There are many elements which make korfball a unique sport to learn and play. The most obvious unique aspect is the mixed gender nature of the sport. The rules do not allow for defending players of the opposite gender, which makes the use of players of particular genders at certain times a tactical ploy.
Another unique aspect of korfball is the defended shot rule. In essence, a player cannot shoot at the korf while being closely defended (for a full account of what constitutes defended, see theRules of Korfball – Concise Edition, or the more complete The IKF Rules of Korfball. This means that players must move away from their defenders in order to be able to shoot, adding a unique tactical element to korfball.
Another not quite unique, but still unusual, element of korfball is the fact the korf is set in from the baseline. This allows for attacks from all around the korf, which again adds tactical elements to korfball not found in other sports.
Korfball is a fast-paced and dynamic game that is the only truly mixed team sport in the world.
The principles are similar to those of netball, handball and basketball but the unique defending and mixed sex rules make for a much more varied game at a much faster pace.
Teams of eight players divide into two sections, two male, two female in each section. The korfball playing area consists of two large squares joined along the centre line, within each square is a ‘korf’ set in one third from the back line.
The origins of the game are in The Netherlands – the word ‘korf’ is simply Dutch for basket. The sport was developed by school-teacher Nico Broekhuysen who founded the sport in 1902 so that boys and girls could play together on equal terms, encouraging eam work and cooperation.
One section starts the game in attack, the other in defence, but players swap roles after every two goals scored throughout the game.
The sport is based on cooperation within the team, and the rules provide equality – players can only mark or be marked by an opposing player of the same sex.
Individual challenges and competitiveness are still enjoyed within this framework that priorities teamwork and equality.
This video explains the Rules of Korfball – a sport in Europe from the Netherlands.This is a beginner’s explanation of Korfball Rules.Watch this short video tutorial guide on how to play Korfbal under International Korfball Federation Rules.
Posted by Korfball Spotter on Tuesday, 17 November 2015