Advanced Playing Tips
Welcome to the advanced online coaching page. This section includes a selection of small quicktime movie files of top international Korfball players demonstrating the speed, skill and tactics of Korfball at a high level.
Offensive
The main objective for a korfball player in offence is to offbalance their defensive opponent thus gaining enough distance from the defender that a shot for goal can be taken. There are two basic shot options for a Korfball player – a long distance shot (similar to a netball or basketball style shot) or a short distance ‘run in’ shot (similar to a basketball lay up).
Offensive Player Movement
Escaping the defender (292 KB .mp4 file opens a in new window)
This is Ben Verburght of Belgium at the 1999 World Championships held at the Clipsal Powerhouse in Adelaide. He runs towards the basket forcing Taco Poelstra (his defender) onto the backfoot. A sharp change in direction throws Taco off-balance, and Ben gets off a shot and scores.
The ball is shot while moving at speed away from the basket. This technique can be necessary to evade close defending, however it is extremely difficult to masterwith accuracy. Taco is seen demonstrating this shot in the next section.
The “Roll Around” (609 KB .mp4 file opens a in new window)
This is Taco Poelstra of the Netherlands at the 1999 World Championships held at the Clipsal Powerhouse in Adelaide. The ball is shot while moving at speed away from the basket. This technique can be necessary to evade close defending, however it is extremely difficult to masterwith accuracy.
Shots in Regular Play
Long Distance Shot – Power (431 KB .mp4 file opens a in new window)
This is Leon Simons of the Netherlands at the 1999 World Championships held at the Clipsal Powerhouse in Adelaide. The ball is shot from the very edge of the court from one leg whilst in motion. Most power coming through the arms, some through the legs.
Long Distance Shot – Moving (430 KB .mp4 file opens a in new window)
This is different in style to either basketball or netball. Most players shoot with a two handed style beginning with the ball close to their chin below eye level. Using the legs to jump whilst shooting adds power.
This is Taco Poelstra of the Netherlands at the 1999 World Championships held at the Clipsal Powerhouse in Adelaide. The ball is shot while moving at speed away from the basket. This technique can be necessary to evade close defending, however it is extremely difficult to masterwith accuracy.
Run-In Shot – assistance from the basket (340k .mov file opens a in new window)
This is similar to a basketball lay up. However, because korfballers cannot dribble, it requires a pass close to the basket, often facilitated by a player in the ‘feed’ position.
Free Passes & Penalty Shots
Penalty Shot (137 KB .mov file opens a in new window)
Penalty shots are awarded after an infringement on a player taking a shot or an infringement which prevents a player with the opportunity to shoot from gaining possession of the ball to shoot. A penalty is taken 2.5m from directly in front of the basket, all other players must be 2.5m from both the penalty spot and the basket.
This is Denis Voshart of the Netherlands at the 1999 World Championships held at the Clipsal Powerhouse in Adelaide. A penalty is taken from a position 2.5m away and directly in front of the basket. All other players must be 2.5m from both the penalty spot and the basket (marked by the red oval shaped line.)
Free Passes are awarded for any other infringement. In offence, a free pass can be utilised to generate a shooting opportunity. It is a free pass only (ie no shot can be taken directly) but all players must be 2.5m distance from the ball until it is moved.
Defence
The main objective for a Korfballer in defence is to maintain a distance to their attacker no more than arms length to their offensive opponent to prevent their opponent from taking a shot for goal.
Teamwork is also important in defence. Communication between defenders allows defenders to adjust to changing situations, particularly if a mistake has been made.