouncing ball for example).

h ) My favourite show-move: the ball is turned over a bit too early, so there is an opportunity to bring the ball around the body once during the one permitted pass (catch ball with right, bring it behind the back, pick it up on the left hand, bring the ball forward and take it in two hands) and only then shoot. Not immediately a move to execute in a close game.

Variations:

1 ) Passing is no longer done from under the basket, but from space. You can think of a place about 5 meters in front of the basket, which makes passing more difficult, but it is still possible to make the through ball. It becomes a lot more difficult when the declarator is positioned much further away from the basket, for example at 12 metres diagonally in front of the basket. Or even further: think of the situation where a pass ball is given from the defence in one go. To practice this -and many will like it-, the attacker has to stand at more than 20 metres from the basket!

2 ) All exercises with a defender next to the player who throws the through ball.

In short: a game in which the shooter gets three different kinds of chances in a row.

Organisation: two teams (possibly three teams) per basket, everyone starts under the basket.

Difficult passage ball.

Number 1 starts away from the basket, gets the ball immediately and takes the chance from close range. Number 2 catches the ball and passes it back to number 1, who has moved further away from the basket in the meantime. Number 1 shoots from a distance (the second chance). Number 2 catches the ball and passes it to number 1 for a walkthrough (the third chance). Then number 2 goes for a three shot, etc. A goal from the runaway and the through ball is awarded 1 point, the distance shot 2 points. Which pair (possibly trio) scores 25 points first?

Variations:

Trio' is very suitable as

a ) Trio with a distance shot, a dodge ball and a warming-up exercise at the beginning of the overhead pass ball (which is caught by the shooter himself).

b ) Perform everything behind the basket.

c ) Quartets: i.e. four shots at a time: first start away, then a distance shot, followed by a dodge (or a shot after a sideways movement) and finally a through ball.

In short: to practise shooting chances that arise after indicating from a position 10 metres in front of the basket.

Organisation: three or four players per basket. There is a fixed pointer who stands about 10 metres in front of the basket. The two or three work in turn.

a ) Number 1 throws at number 4 (the declarer) and runs diagonally forward. When he is about 8 metres from the basket, he gets the ball back. Then number 1 plays the ball to number 2 under the basket and runs after him for a through ball.

b ) Like a., but number 1 takes a dodge ball.

c ) As a., but number 4, when number 1 is about 8 meters from the basket, plays directly to number 2 under the basket, and number 1 takes a through ball 'without ball'.

d ) Again as a., but number 2 runs away from the basket as soon as number 1 has received the ball back. Number 1 plays to number 2 who then shoots. This situation can occur in matches when the defender of number 2 is very much aware of the action of number 1.

e ) Number 1 throws to number 4 and walks straight to number 4, receives the ball back and shoots with a half turn. This action has the best chance of succeeding if number 1, after playing to number 4, does not start running immediately, but waits until number 4 plays the ball inside (number 1 'jumps' into the ball, so to speak, and then takes a spin shot). I call this ball the Anno-ball, after Anno Sloot, former player of Goorecht and Nic., who scored at least 1 goal per game with this action, also in the transition class.

f ) The numbers 1 and 2 (and possibly 3) stand 'next to' server number 4 with about 5 metres between them. From there they take the balls, which are directly indicated by number 4. Each player catches his own ball and passes it back to number 4.

Inshort: practise all kinds of forms of the shot from a supporting position.

Organisation: pairs per basket, always one person under the basket and one person in front of it. Change after about 1 minute.

a ) One person in front of the basket at about 6 meters, the shooter stands under the basket. The shooter starts away from the basket (backwards), gets the ball and shoots immediately. The striker catches the ball.

b ) As exercise a., but the shooter only threatens with a shot, lets the defender jump in and then continues with an "underhand pull ball": a kind of private penalty throw from about 5 meters diagonally behind the basket. The Germa-ball - so called by me after Germa Woldhuis of Nic. who had success with this on a regular basis - is practised here. The server catches the ball.

c ) The starting situation is the same, but the shooter now gets a defender with him (some pairs cancel each other out). The defender's task is to decide which of the two possibilities (a. or b.) the attacker will have: he reacts deliberately too late (after which a shot must follow), or he follows the shooter too closely (thus giving the opportunity for an underhand draw). In exercises d., e. and f., the attacker plays free with one simple movement. An efficient way, which however requires a lot of technique (and therefore practice).

The first three exercises form the basis for creating shot opportunities in the post zone (e.g. in reaction to forward defending).

This ball only has a chance of succeeding when the defender is not too attentive, and must be executed as secretively as possible. The attacker should therefore not orient himself on his position by looking backwards or similar.

Situations as described in h., i. and j. occur in match situations, when the defender of the receiver under the basket has more eye for what is happening elsewhere in the box than for his direct opponent. Especially people who do a lot of catching work can benefit from these exercises.

d ) Exercise as b., but the shooter now walks away sideways and has to make a turn of almost 180 degrees towards the basket at the moment of catching the pull ball. In the learning phase, this exercise can also be started from a standing position, whereby the shooter stands still approximately 5 metres next to the basket and the server stands a few metres in front of the basket. The ball must be played on the outside.

e ) As d. now with the defender near the shooter (some pairs cancel). The defender comes running in quite fiercely.

f ) The shooter stands on the 'ideal passing position', half a metre from the basket. His defender stands between him and the post, without actually defending (i.e. with his hands downwards). The shooter throws the ball backwards into the basket with two hands.

g ) The 'shooter' stands about half a metre behind the basket with the defender in front of him. The defender defends well with his hands up and facing the attacker. The attacker now feints above the defender's head, as if he were trying to pass to someone in front of the basket. The defender reacts to this by turning around and lowering his hands, i.e. takes up a front defence position. As soon as he does so, the shot is made from half a metre behind the basket.

h ) The "declarer" stands about 5 metres in front of the basket. He shoots, but on purpose, a little bit over the basket. The archer who stands under the basket, catches the ball by taking one or two steps backwards from under the basket, and shoots immediately in one fluent movement.

i ) As h., but now the person under the basket shoots directly from a jump. The timing is very important now, and it's more like tapping the ball than shooting. Compare it with a set-up in volleyball.

j ) The 'attacker' stands about 7 metres in front of the basket and shoots over the basket again on purpose. The 'catcher' lets the ball pass over him, then runs after it and shoots with a half turn (bouncing the ball first).

Inshort: practise all kinds of forms of the shot in 'difficult situations'.

Organisation: pairs per basket, always one regular attacker and one shooter. Change after 1 or 2 minutes.

a )The declarer plays the ball about 1 meter to the left of the archer. He jumps as it were 'into' the ball, and shoots immediately in a fluent movement at the basket.

b ) As a., but now the ball is placed 1 meter to the right of the shooter.

c ) As a., but the ball is played left or right of the shooter, as the declarer chooses.

d ) The declarer gives a tight ball from under the basket. Just before receiving the ball, the striker, who is standing about 6 meters in front of the basket, steps backwards. He then shoots (from one leg) in one fluent movement. In this way, an attacker creates a lot of space for the shot. This way of shooting requires a lot of technique and/or strength.

e ) Same exercise as d., but now the shooter has a defender with him. The declarer must keep shooting as tight as possible. The archer will have the tendency to make the backward movement earlier, which he should not do: only at the moment of catching does the movement come backward, immediately followed by the shot.

f ) Exit situation: declarer under the basket, shooter at about 8 meters in front of the basket, with a defender near him. The attacker takes a step towards the basket and threatens to make a through ball. After the defender has started the backward movement, the attacker immediately draws back the front leg and shoots.

In short: practise various forms of the shot with a fixed defender.

Organisation: teams of four per basket, one fixed forward and one fixed defender, the other two take turns shooting. After about 1 minute, the players change functions.

All forms of the shot mentioned with the exercises with threes are eligible to be practised in this form of organisation. The purpose of these exercises with the defender present can be to have the shooter perform the exercises at full speed (e.g. when shooting through balls or just the distance shot): not give the opportunity to "aim"), to bring the shooter more in the "game situation" (shooting with a defender right in front of you is very different than calmly laying down for a distance shot), to give the shooter a feeling of the right moment (making an evasive move which is followed by a breakthrough instead of a distance shot is not difficult, it is mainly about the moment that the defender is in the wrong position and the final move must be made), to start away in all directions. Note: the required turn is not the same in all cases, a turn can even be omitted when starting away in the extension of the post. The shot is most difficult when the archer walks straight towards the declarer; in other cases the shooting is easier, but the pure marking more difficult.

Exercise o. is an example of a combination of two standard movements. There are more to come, for example: starting away from the basket, but after receiving the ball take a walk-through ball, or: dodge over right, receive ball, play ball inside again and continue with a dodge ball over left, etc.

Point well!

The exercises a., b. and c. are especially meant to be able to shoot a ball that is not well placed.

To teach at which place a movement should be started (e.g. at a break-through that is broken off very suddenly and is then followed by a shot from very close range or at which place a dodge movement should be started).

Most korfball players do not like shooting drills with defenders present. However, for the reasons mentioned above, I think that shooting under pressure should be done regularly. It is essential that the defenders know what their function in this exercise is: it is about ......(filling in one of the goals mentioned above) and not about making it impossible for the shooter to shoot. It is a breeze for a defender to prevent any shot: he knows what is coming. On the other hand, if an attacker does not do well, the defender should indeed try to block the shot, or not fall into the poorly executed feint.

Course of the exercises:

(using the example of taking evasive balls). The regular attacker stands under the basket with the ball, the two shooters stand about 10 meters in front of the basket, the defender stands near one of them. The attacker with the defender is running towards the basket, forces the defender to run with him, makes a sudden evasive manoeuvre, freeing him from the defender, receives the ball and shoots. The defender tries to obstruct, but is just too late to execute properly. Immediately afterwards, the defender passes to the second attacker, who does the same, etc. After about 1 minute or after, say, five shots both shooters switch functions.

Variation: the two archers stand about 6 metres in front of the basket and about 4 metres from each other. The attacker stands under the basket. The defender must now defend both archers. The attackers may play together a maximum of two times, then one of them must shoot.

In short: practise the standard forms of shooting with three people at the basket.

Organisation: each team has a basket and a ball, the exercises start with one person under the basket (with the ball) and two people in front of the basket. After the shot, the players keep on turning, which means that they have to catch the next ball and pass it to the other players. After passing the ball, another round of shooting follows. If necessary, the exercise can also be done with foursomes, the players just get a few less turns. If necessary, a pylon can be used for each basket.

a ) Passing balls in hand from about 10 metres in front of the basket.

b ) The same, but now overhead.

c ) As a., but the ball is first played forward from under the basket. The shooter places the ball back to the attacker under the basket and immediately runs after it to take the turnover ball.

d ) Shooting from a standstill from a distance of approx. 8 metres (also after the shot, run to the basket to catch the next ball).

e ) Shooting after a movement to the left or right from a distance of approx. 7 metres.

f ) Take evasive action on the left (start at the pylon at about 10 meter before the basket, at 5 or 6 meter before the basket make a sharp left hook).

g ) As f, now over the right.

h ) Take penalty shots.

i ) As d., but after the distance shot the shooter takes another walkthrough ball.

j ) The shooter threatens with a through ball, but stops very abruptly at about 3 metres before the basket (hoping that the defender "shoots through"), gets the ball and finishes the chance.

k ) The shooter makes an evasive move (over the left or right), gets the ball, but instead of shooting, takes a walkthrough. There are several ways to put the ball inside: with the "outside hand" - i.e. in a dodging movement to the right with a right-handed stretching throw -, with a bounce, by an overhand or an underhanded pendulum throw, or by catching the ball on the other hand with a left-handed stretching throw. There are several factors that determine which method is best, a good korfball player will have to master several ways.

l ) The shooter makes an evasive move, pretends to receive the ball (the attacker may make a feint), but takes a through ball immediately afterwards (so like c., but without the ball).

m ) The shooter takes a through ball, after a few meters he suddenly moves away. However, the evasive movement is not continued: there is that through ball anyway. I call it the Lucas move, after Albert Lucas who had a lot of success with it.

n ) Numbers 1 and 2 under the basket, number 3 (who has the ball) in front of it. Number 1 starts away from the basket, receives the ball, makes a half turn and shoots (= starting away from the basket). Number 2 catches, plays on number 1, starts away, receives the ball back, makes a half turn and shoots. Number 3 takes off etc.

o ) The shooter makes an evasive move on the right, receives the ball, places it back to the attacker under the post, and walks straight to the basket (so in the direction he just came from). He receives the ball back and shoots.

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.