Team Handball Steps To Success

Preface • i
TEAM
HANDBALL
Steps to Success
Reita E. Clanton
Assistant Women’s 1996 Olympic Team Handball Coach
Head Coach, Team 2000 Women’s Team Handball
United States Team Handball Federation
Atlanta, GA
Mary Phyl Dwight

Women’s Development Coach
United States Team Handball Federation
Atlanta, GA
Human Kinetics
ii • Team Handball: Steps to Success
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Clanton, Reita E., 1952-

Team handball : steps to success / Reita E. Clanton, Mary Phyl Dwight.
p. cm. -- (Steps to success activity series)
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 0-87322-411-6
1. Team handball. I. Dwight, Mary Phyl, 1951- . II. Title. III. Series.
GV1017.T4C53 1997
796.31’2--dc20 96-15149
CIP
ISBN-10: 0-87322-411-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-87322-411-6
Copyright © 1997 by Human Kinetics, Inc.
All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in any form or by any
electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, and
recording, and in any information storage and retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the
publisher.
Notice: Permission to reproduce the following material is granted to instructors and organizations who have pur-
chased Team Handball: Steps to Success: Appendix A on pp. 150-153. The reproduction of other parts of this book is
expressly forbidden by the above copyright notice. Persons or agencies who have not purchased Team Handball: Steps
to Success may not reproduce any material.
Developmental Editor: Judy Patterson Wright, PhD; Assistant Editors: John Wentworth and Andrew Smith; Edito-
rial Assistants: Jennifer Hemphill and Alecia Mapes Walk; Copyeditor: Denelle Eknes; Proofreader: Sue Fetters;
Graphic Designer: Keith Blomberg; Graphic Artists: Robert Reuther and Denise Lowry; Cover Designer: Jack Davis;
Photographer (cover): Will Zehr; Illustrators: Keith Blomberg and Jennifer Delmotte; Printer: Versa Press
Instructional Designer for the Steps to Success Activity Series: Joan N. Vickers, EdD, University of Calgary, Cal-
gary, Alberta, Canada
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Preface • iii
C ontents
Preface iv
The Steps to Success Staircase vi
The Game of Team Handball: It’s Not Off the Wall! 1
The Playing Court and Equipment 5
Step 1 Passing and Catching: The Essence of the Game 9

Step 2 Piston Movement and Side Stepping: Individual Attack Moves 23
Step 3 Dribbling: When and When Not to Dribble 34
Step 4 Shooting: Finishing the Attack 42
Step 5 Individual Defensive Skills: Going One-on-One 61
Step 6 Goalkeeping: The Competitive Edge 75
Step 7 Individual Tactics: Attack and Defend 91
Step 8 Offensive Combinations: Supporting Your Teammates 104
Step 9 Defensive Combinations: Help and Communication 115
Step 10 Transitions: Fast-Break and Quick Retreat 125
Step 11 Team Attack: Support Points 136
Step 12 Team Defense: The 6-0 Zone 142
Rating Your Progress 148
Appendix A: Team Handball Simplified Rules 150
Appendix B: Marking a Team Handball Court 154
Glossary 156
Suggested Readings 157
About the Authors 159
iii
iv • Team Handball: Steps to Success
P reface
W elcome to the exciting Olympic sport of team handball. Even though millions of
people enjoy the sport throughout the world, team handball is an underdeveloped sport
in the United States. Team Handball: Steps to Success has been written to give you, as a
beginning player, the chance to put your enthusiasm for this new sport into action. You
start by learning the basic rules and gaining an understanding of the physical requirements
in the sport. You need not have a specific body type to be successful in team handball,
but excellent all-around physical conditioning and an aggressive competitive desire are
necessary. This contact sport blends strength, speed, agility, and endurance in a physi-
cally challenging way.
Next, you participate in a progressive program of individual and team skill development.
Once you acquire the skills, you practice them in gamelike situations to help learn proper
execution under pressure and how to make good decisions. Factors that create gamelike
conditions include adding defense, restricting space, limiting time, and inducing physi-
cal fatigue. Practice under these conditions helps you develop the intangible qualities of
determination and confidence that any good player must possess.
Determining what individual and team skills were essential to expose you to was the
hardest part of writing this book. There are many skills we were not able to cover. As a be-
ginning player, covering everything would be overwhelming for you. Unlike Europeans who
have played since they were young children, you are likely to be learning team handball for
the first time as an older player, as we did. This book is unique from other team handball
publications because we remember what it was like to be an experienced athlete in another
sport, yet learning team handball for the first time in our twenties. Regardless of your age,
this book will provide you with what you need to enjoy the game. Twenty years of playing,
coaching, and teaching team handball have taught us what is important for the beginning
player. We have taught the game to teachers, coaches, and varsity collegiate athletes and
have coached all skill levels of Special Olympics athletes. We included those basic skills,
tactics, and strategies that would allow you to play the game quickly and provide the foun-
dation for your development as a player. The basic skills you need to play team handball
are the same skills you use for other sports, primarily basketball and baseball or softball,
which are probably familiar to you. You will combine your natural athletic skills of running,
jumping, throwing, and catching as you develop as a team handball player.
Understanding game tactics and strategies is also important. You will test your decision-
making abilities as you experience the rapidly changing action of the game. You will learn
how your individual development contributes to the team as a whole. Six court players
and a goalie work together, with each player having individual responsibilities that will
contribute to the team’s success.
iv
Preface • v
Whether you participate for fun and fitness or seriously compete with the dream of some-
day making an Olympic team, your love for team handball will grow as you experience the
game and improve your performance. Use this book to progress through the steps to suc-
cess at your own pace. Organize a team handball club or league in your area through your
school or Park and Recreation Department. Pass on your enthusiasm for team handball
by displaying your new skills in games and tournaments. We think you will find that once
you start playing the game regularly you will create an individual style of play and develop
more advanced techniques.
We believe this project will represent an important point for team handball development
in the United States. The 1996 Olympics in Atlanta will create excitement about the sport
of team handball. The marketplace needs a quality team handball book for the beginning
player, written in English by American teachers and Olympic athletes. Team Handball:
Steps to Success provides a book that players, teachers, students, and spectators excited
about team handball will be able to pick up in a local bookstore or check out of the library.
There are several people we want to thank who have influenced the development and
completion of this book. Peter Buehning, former president of the United States Team Hand-
ball Federation (USTHF), gave us the opportunity to get involved in this great sport. We were
selected to the first USTHF Women’s National Team in 1974 and traveled throughout the
world competing in the sport. The USTHF also chose us as members of the first Women’s
U.S. Olympic Team for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Our sincere appreciation goes
to three U.S. National Team coaches who greatly influenced our understanding of the
sport and development as players and coaches, Stan Mandroski, Javier Garcia Cuesta,
and Claes Hellgren.
Several friends contributed support to this project in a variety of ways. Thanks to Susan
Todaro, Sandra Leigh, and Jona Braden for editing and critiquing along the way. Joe Thomas
and Mary Carter provided photography for the illustrator of the book. Our thanks go to our
families for their encouragement and support of this project, especially our parents Jack
and Rudene Clanton and Nelson and Bessie Dwight.
We would like to thank Human Kinetics for taking an interest in team handball and pub-
lishing this book. A special thanks to Judy Patterson Wright for all her help and patience
while completing the project. It was a lot harder than we had imagined.
vi • The Steps to Success Staircase
T HE STEPS TO SUCCESS STAIRCASE

G et ready to climb a staircase—one that will lead you to become an accomplished team
handball player. You cannot leap to the top—you get there by climbing one step at a time.
Each of the 12 steps you take is an easy transition from the one before. The first few steps
of the staircase provide a solid foundation of basic skills and concepts. As you progress
further, you will learn how to combine those seemingly isolated skills. You will learn how to
attack the goal, how to decide when to pass and when to shoot, and how you can support
your teammates when attacking and defending. As you near the top of the staircase, you’ll
learn how seven players with individual responsibilities organize as one unit in attack and
on defense and how communication contributes to the effectiveness of the team.
Familiarize yourself with this section as well as with The Game of Team Handball, The
Playing Court and Equipment, and Appendix A: Simplified Rules. These sections give you
a game overview, the physical requirements, the playing area requirements, the size and
type of team handballs, and an explanation of the basic rules. The knowledge you gain will
help you understand how to set up your practice sessions around the steps. Appendix B
provides suggestions for modifying your floor space to create a team handball court.
Follow the same sequence each step (chapter) of the way:
1. Read the explanations of what is covered in the step, why the step is important, and
how to execute or perform the step’s focus, which may be on basic skills, concepts,
tactics, or a combination of the three.
2. Follow the numbered illustrations showing exactly how to position your body to execute
each basic skill successfully. There are three general parts to each skill: preparation
(getting into a starting position), execution (performing the skill that is the focus of
the step), and recovery (reaching a finish position or following through to starting
position). These are your keys to success.
3. Look over the common errors that may occur and the recommendations for how to
correct them.
4. Practice the drills to help you improve your skills through repetition. Read the direc-
tions and the Success Goal for each drill. Then review the Success Checks and practice
accordingly. Record your score and compare your performance with the Success Goal
for the drill. Because the drills are arranged in an easy-to-difficult progression, you
need to meet the Success Goal of each drill before moving on to practice the next one.
This sequence is designed specifically to help you achieve continual success. Pace
yourself by adjusting the drills to either increase or decrease difficulty, depending on
where you are. See the symbol key to the diagrams at the end of this section.
5. As soon as you can reach all the Success Goals for one step, you are ready for a
qualified observer—such as your coach or trained partner—to evaluate your basic
vi
The Steps to Success Staircase • vii
skill technique against the step’s keys to success. This is a qualitative or subjective
evaluation of your basic technique or form, because using correct form can enhance
your performance.
6. Repeat these procedures for each of the 12 steps to success. Then rate yourself ac-
cording to the directions in the Rating Your Total Progress section at the end of the
book.
Good luck on your step-by-step journey to developing your team handball skills, building
confidence, experiencing success, and having fun!
Key to Diagrams
Attacker Path of the ball
Defender Starting position of a moving player
Goalie Dribbling player
Player with the ball Player advancing the ball with three steps
Relative body positions Shooting

(players face to face)
Moving player with different timing
Coach or training partner (crossing players)
Path of player
Screen/pick
Fake without the ball
Cone or chair
Fake with the ball
Note: The right and left side of the court is determined by facing the goal.
BC BC = Any backcourt LB LB = Left backcourt
CB CB = Center backcourt RB RB = Right backcourt
CR CR = Circle runner LW LW = Left wing
RW RW = Right wing
This page intentionally left blank.
T HE game of team handball: it’s
not off the wall!
A lthough popular throughout much of the world, team handball is just emerging in the
United States and often suffers from an identity crisis. Most of the world calls the game
“handball,” but in the United States there is already another sport with that name. Most
Americans who hear of team handball envision participants on something like a racquetball
court smacking a little black ball with their hands. This vision is not accurate—without a
doubt, team handball is not off the wall!
Team handball is a dynamic sport that is fun to play and exciting to watch. The sport
uses natural athletic skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching to provide
the action for the game. Players and spectators alike enjoy the fast, continuous play, the
body contact, and the goalie action. First-time spectators describe team handball as soc-
cer with your hands, but they also notice elements that remind them of basketball, water
polo, and ice hockey.
Playing the Game

Team handball is played between two teams, each with six court players and a goalie, on a
court larger than a basketball court. The object of the game is to throw a cantaloupe-sized
ball into your opponent’s 2-meter by 3-meter goal while defending your goal from attack
(see Figure 1). A regulation game is played in 30-minute halves with one 60-second team
time-out per half. A coin toss determines which team starts the game with a throw-off.
From that point, the action is continuous. The clock stops only for injury, team time-outs,
and at the referee’s discretion. A successful scoring attempt results in the award of 1 point.
Goals scored per game typically range from the upper teens to mid-twenties.
Basic defense protects the goal area by placing all six players around it, forming a wall. A
semicircular line 6 meters from the goal marks the goal area. Only the goalie occupies this
area, and attackers and defenders must remain outside. Defense technique is similar to
basketball with the exception that it allows more contact. Rules permit body contact with
the torso, but players may not push, hold, or endanger an opponent in any way. Excessive
roughness results in a warning or a 2-minute suspension.
When in attack, players are called backcourts, wings, and circle runners. Passing is the
primary way to move the ball in attack. A player may take three steps with the ball before
and after dribbling, but while stationary may hold the ball only 3 seconds. The attacking
players’ task is to find a way over, around, or through the defensive “wall.” Players do this
using strategies similar to basketball, incorporating the concepts of the screen, pick and roll,
1
2 • Team Handball: Steps to Success
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eter ou
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4 db
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am all
Te etb
sk
Ba
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28
Basketball
(30 to 31 inches in
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ters Handball
(22-23 inches in
circumference)
20 m
eter
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Figure 1 Dimensions in team handball compared to those in basketball. As you see, the
Clanton
team handball court is significantly bigger while
Job# 376 the ball is significantly smaller.
Fig.# 1crt.
Artist: Jennifer D.
and the overload. The offense may run set plays but a freelance style usually dominates.
Figure 2 shows a team ready to attack versus the defensive wall.
The International Handball Federation (IHF), the international governing body of team
handball, has established the official rules of the game. Appendix A provides simplified rules
in a handout format. You can purchase the current official IHF Rules of the Game from the
United States Team Handball Federation, One Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.
Preparing Your Body for Success

Physical fitness alone cannot make you a great team handball player, but without it you
cannot achieve your potential. Being physically fit for team handball includes endurance
(aerobic and anaerobic), strength, flexibility, and the related skill factors of agility, balance,
and coordination. Team handball is a 60-minute game of fast, continuous action. Your
commitment to being physically fit improves your capacity to practice at a level closer to
gamelike conditions. Although you may run more than 3 miles during a game, short bursts
of exertion challenge your anaerobic endurance. Training your aerobic capacity through
long-distance running prepares you for the short-distance speed work that will improve your
anaerobic endurance for practices and games. Whenever possible, include team handball
in your physical conditioning exercises. Combining skill training and fitness training in a
single exercise maximizes the use of your practice time.
Every practice and game should include a 10- to 15-minute warm-up period to elevate
your heart rate and increase your flexibility. The benefit of flexibility exercises increases
when preceded by exercises that allow you to break a sweat. Remember to use a static
stretch by assuming the stretch position, holding that position, then relaxing. Warming up
decreases the chance of sustaining muscle and joint injuries.
The Game of Team Handball • 3
Right
wing
Left
wing
Circle
runner
Right backcourt
Left backcourt Center backcourt
Figure 2 Offense preparing to attack a defensive wall.
When you finish your workout, cool down by spending three to five minutes slowly jogging
or walking to let your heart rate recover to its normal resting state. After walking, select
a flexibility exercise for each major muscle group that you used in the training session.
Include the hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, groin, shoulders, and back. Because the body
is warm after training, stretching is much easier and helps prevent next-day soreness.
Team Handball Today

The International Handball Federation (IHF) recognizes the United States Team Handball
Federation (USTHF) as the national governing body in the United States. The USTHF con-
ducts national and international programs. The national teams frequently travel throughout
the world for international competition including the World Championships, Pan American
Games, and the Olympics. Schools are including this Olympic sport in their curriculum.
Some high schools and middle schools have organized team handball intramurals and club
teams who compete in Junior Olympics or state games tournaments. The Boys and Girls
Clubs of America host the Junior Olympic Team Handball Nationals each May in Atlanta,
Georgia.
On the college level, team handball is not yet offered as a championship sport. West Point
and the Air Force Academy include team handball as a part of their varsity sport program
and host tournaments. As part of a recent NCAA gender equity report, team handball was
included as one of the eight suggested emerging women’s sports. Team handball intramural
competitions and sport clubs exist at many colleges.
New York, New Jersey, California, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Georgia, and Colorado have
active USTHF state associations. Two other USTHF members, the Native American Sports
Council and the U.S. Armed Forces Sports Council, are also prominent promoters of team
handball. Organizations such as these, as well as individual clubs, host local tournaments
and travel to compete in regional competitions. All USTHF teams are eligible to compete in
the annual National Championships in April.
Several sports organizations have developed team handball for the disabled. Special
Olympics International, a sports organization created for people with mental retardation,
conducts team handball training schools for coaches and offers training and competition
for athletes. Fourteen team handball teams competed in the 1995 Special Olympics World
Games in New Haven, CT. The American Athletic Association for the Deaf sponsors a team
for the World Deaf Games. The United States Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association hosts a
yearly national tournament in Wheelchair Team Handball.
Team handball continues to grow throughout the world. The IHF comprises 136 member
nations and 16 membership candidates. Approximately 12 million players compete in the
sport on four continents. Although European and Asian countries still lead in team handball
participation, African and Pan American countries are emerging in the sport. The future of
team handball in the United States is promising. The interest created by the 1996 Olympic
Games in Atlanta will be a catalyst for the further development of the sport.
For more information regarding specific team handball programs, call or write:
United States Team Handball Federation International Handball Federation
One Olympic Plaza P.O. Box 312
Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Ch-4020
719-578-4582 Basel, Switzerland
41-61-331-50-15
Special Olympics International
Team Handball Director U.S. Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association
1325 G. St. NW Wheelchair Team Handball
Suite 500 200 Harrison Avenue
Washington, DC 20005-4709 Newport, RI 02840
202-628-3630 401-848-2460
Boys and Girls Clubs of America Native American Sports Council
1230 West Peachtree St., NW 1765 South 8th St.
Atlanta, GA 30309 Suite T6
404-815-5700 Colorado Springs, CO 80906
719-632-3188
American Athletic Association of the Deaf
3607 Washington Blvd. U.S. Armed Forces Sports
Suite 4 Hoffman Building #1
Ogden, UT 84403-1737 Rm. 1456
801-393-7916 (TTY) 2461 Eisenhower Ave.
801-393-8710 (Voice) Alexandria, VA 22331-0522
703-325-1843

T HE playing court and equipment
B efore you get into the Steps to Success to develop your team handball skills, you need
to learn a little bit about the playing court, equipment, and attire. In the United States, it
is unlikely you will have access to an established team handball court, so you may need to
learn how to modify your facility and the equipment immediately available to you.
The Playing Court

A regulation team handball court measures 20 meters by 40 meters. The rules require an
additional safety zone outside the court lines of at least 1 meter on the sides and 2 meters
on the ends. A large safety net is also advisable behind each goal. The most significant
part of the playing court is the goal area, formed by the 6-meter line and nicknamed the
“circle.” Only the goalie is allowed to stand inside this area. Neither attacking players nor
defending players may enter the goal area or step on the 6-meter goal-area line. However,
the rules allow court players “air rights” over the circle. A player may jump from outside
the goal area, hang in the air over the goal area, and shoot the ball before contacting the
floor. Players cannot interfere with game action in any way after landing in the circle and
must exit in the shortest route possible.
Figure 3 shows the playing court. Table 1 lists the specific rules that apply to the main
court lines.
Team bench Score table Team bench
Substitution area
Endline
Substitution line
Substitution line
Goalkeeper line
Free-throw line
6-meter line
7-meter line
9-meter line
Goal-area line
7-meter line
4-meter line
Centerline
20 meters
Goal
Endline
Sideline
40 meters
Figure 3 The team handball court. Clanton

job# 376
Fig # 3
Artist: Jennifer D.
5
Table 1 Main Court Lines and Restrictions
4-meter line—Goalie cannot go beyond this point on a 7-meter throw.

6-meter line—The goal-area line encloses the goal area or “circle.”
7-meter line—7-meter throws are taken from this line (a penalty shot one-on-one with the
goalie).
9-meter line—Free-throw line, used to put ball back into play after minor foul.
Substitution line—Marks the substitution area, a 15-centimeter line both on and off the
court that designates where players enter and leave the court.
Centerline—Attacking team starts the game here and restarts play after each goal.
You may play the game indoors in the gym, outdoors on the grass, on the beach, or on
any level rectangular paved area. Most high school gyms are built around a basketball
court (15 meters by 28 meters) but you can easily adapt the team handball court to a
smaller space. As the playing area is reduced, you may reduce the number of players, the
goal-area line, and the free-throw line accordingly. Reducing the goal area when adults are
playing is not recommended because it leads to an added danger for the goalie. The width
of the court is more important than the length when modifying a team handball court. If
putting tape on the floor is a problem, you could use the 3-point line in basketball for the
goal area, but measuring the area correctly is preferable. See Appendix B for directions for
marking the playing court.
The Ball
The ball consists of a rubber bladder and a white leather 32-panel cover sometimes deco-
rated with a black symmetrical design. Considering hand size and individual strength, the
ball varies in size and weight depending on the group participating (see Figure 4). To get
the most out of practices, have a ball for every two players. The rules do not indicate the
inflation pressure for a team handball. A simple standard is that the ball should have a
good bounce when dropped from waist high, but it should not be so hard that it doesn’t
give a little when pressed with a thumb. Table 2 provides ball size and weight guidelines.
58-60 cm
54-56 cm
a. Menʼs leather (size 3) b. Womenʼs leather (size 2)
Figure 4 The team handball varies in size and weight depending on the players.
The Playing Court and Equipment • 7
Table 2 Team Handballs: Size and Weight
Menʼs leather (size 3) Metric U.S. equivalent

Circumference 58-60 centimeters............................. 23-24 inches
Weight 425-475 grams.................................. 15-17 ounces
Womenʼs leather (size 2)
Weight 325-400 grams.................................. 12-14 ounces
*SuperSafe Elite (made by Sportime 1-800-283-5700)
(air-filled, foam ball for safer youth and coed training)
6-3/4 inch handball (age 14 and older)
Weight 350 grams......................................... 12.3 ounces
6-1/4 inch junior handball (age 13 and younger)
Weight 320 grams......................................... 11.3 ounces
* Recommended for coed physical education classes and youth programs.
For beginners, physical education classes, and youth programs, the U.S. Team Handball
Federation recommends the SuperSafe Elite handball by Sportime (1-800-283-5700). The
air-filled, foam ball has the weight of an official women’s ball (350 grams) and provides
realistic play in a safe atmosphere. You can also use lighter, dense foam balls for elemen-
tary children.
The Goals
The goal has an opening of 2 meters by 3 meters with posts that are eight centimeters wide
painted in a black and white checkerboard pattern (see Figure 5). The back of the goalpost
is placed on the outer edge of the goal line. The net, which prevents rebounds, is 1.5 meters
deep at the base of the goal. If storage might be a problem, it is important when purchas-
ing goals to note whether you can take them apart or fold them up with ease. Fold-A-Goal
(213-734-2507) sells nets and a three-piece, steel practice goal that comes apart easily, yet
is durable. Field hockey or indoor soccer goals may be suitable substitutes in some situ-
ations. You can make acceptable goals of official dimensions of wood, pvc pipe, or square
steel tubing. Secure them to the ground when possible. If goals are not available, tape the
goal opening on a wall or make a goal with portable standards and rope. You can make net
substitutes from fish netting or other sports netting and attach them with Velcro straps.
Attire
The required attire for court players is a jersey or shirt, shorts, socks, and court shoes.
Many players also wear knee pads or elbow pads. Players’ uniforms are numbered 1 to 20.
Goalkeepers wear brightly colored long-sleeved shirts and sweat pants that distinguish
them from the court players of both teams. The goalie may become a court player at any
Goal front-view Goal side-view

28 cm 13 x 20 cm 28 cm 100 cm
8 cm
28 cm
9 x 20 cm
200 cm
208 cm
9 x 20 cm
208 cm
8 cm 300 cm 8 cm 150 cm
316 cm
Clanton
Figure 5 Dimensions of the team handball Job#
goal.376
Fig# 5/goal
Artist: Jennifer D.
time following a change of uniform, and vice versa with court players. Referees prohibit
players from wearing anything that might cause injury to another player (i.e., watch, jew-
elry, face mask).
Other Equipment
There are a number of other items you may want to have on hand. Here’s a short list:
■ First-aid kit and emergency contact numbers
■ Ice and plastic bags, or a chemical cold pack
■ 4-inch wide elastic wrap for compression or to hold ice pack in place
■ Water
■ Cones
■ Mats to land on to cushion fall when learning shooting techniques
■ Scrimmage vests
■ Ball pump and extra needles
■ Tape measure (50 meters)
■ Four rolls of gymnasium floor tape (2-inch by 60-yard roll)
Passing and Catching: The Essence of the Game • 9
Step
1
passing and catching: the essence
of the game
P at Head Summitt, head basketball coach at the
University of Tennessee, stresses to her basketball
possession of the ball your individual responsibility
is to attack the goal with the intent to score. If the
players the value of mastering the fundamental skills. scoring opportunity is not clear, you must keep the
The fundamental starting point for team handball is rhythm of the attack going by passing the ball to a
passing and catching. These skills always occur in teammate. Consistent, accurate passing ensures the
combination because another player should catch pace and continuity of team play and keeps pressure
and control each passed ball. As a rule, you pass on the defense by allowing each attacker the oppor-
with one hand so you are always a scoring threat, tunity to be a scoring threat.
and you catch the ball with two hands for greater
ball control. As the name team “handball” implies,
using your hands to pass and catch the ball is the The Overhand Pass
essence of the game.
Like basketball, there are a number of team hand- For two reasons, you will spend most of your practice
ball passes: jump pass, bounce pass, push pass, time perfecting the overhand pass. First, because it
behind the back, behind the shoulder pass, and allows you more accuracy and control, you will use
so forth. In Step 1 you will learn two of the most the overhand pass in a game more often than any
frequently used passes, the overhand pass and the other pass. Second, if you want to be a good shooter,
wrist pass. The overhand pass, which is similar to perfecting the overhand pass has specific importance
throwing a baseball, is the most fundamental pass- because it lays the foundation for learning all shoot-
ing technique. The wrist pass requires a completely ing techniques.
different throwing action. It allows you to a make a
quick lateral pass to a teammate without having to
turn your body to face the receiver. You will also learn How to Execute
the proper techniques for catching balls above your
waist, below your waist, and while you are running.
the Overhand Pass
The preparation phase for the overhand pass is the
shooting position, which puts you in a strong posture
Why Are Passing to shoot or pass depending on the defensive situa-
and Catching Important? tion. As you receive the pass, spread the fingers of
your throwing hand comfortably across the ball and
Passing and catching are the most important com- securely grip it with your fingertips. Gripping the ball
ponents of ball control. Inability to control the ball properly is important for control. In preparation to
results in loss of possession and increased scoring op- pass, lift the ball up and back with your elbow flexed
portunities for your opponent. Offensive success re- at about 90 degrees. Your weight should be on your
volves around a team’s ability to move the ball quickly back foot (same as throwing arm) and your shoulders
and accurately from one player to another. When in perpendicular to the target. To make the pass, step
9
toward your target with the foot of your nonthrowing your wrist and release the ball. A backspin on the
arm. At the same time, transfer your weight from the ball while it travels through the air indicates a cor-
rear to front foot, then rotate your upper body so rect release. To follow through, let your weight rest
your shoulders are square to the target. Next, lead on your front foot as your throwing arm continues
with your elbow, whip your forearm, and finally, snap in a downward, relaxed motion (see Figures 1.1a-c).
FIGURE
1.1 keys to success
overhand pass
4
2
7
6
5 8
3
a b c
Preparation Execution Follow-Through

1. Use fingertip grip ____ 5. Step toward target ____ 8. Bring weight forward ____
2. Flex elbow 90 degrees ____ 6. Rotate and square shoulders 9. Throwing arm continues in
3. Put weight on back foot ____ to target ____ a downward relaxed motion
4. Hold shoulders perpendicu- 7. Lead with elbow ____ ____
lar to target ____
The Wrist Pass ing the ball securely with both hands at waist level. To
make the pass, step laterally toward the target, raise
When organizing your attack in front of the defense, the elbow of your passing arm away from your body,
the wrist pass allows you to make quick passes with- and point it toward the target. At this point, your
out having to turn your upper torso in the direction passing hand should be gripping the ball securely on
of the pass. You can use your peripheral vision to see top, while the other hand is supporting underneath.
your target and follow the ball. Although the quick- Now, transfer your weight toward the target, and
ness of the wrist pass is an advantage, the technique quickly extend your elbow and forearm in the same
limits its effective distance. You can’t shoot with the direction. When you extend your forearm, flip your
ball held in this position or make a long pass with wrist in an upward motion and give the ball a final
any force. push with your thumb. Follow through naturally
with your arm extended and relaxed, knee bent, and
weight on your passing side foot (see Figures 1.2a-c).
How to Execute the Wrist Pass
Face your defender with your feet shoulder-width
apart, knees slightly bent, weight balanced, and hold-
FIGURE
1.2 keys to success
wrist pass
10
4
1
11
2 12
3
a b c

1. Grip ball with two hands at 3. Step laterally toward target ____ 10. Extend and relax passing
waist ____ 4. Raise and point elbow toward arm ____
2. Place feet shoulder-width target ____ 11. Bend knee ____
apart ____ 5. Grip ball in passing hand ____ 12. Put weight on passing-side
6. Transfer weight toward target foot ____
____
7. Extend elbow ____
8. Flip wrist ____
9. Push ball with thumb ____
Catching the Ball How to Catch Above the Waist

There are four principles that apply to catching, re- When preparing to catch, align your body with the
gardless of which technique you use. First, present a ball. Extend your arms toward the ball with elbows
two-handed target for your teammate. Second, watch slightly flexed. With your fingers up and comfortably
the ball. Third, extend your arms to meet the ball, spread, form a triangle with your thumbs and fore-
and cushion its momentum by flexing your elbows as fingers, making a basket to receive the ball. As the
you receive it. Fourth, after catching the ball quickly ball arrives, flex your elbows, bringing your hands
prepare to shoot, fake, pass, or dribble. toward your chest. Grip the ball with one hand and
bring it above your shoulder in preparation to shoot
or pass (see Figures 1.3a-c).
FIGURE
1.3 keys to success
catching above the waist
7
4
a b c

1. Watch the ball ____ 6. Receive the ball ____ 8. Bring hands to chest ____
2. Align body with the ball ____ 7. Flex elbows, give with the
3. Extend arms ____ ball ____
4. Hold fingers up ____
5. Keep ends of thumbs almost
together ____
How to Catch Below the Waist toward the floor. Your little fingers should be almost
Of course, this is not the ideal location to receive a touching so your hand position looks like a shovel.
pass, and certainly not a place where you would give a As you receive the ball, flex your elbows and bring
target. But, sometimes the ball travels in unexpected your hands to your chest. Grip the ball with one hand
ways. The best way to catch a ball below your waist and bring it above your shoulder in preparation to
is to face your palms forward and point your fingers shoot or pass (see Figures 1.4a-c).
FIGURE
1.4 keys to success
catching below the waist
7
9
3
4
6
a b c

1. Watch the ball ____ 8. Receive the ball ____ 10. Bring hands and ball to
2. Align body with ball ____ 9. Flex elbows, give with the chest ____
3. Face palms forward ____ ball ____
4. Point fingers toward floor
____
5. Hold little fingers almost
together ____
6. Bend knees ____
7. Extend arms ____
How to Catch While Running the ball and, while the other foot lands, bring the ball
When running, it’s important to catch the ball without close to the body (see Figures 1.5a-c). When the ball
breaking the rhythm of your movement. Push off from comes from the side, alter this motion slightly as you
one leg and extend both arms toward the ball. Catch turn your body sideways to catch.
FIGURE
1.5 keys to success
catching while running
5
a b c

1. Maintain running rhythm ____ 4. Catch the ball ____ 5. Land on other foot ____
2. Push off one leg ____ 6. Bring ball to body ____
3. Extend arms toward ball ____
passing and catching success stoppers

Most errors in passing and catching are due to incor- rection of the ball. The most common errors players
rect technique or misjudging speed. When passing make when passing and catching are listed below
you may misjudge the speed of a moving player, or along with suggested methods to correct them.
when catching you may misjudge the speed and di-
ERROR CORRECTION
Overhand
Pass
1. Your pass lacks sufficient velocity or 1. The pass should be direct, snappy, and
pace. easy to catch—not too hard, not too soft, and
not too slow. Pass the ball with backspin by
snapping your wrist.
2. Your pass lacks accuracy. 2. Concentrate on the target. Before releasing
the ball, make sure you flex your elbow about
90 degrees. Emphasize the snapping of your
wrist and the follow-through.
3. Your pass goes behind a moving receiver. 3. Consider the receiver’s direction and
speed, and pass the ball out in front of this
area. Giving a lead pass allows your teammate
to be moving forward for an attack on the goal.
Wrist Pass
1. The ball falls out of your hand as you 1. Work on your grip strength and the flex-
pass. ibility between your fingers for increased reach
(see Drills 1 and 2).
2. Your pass floats toward the receiver. 2. Step and transfer your weight toward the
target. Make your elbow and wrist action quick
and snappy.
3. You are facing the receiver when the pass 3. Face forward, usually facing the goal and
is made. your defender, and pass the ball laterally to
your teammate.
Catching
1. The ball goes through your hands. 1. Give the passer a two-handed target and
watch the ball. Form a basket to receive the
ball by making a triangle with your thumbs
and forefingers.
2. The ball rebounds off your hands. 2. Give with the ball as you catch it. Flex
your elbows and gently squeeze the ball with
your fingertips.
passing and catching

Drills
Gripping the ball securely is essential to maintaining first two drills daily to increase your grip strength.
control of the ball when passing and catching. Do the
1. Ball Drop
Place one hand on top of ball, spread your fingers apart, and grip the ball with your fingertips.
Drop the ball and try to catch it with one hand using only your fingertips before the ball hits the
floor. Do the drill with your right and your left hand.
Success Goal = 20 of 25 balls caught To Increase Difficulty

before they hit the floor for each hand ____ • Increase the repetitions by increments of five.
To Decrease Difficulty
✔
Success Check
• Fingertip grip ____
• Don’t drop the ball but grip it with maximum
strength for 5 seconds, alternating hands.
• Fingers spread ____
2. Hand Tug of War

The ball is like the rope in a tug of war contest. Face your partner, and with the ball in the
middle, each of you grasps the ball with the fingertips of one hand. When both of you are satisfied
with your grip, one of you signals “go.” The winner is the person who pulls the ball away from
the other without losing their grip on the ball. Play 10 times on each hand.
Success Goal = 6 of 10 wins for each To Increase Difficulty

hand ____ • Increase the number of times you play to 15 with
each hand.
✔
Success Check
• Firm grip on ball ____
• Decrease the number of times you play to 5 with
each hand.
3. Ball Handling and Catching Drills

Catching is naturally practiced with passing. The following drills will help you practice your
ball handling skills, check for the correct hand position when catching above and below the
waist, and catch the ball on the move.
a. Move the ball around your head, shoulders, waist, and knees in one direction, then reverse
direction.
b. Move the ball around your legs in a “figure 8” pattern.
c. Holding the ball with two hands at waist level, throw the ball against the floor just hard
enough for it to bounce back into both hands. To check for correct hand position, hold the ball
the way you caught it and check to see if your thumbs and forefingers form a triangle on top of
the ball. This hand position is correct for catching balls thrown above the waist.
d. From a standing position, toss the ball with two hands above your head. As the ball falls
below your shoulders, catch it with two hands. To check for correct hand position, hold the ball
the way you caught it and check to see if your little fingers are almost touching and your thumbs
are up. This hand position is correct for catching balls thrown below the waist.
e. Stand about 2-3 meters from a wall. Throw the ball hard against the wall and catch the
rebound in the air. Varying the placement of the throw against the wall will force you to practice
different hand positioning while catching the ball.
f. The purpose of this drill is to practice catching balls thrown above and below the waist. Face
your partner 3 meters apart. Have your partner toss the ball randomly above and below your
waist. Choose the correct hand position for catching each tossed ball.
Success Goal = To Increase Difficulty

a. move ball 10 times in each direction ____ • Face your partner and continuously pass and
b . move ball 10 times in a “figure 8” pattern ____ catch the ball while slowly running forward
c . 10 catches with correct form ____ and backward between the sideline, always
d . 10 catches with correct form ____ maintaining a distance of 4-5 meters between
e . catch 10 balls off the wall ____ you. Your partner moves backward and rolls the
f . 20 catches with correct form ____ ball on the ground to you while you are moving
forward. Catch the ball, return it to your partner
✔
Success Check
• Catching Above the Waist:
with an overhand pass, and continue toward the
sideline. Switch roles and return to the opposite
sideline.
Thumbs and forefingers form a triangle ____ • Facing your partner, continuously pass the ball
• Catching Below the Waist: with straight, lobbed, and bounced overhand
Little fingers almost touching ____ passes while gradually moving apart from a dis-
Thumbs up ____ tance of 4-5 meters to a distance of 15-20 meters
• Catching Above or Below the Waist: and then approaching each other again.
Give a two-hand target, ready to react ____
Partner makes tosses catchable ____ To Decrease Difficulty
• Partner throws 10 passes in a row above the
waist, then 10 below the waist.
4. Wall Passing
a. Practice the overhand pass technique by taping a target 1-meter square at approximately
shoulder height on the wall. Position yourself 4 to 6 meters from the wall; face the wall as if fac-
ing a teammate and pass to the target. Allow the rebound to bounce, catch it with both hands,
assume the ready position for the overhand pass, and pass to the target again.
b. Stand 3 or 4 meters from the wall in the ready position for the wrist pass. Your shoulders
should be perpendicular to the wall. Make a wrist pass straight to the target, as if passing the
ball laterally to a teammate. Allow the rebound to bounce, catch it with both hands, and assume
the wrist pass ready position to pass again.

a. 25 wrist passes using correct form as shown in • Increase the passing distance.
Figure 1.1 on page 10___ • Reduce the target size to 1/2-meter.
20 of 25 passes hit the target___ • Stand closer to the wall and don’t let ball bounce.
b. 25 overhand passes with correct form as shown
in Figure 1.1___
• Eliminate the wall target.
20 of 25 passes hit the target___
✔
Success Check
• Wrist Pass:
Stand perpendicular to the wall ___
Push with your thumb ____
• Overhand Pass:
Concentrate on correct passing form ___
Keep eye on target ____
5. Partner Passing
To practice the combined skills of overhand passing and catching, stand 4 meters from your
partner. Form a two-handed target in front of your throwing hand shoulder. Pass to each other
using the overhand pass. Your partner should not have to move hands from the shoulder area
to catch the ball.
Success Goal = 20 of 25 overhand passes To Increase Difficulty

hit your partner’s target ____ • Facing your partner, stand 4-5 meters from
another pair of partners. Each pair has a ball.
✔
Success Check
• Hands form a target ____
Your partner passes you the ball while you and
a member of the other pair move around each
other in a “figure 8” path.
• Correct overhand pass technique ____
6. Circle Drill
This drill gives you the opportunity to practice the overhand pass and wrist pass in a controlled
space. You can practice all directions of passes in the circle formation. Form a group of five, and
position yourselves evenly around a circle 10 meters in diameter. Pass the ball in any direction,
across the circle or to the player standing next to you. Keep your feet moving when not in pos-
session of the ball. Be ready to receive a pass by always showing a two-hand target to the passer.
Execute correct footwork and upper body position when performing either pass. Give wrist passes
to the players next to you and overhand passes to the players across from you (see Figure a).
C D
B E
A F
a. Overhand Clanton

pass and wrist pass in any b. To Increase difficulty:
direction Job# 376
Fig# S1D6a Passing in a hexagon
Clanton
Artist: Jennifer D. Job# 376
Fig.# S1D6b
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 45 of 50 balls accurately To Increase Difficulty

passed and received by the group ____ • After you pass the ball, follow your pass and run
to take the place of the player that received your
✔
Success Check
• Be ready for the next pass ____
pass. The receiver passes to another person and
runs after the pass to the new receiver’s position,
and so on.
• Wrist pass = face forward, pass laterally ____ • Add a player and another ball and form a hexa-
• Overhand pass = pass across circle ____ gon. Player A passes to player B, then player A
runs to position D. At the same time player D
passes to player E and runs to position A. Player
B passes to player C and runs to position E, and
so on (see Figure b).
7. Running Partner Passing

This drill will help improve your passing and catching skills while moving down the court. Start
with your partner on the goal line about 5 meters apart. Pass overhand to each other while running
down the court. When you receive the ball, take three steps and pass back to your partner. Show
two hands (as a target) to your partner and bring the ball to the overhand pass position quickly.
The footprints shown in the figure signify taking three steps before passing back to your partner.
Be sure to make a lead pass to compensate for your partner’s speed and forward movement.
Full court partner passing

Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S1D7
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 10 of 12 overhand passes To Increase Difficulty

completed while running down the court ____ • Increase the distance between you and your
partner.
✔
Success Check
• Use a leading overhand pass ____
• Start the drill by walking down the court with
your partner. Progress by increasing your speed
• Keep running same speed down the court ____
• ONLY three steps when running with the to jogging and then running.
ball ____
8. 4-Corner Drill
The purpose of this drill is to practice the overhand pass diagonally while you and your team-
mates are running. Position yourself and eight teammates equally in the corners of a 15-meter
square. You, player A, start the drill in counterclockwise direction by making a lead pass to player
B, who is running to the next corner. After passing to player B, run to the end of the line in front
of you. After receiving the pass, player B takes three steps and makes a lead pass to player C,
who is running to the next corner. Player C should wait until player B has caught the ball before
starting to run. After passing, player B runs to the end of the line in front of him or her. Player
C catches the ball, takes three steps, and passes to Player D, and so on. For maximum control
of your passing, it’s important to take your three steps properly and to step toward the target
with your nonthrowing-hand foot. Continue the drill for 3 minutes or when you complete 10
consecutive passes, whichever comes first.
B A
2
3
D
C
Clanton
Job# 376
Success Goal = 10 consecutive completed Fig# S1D8 To Increase Difficulty
Artist: Jennifer
passes running counterclockwise ____, clockwise D.
• Incrementally increase the size of the square up
____ to 20 meters.
• Add a second ball, starting it at the opposite
✔
Success Check
• Use lead passes to moving players ____
corner of the square.
• Make your square smaller.
• Catch ball running forward ____
9. Endline Handball
This game is similar to keep-away and will help you practice passing and catching in a game-
like situation. Choose two teams of equal number. Pick a playing area with a line at each end; it
does not have to be a regulation court. The size of the area will vary depending on the number
of players. Flip a coin to determine which team will have the ball first. After taking a throw-off
at center court, the attackers attempt to move up the floor by passing ahead to an open team-
mate. Attackers are allowed three steps with the ball. Dribbling is not permitted. The defensive
team matches up player to player and attempts to intercept the ball or cause a turnover. If the
defense recovers the ball in such a manner, play immediately resumes in the opposite direction.
Also, if the attacking team fumbles the ball and it contacts the ground, it is turned over to the
defensive team and play continues from that spot. Individual defense should be played with no
contact, such as in basketball. Crossing the designated line at the end of the playing area with
the ball in hand scores 1 point—this includes passing to a teammate who is across the endline.
Restart play after every score with a throw-off. Remember, it is a turnover if you stand and hold
the ball for more than 3 seconds (see Appendix A for a review of team handball rules).
Artist: Jennifer D.
Fig.# S1D9
Job# 376
Clanton
Success Goal = Your team scores a mini-

mum of 5 points in a 5-minute game ____
✔
Success Check
• No dribbling allowed ____
• Use short, quick passes versus long passes ____
• Use lead passes to moving players ____
passing and catching success summary

Someone observing your passing and catching skills should focus on the specific aspects of
your performance, as well as your overall movements. Passing and catching are the essence of the
game. To move to more advanced individual skills and be successful in executing tactics, pass-
ing and catching must become second nature to you. You should look comfortable and relaxed
as you perform the skills, not stiff or robot-like. Ask your coach or a trained partner to observe
your overhand pass, wrist pass, and catching techniques. The observer can use the checklists
in Figures 1.1 through 1.5 to evaluate your performance and provide corrective feedback.
Piston Movement and Side Stepping: Individual Attack Moves • 23
Step
2
piston movement
and side stepping: individual
attack moves
S tagnation spells trouble for team handball
attack. Just as a car will sputter and drag when all
you should constantly adjust your position up and
down the sideline. This action helps support the
cylinders are not firing, so will your team if all six backcourt in two ways: (1) moves the wing defender,
players are not moving and firing in sync. Attackers creating more space for the backcourt to attack, and
should always be in motion, making every effort to (2) creates open passing lanes.
be a scoring threat and support teammates. Step
2 addresses individual movement in attack, which
depends largely on the position you play. The funda-
mental movement of backcourt players is the piston
movement, and the fundamental movement of circle
LW
runners is side stepping. Wings, depending on the
RW
situation, use both movements.
CR
Why Are Piston Movement

and Side Stepping Important?
LB RB
You must master the piston movement to be an effec- CB
tive backcourt or wing player. The piston movement
permits you to make full use of your position’s depth Wing attack area
and keep constant pressure on the defense. The
Backcourt attack area
wings’ use of the piston movement is limited to 1 to 3
meters due to their position near the sideline. This is Circle runner attack area
quite restrictive when compared to the spacious area
available to the backcourts (see Figure 2.1). Clanton
Side stepping allows you to use your position’s Figure 2.1 Attack areas by position.
Job# 376
width when playing circle runner or wing. As a circle Fig.# 2.1
Artist: Jennifer D.
runner, you play at the 6-meter line with your back
to the goal, so there is no space or tactical reason to The Three Actions of
use the piston movement (see Figure 2.1). You primar-
ily move sideways along the 6-meter line looking for
the Piston Movement
openings to receive a pass and shoot or opportunities Similar to the rapid up and down movement of a
to set picks for the backcourts. When playing wing, piston in a cylinder, the piston movement is the sum
of three actions: (1) run to receive, being in motion
23
before catching the ball, (2) use three steps, effective you are a serious scoring threat and draws the atten-
movement after you catch the ball, and (3) back up tion of defenders and the goalie. If no shot is available,
quickly, prepare to attack again. you are in an excellent position to pass to a teammate
so your team’s attack can continue.
Run to Receive
Being in motion before receiving the ball enhances Back Up, Prepare to Attack Again
your ability to attack in three ways: If a shot is not possible after attacking and you pass
the ball, it’s important that you back up quickly in
1. It puts you in a position to support a teammate
preparation to attack again. This action creates space
by creating a passing lane for that player to
between you and the defense, allowing you more free-
get you the ball. It also gives your teammate
dom of movement. Remember, the ball moves quickly
an indication of the direction you want to go;
and your teammates rely on your support. The faster
this will allow your teammate to give you a lead
you can back up and get yourself in a position to
pass so you can carry out your attack without
attack, the better you can support your teammates
hesitation.
and continue to be a threat to score.
2. It puts you in a position to be a scoring threat.
Always direct your movement toward the goal
before receiving the ball. If you move toward
the goal you are a potential threat to score,
How to Execute the Piston
which keeps constant pressure on the defense. Movement
Running laterally to the goal is nonproductive
movement because you are not a scoring threat Effective individual movement begins with a good
and the defense will not have to respond. Being starting position. Place your feet shoulder-width
a threat to score also enhances the effectiveness apart with your nonthrowing-arm foot slightly out in
of team attack. If you are occupying the atten- front. Distribute your weight evenly and bend your
tion of one or more defenders, you will disrupt knees comfortably. Bend your arms loosely next to
the defense and your teammates will have more your torso and keep your hands open and ready to
space to maneuver and get open for a shot. catch the ball. Hold your head high, always keeping
visual contact with your opponents, your teammates,
3. It gives you an advantage as a shooter over your and the ball.
defender. Being in motion allows you to release As you run to receive, show a target at shoulder
the ball more quickly, which puts pressure on level that will allow you to move the ball into shooting
your defender to react. Also, the momentum position quickly. After catching the ball your footwork
created by your movement will help increase is important. If you are right handed, your three steps
the power in your shot. will be left—right—left. Step forward on your left foot,
then on the second step to your right foot. Begin
Three Steps turning your shoulders perpendicular to the goal and
Team handball rules allow you to take a maximum bring the ball up and back. All your weight is now
of three steps with the ball. Failure to effectively use on your right foot, ready to transfer forward on the
three steps stifles your individual creativity and dis- third step to your left foot. This stance puts you in a
rupts the flow of the game. Taking more than three position to shoot or pass as you transfer your weight
steps, or traveling, is a turnover and a free-throw for forward on the third step. If no shot is possible, pass
the opponent. the ball and back up to prepare to attack again (see
While executing three steps, moving the ball into Figures 2.2a-c). If you are left handed, the footwork
the shooting position is important. This shows that is step right, step left, step right.
FIGURE
2.2 keys to success
the piston movement
9
6
7
10
a b c

1. Place feet shoulder-width 6. Step forward on your non- 11. Pass ball ____
apart ____ throwing-hand foot (first 12. Back up quickly ____
2. Bend knees comfortably ____ step) ____
3. Run to receive ____ 7. Step with throwing-hand foot
4. Hands open, ready to catch ____ (second step) ____
5. Catch ball ____ 8. Begin turning shoulders per-
pendicular to goal ____
9. Raise ball up and back
(shooting position) ____
10. Step forward on nonthrowing-
hand foot (third step) ____
How to Execute Side Stepping crossing your feet. As you contact the floor, bring
your push-off leg into balanced position. Always be
Starting from the same position as the piston move- ready to catch the ball. When playing circle runner,
ment, step sideways with the leg on the same side as you deal with a lot of body contact that disrupts the
the direction you want to move. Push off a little with smooth flow of your movement. To maintain a bal-
your other leg. As you step keep your foot close to the anced position while side stepping, bend your knees
floor, executing a quick, flat jump sideways without to lower your center of gravity (see Figures 2.3a-c).
FIGURE
2.3 keys to success
side stepping
5
1 4 6
a b c

1. Place feet shoulder-width 4. Step sideways ____ 6. Maintain a balanced posi-
apart ____ 5. Push with opposite leg ____ tion ____
2. Hold hands open, ready to 7. Catch the ball ____
catch ____
3. Bend knees ____
piston movement and side-stepping success stoppers

The most common errors of individual movement
in attack are listed here, along with suggestions to
correct them.
ERROR CORRECTION
Piston
Movement
1. You stand in one spot to receive a 1. Teammates throw lead passes. You must
pass. be running to receive the pass.
2. You forget to back up after you attack. 2. You must back up quickly to prepare to
attack again. Backing up also puts you in a
position to receive an open pass from your
teammate.
3. You catch and pass the ball while you are 3. Catch the ball moving forward. Pass to
backing up. your teammate after you take your third for-
ward step with the ball.
4. As you pass, you step forward with your 4. Like any other throwing sport, as you
throwing-arm foot. throw the ball you will make a counterbalanc-
ing action by stepping with the foot opposite
your throwing arm. You will also transfer
weight from back foot to front foot.
Side Stepping
1. Keep your hands open and ready to catch
1. You keep your hands down at your sides.
the ball.
2. You stand up too straight. 2. Distribute your weight evenly and bend
your knees comfortably.
3. Moving sideways, you cross your feet. 3. Maintain a balanced position.
piston movement and side stepping

Drills
1. Partners Pass and Back Up
The purpose of this drill is to help you learn the sequence of the piston movement in a con-
trolled environment.
Position yourself with a partner 5 meters from two other teammates. You (A) begin the drill by
running three steps and pass overhand to teammate (C), who is directly across from you and
running to receive your pass. Immediately after passing, sprint backward behind your partner (B)
(see Figure a). B runs to receive the next pass from C, passes to D, then backs up quickly behind
you. C and D are also alternating and performing in the same manner (see Figure b). Concen-
trate on backing up quickly, changing direction, and sprinting forward to receive the next pass.
a
D b
C D
A B
B A
Clanton
Job# 376
Success Goal = 30 seconds using the pis- Fig# S2D1a&b To Increase Difficulty
ton movement and passing and catching without Artist: Jennifer D.
• Increase drill time to 1 minute.
an error ____ • Alternate passing right handed and left handed.
✔
Success Check
• Run to receive ____
• Use a jogging pace and go 20 seconds.
• Three-step attack ____

• Back up quickly ____
2. Triangle Drill
The purpose of this drill is to help you practice the timing of the piston movement in relation
to your teammates’ actions. It simulates your position in the backcourt and helps you learn to
pass diagonally while moving forward. It is also a great drill to improve your ball-handling skills.
Select two teammates to participate in this drill with you. Form a triangle with three cones
about 5 meters apart. Each player stands in front of a cone. Face the center of the triangle and
imagine a goalie directly in front of you. You (A) start with the ball, self toss, run to receive, and
attack toward the center of the triangle using three steps. Do not attack directly toward your
teammate. Pass to teammate (B) on your right using the overhand pass, and back up quickly to
your cone. B runs to receive your pass, attacks toward the center of the triangle, passes to C,
backs up to the cone, and so on (see Figure a). Make sure to keep your feet moving even when
you do not have the ball. Move your feet and the ball as quickly as possible for 30 seconds, go
slowly for 30 seconds, then return to maximum speed for another 30 seconds.
C
B
2
2
3 1
1
3
A
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a. Piston movement in triangle formation b. To Increase difficulty:
Job# 376
Fig# S2D2 Move forward inClanton
a semicircle
Artist: Jennifer D. Job# 376
Fig.# S2D2
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 30 seconds clockwise, To Increase Difficulty
rest, 30 seconds counterclockwise without drop- • Increase by 10-second increments up to 60 sec-
ping a pass ____ onds.
• Repeat the drill using your opposite hand (non-
✔
Success Check
• Hands ready ____
dominant).
• Move forward in a semicircle around the cone
(see Figure b).
• Back up to cone ____
• Keep feet moving ____ To Decrease Difficulty
• Use a slower pace for 20 seconds.
3. Backcourt Piston Movement

This drill simulates the gamelike movements of the three backcourt players. You will develop
the piston movement in combination with performing the overhand pass in a lateral direction.
Work with six players in this drill. From two groups of three, form two horizontal lines about
6 meters apart and 3 meters between each player in the line. You will be directly across from
another player. Start the ball on one end. Imagine that you are a backcourt attacking the goal
then passing laterally to your teammate, and imagine that the player across from you is the
goalie. Attack toward that player, then make a lead pass to the player next to you, and back up
to your starting position. Always keep your feet moving, running in place, to prepare for your
next attack when the ball returns to you. Move the ball in both directions.
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Job# 376
Fig# S2D3
Success Goal = 45 seconds using the Artist: Jennifer D.
pis- To Increase Difficulty
ton movement without dropping a pass ____ • Use two balls. Start each ball at opposing ends
of each line.
✔
Success Check
• Run to receive in good timing with passer ____
• Continue two-ball drill for 30 seconds without
error. Increase up to 60 seconds.
• Add up to six players and four balls.
• Accurate lead passes ____
• Keep your feet moving ____ To Decrease Difficulty
• If you have a problem with lateral passing, start
with the same drill formation but kneel on one
knee with your nonthrowing-hand foot facing
forward. Use overhand passing in the same pattern.
As you prepare to pass the ball rotate your upper
body so that your shoulders are perpendicular
to the player across from you.
4. Circle Runner Side-Stepping Drill

The purpose of this drill is to practice the circle runner side-stepping technique while passing
and catching the ball. Place four cones 7 meters from the goal about 1 meter apart. Starting
next to a cone, continuously move in both directions using side-stepping steps around the cones
while passing and catching a ball from a partner standing about 10 meters from the goal. Use a
quick basketball chest pass to return the ball to your partner.
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Job# 376
Fig.# S2D4
Success Goal = Player with the most Artist: Jennifer D.
To Increase Difficulty
passes in 30 seconds wins ____ • Replace cones with three semiactive defensive
players. Place three players in the backcourt
✔
Success Check
• Don’t cross your feet ____
positions who continuously pass the ball in the
piston movement against the three defenders. As
a circle runner, use side steps to follow the path
• Hands open and ready to catch ____ of the ball, move among the defenders, and posi-
• Catch and pass quickly ____ tion yourself to catch a pass from the backcourt
players.
• Don’t use the cones. Use side-stepping steps in
both directions in front of the 6-meter line.
5. Backcourt Movement Versus Defense

This drill simulates the gamelike movements of the backcourt players against semiactive de-
fenders. You practice the piston movement with the added complication of defenders. Work with
nine players in this drill. Form three rows of players in the backcourt positions that face three
semiactive defenders standing in front of the 6-meter line. Start the ball on one end. Defenders
step out toward the attackers as they catch the ball. Attack to either side of the defensive player.
Make a lead pass to the player moving forward next to you, then back up to the end of your line.
Move the ball in both directions.
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Job# 376
Fig.# S2D5
Success Goal = 60 seconds using the Artist: Jennifer D.
pis- To Increase Difficulty
ton movement without dropping a pass ____ • Increase the tempo of the piston movement.
✔
Success Check
• Run to receive in good timing with passer ____
• Replace defenders with cones.
• Attack to either side of defender ____

• Avoid contact with defender ____
piston movement and side-stepping success summary

The piston movement and side stepping are fundamental to your individual movement in at-
tack. Your effectiveness as an attacker depends to a great extent on how well you move with and
without the ball. Remember, the piston movement is the sum of three basic actions: (1) run to
receive, being in motion before catching the ball, (2) use three steps, effective movement after you
have caught the ball, and (3) back up, prepare to attack again. As a backcourt and wing, standing
in one position to receive the ball hinders your individual attack and stifles team attack. Proper
use of the piston movement makes you a serious scoring threat, allows you to support your
teammates’ attacks, and helps you create space for you to attack again. As a circle runner, good
side-stepping technique allows you to make use of the width of the court creating problems for
the defense. As a wing, side stepping promotes effective play in your restricted space and allows
you to support your backcourt. Ask your coach or trained partner to observe you practicing the
piston movement and side stepping. The observer can use the checklists in Figures 2.2 and 2.3
to evaluate your performance and provide corrective feedback.
Step
3
Dribbling: When and
when not to dribble
B ecause of American’s strong background in
basketball, beginners tend to dribble too much when
Team handball and basketball dribbling rules are
the same except for two areas. First, in team handball
learning team handball. Consequently, they don’t you can take three steps or 3 seconds before and
experience the dynamics of this fast-paced passing after dribbling (i.e., the steps cycle, see Figure 3.1).
game. Dribbling should be among the skills of team
handball players, emphasizing its appropriate use.
Step 3 will cover dribble technique and when to use
the dribble: fast-break, one-on-one, and avoiding a The maximum movement allowed with the ball:
3-second violation.
Pass
Why Is Dribbling Important? Dribble

3 steps (unrestricted 3 steps
Dribbling can be an asset if you use it to create scor- or number or
3 seconds of times) 3 seconds
ing opportunities for yourself or teammates. Exces-
sive dribbling serves no useful purpose. Inappropriate
dribbling will destroy the game’s fast tempo and the Shoot
vital teamwork necessary for successful attack. Us-
ing the combination of three steps and passing is the Figure 3.1 The “steps cycle.”
most effective way to generate offense. However, there Clanton
job# 376
are three situations in which choosing to dribble will
Second, your Fig
hand# 3.1
must be open and on top of the
enhance your mobility and effectiveness: Artist: Jennifer D.
ball when making contact. Palming the ball to direct
1. When you have possession of the ball on a it to either side, as well as double dribble, are viola-
fast-break with no teammate to pass to and no tions resulting in free-throws. If you are a basketball
defender between you and the goal, dribble to player and accustomed to a larger ball, the second
continue for a shot on goal. requirement may cause you some frustration when
2. If you have used your three steps in a one-on-one you attempt to dribble behind your back or try a
situation to successfully fake a defender, then crossover dribble.
see an open space to the goal, one dribble will
permit you an additional three steps to continue
to the goal for a shot. How to Execute the Dribble
3. When you are unable to pass to a teammate, Control the ball with one open hand on top of the ball
dribbling will allow you to avoid a 3-second viola- and extend your elbow to push the ball to the floor.
tion resulting in a free-throw for the opponent. When you extend your elbow, slightly snap your wrist
34
Dribbling: When and When Not to Dribble • 35
and let your fingertips direct the ball in front of you. you need to dribble. Keep your head up so you can
Receive the rebound with one open hand. For con- see the position of the goalie and the defense. This
trol, absorb the ball as it rises by flexing your elbow will allow you to take advantage of any opportunity
and hyperextending your wrist. Push the ball back to shoot or pass to an open teammate (see Figures
to the floor by extending your elbow and snapping 3.2a-c).
your wrist. Repeat these actions as many times as
FIGURE
3.2 keys to success
dribbling
7
2 4 8
9
3 5
a b c

1. Make the decision to use the 4. Extend elbow ____ 8. Flex elbow and hyperextend
dribble ____ 5. Slightly snap the wrist ____ wrist as the ball rises ____
2. Use open hand on top of the 6. Fingertips direct the ball to 9. Use open hand on top of the
ball ____ the floor ____ ball ____
3. Flex elbow at approximately 7. Keep head up ____ 10. Extend elbow for another
90 degrees ____ dribble ____
dribbling success stoppers

As a carryover from basketball, you may naturally effectively. Also, keep your hand on top of the ball. If
dribble too much. Remember, the ball moves faster by you use all your basketball dribbling skills, you will
passing to a teammate. Know when to use the dribble illegally palm the ball.
ERROR CORRECTION

1. You dribble when passing would be more 1. Dribble when you are alone on a fast-
effective. break, in a one-on-one situation, and when
you are unable to pass to a teammate. Keep
your head up so you can see an open team-
mate.
2. You are called for palming the ball. 2. Keep your hand on top of ball.
3. You are called for double dribble. 3. Remember, three steps, dribble, three
steps, then pass or shoot. The double dribble
violation is the same as in basketball.
4. You lose control of ball. 4. Keep dribble at waist level and push ball
out in front.
Dribbling
Drills
You will usually learn and practice dribbling in not be overemphasized in the learning process, be-
conjunction with work on other skills such as passing cause it may lead to overuse in the game.
and catching, faking, and shooting. Dribbling should
1. Half-Court Dribble
Can you list the three situations when using the dribble is advantageous?
1.

2.
3.
This drill will help you develop the ability to dribble full speed when all alone on a fast-break.
When you are running down court in possession of the ball with no teammate to pass to and no
defender between you and the goal, dribbling will allow you to continue for a shot on goal. Start
on the endline and dribble full speed to center court (20 meters). Rest 20 seconds and return
to endline. Work on controlling the ball by keeping it waist high and pushing it in front of you.
Success Goal = 5 full-speed trips half- To Increase Difficulty

court ____ • Use both your right hand and left hand.
• Increase the dribbling distance to the free-throw
✔
Success Check
• Hold hand on top of ball ____
line (9 meters) on the other end and have team-
mates join you in the drill. You and two team-
mates stand in single file on one endline, and
• Push ball in front ____ three other teammates stand opposite you on
• Control ball waist high ____ the other endline. Do the drill like a relay. You
begin by dribbling down the court; when you
reach the 9-meter line, pick up the ball, use three
steps, and pass to a teammate who takes off in
the other direction. Continue the drill until all
players complete five turns with the ball.
• Walk or jog and dribble half-court. This could be
part of a warm-up.
• Increase rest period between your full-speed
half-court trips.
2. Dribble Freeze Tag

This drill emphasizes dribble control and space awareness. The practice of continuous drib-
bling will help you avoid a three-second violation if you can’t find an open teammate. Play this
game with five teammates dribbling their own balls. Use the goal area as the playing area. You
start as the chaser and try to tag your teammates while keeping control of your dribble. Any
player you tag must freeze and continue to dribble in place. Players who go out of the goal area
are automatically tagged and must freeze in place. Continue until every player is tagged or for
60 seconds, whichever comes first. Choose another player to be “it” and continue the game until
all players have been the chaser.
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Job# 376
Fig.# S3D2
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 5 players tagged in 60 To Increase Difficulty

seconds ____ • All players take a ball and run around dribbling
within the goal area. While you are moving you
✔
Success Check
• Hold hand on top of ball ____
must keep control of your own ball and at the
same time try to knock other players’ balls out
of control. If you lose the ball, get it back quickly
• Keep ball below waist ____ and continue to play. Work on using your body
• Be aware of boundaries ____ to protect the ball. Do the drill for 60 seconds.
• Do not have a chaser. Players dribble and move
slowly in the goal area for 30 seconds, then
30 seconds as fast as they can under control.
Repeat.
3. Steps Cycle Drill

This drill teaches you how to gain an additional three steps to continue your attack. Learning
this skill will increase your options to beat your opponent when in a one-on-one situation. Select
five teammates to perform this drill with you. Form two equal lines 15 meters apart and facing
each other. Start with a forward self toss, run to receive, take three steps, dribble once, run three
more steps, and pass to the player across from you who is running to receive your pass. Follow
your pass and sprint to the end of the opposite line. The player that received your pass repeats
the steps cycle skill, passes, and sprints to the end of the opposite line. You may need to experi-
ment to determine the correct footwork for each trial. Take your second set of three steps so that
you throw off the correct foot (nonthrowing-hand foot forward). Continue the shuttle until each
player has done the skill 10 times.
Take 3 steps, dribble, 3 steps, then pass
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Job# 376
Fig# S3D3
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 8 out of 10 steps cycles To Increase Difficulty

performed correctly followed by an accurate • Use a faking motion with your first three steps.
pass ____ • Use a faking motion with your first three steps
and fake a jump shot. Push the ball to the floor
✔
Success Check
• Three steps, one dribble, three steps ____
while still in the air, pick up the dribble as you
come down, continue for three steps, then pass
to your teammate.
• Last step on foot opposite throwing hand ____
• Start from a stationary position and do the drill
walking or jogging.
4. Dribble Relay
This drill combines the skills of passing, catching, and dribbling under the pressure of time.
Work with two teams of three players each in this drill. Measuring from the wall, mark a line or
place cones to represent the 6-meter line. Tape a 1-meter square target on the wall in front of
each line. Each team forms a line 15 to 20 meters from the wall. The first player on each team
dribbles to the 6-meter line, shoots at the wall target, retrieves the rebound of the shot, and
dribbles back to the next player in line. The first team to have each player hit the target three
times wins the relay. Remember to pass and shoot with your feet in a counterbalanced position.
If you are right handed your left foot will be forward, and if you are left handed your right foot
will be forward.
1 meter 1 meter
1 meter 1 meter
rs
ete
rs 6-m
m ete 6-meter line
0
15-2
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Job# 376
Fig# S3D4
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 2 out of 3 relays To Increase Difficulty

won ____ • Start 20 meters from the wall and shoot from 9
meters away from the wall (free-throw line).
✔
Success Check
• Control the dribble ____
• Decrease the target size on the wall.
• Use three steps before passing ____ • Do not use a target on the wall. Each player
completes three turns.
5. Full Court: 3 vs. 3

This drill will help you learn how to make good decisions regarding when to dribble, pass, or
use the steps cycle.
You and two teammates form a team and play team handball on the full court against three
other teammates. Start with your team in attack and place yourselves along the 6-meter line.
The other team must be outside the 9-meter line and ready to defend. Place one teammate in
each goal area to be passers (goalie). After catching a short pass from your goalie, your team
tries to beat the defenders down the court for a shot attempt from the 6-meter line. Play “make
it take it” for 10 minutes and have your coach referee. The team with the most goals at the end
of the playing period is the winner.
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Job# 376
Fig.# S3D5
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = Team with most goals To Increase Difficulty

wins • Place a ball by one of the goalposts of both goals.
Your team’s score ____ After attempting to block a shot on goal, the
Opponent’s score ____ goalie ignores the ball that was shot and im-
mediately picks up the ball next to the goalpost
✔
Success Check
• Avoid double dribble ____
and passes to a player on his or her team. Each
player should move down court as quickly as
possible. All team members must be across half-
• Use steps cycle effectively ____ court for a shot on goal to count. Continue this
drill nonstop for 2-3 minutes then switch teams.
• Eliminate one defender and play 3 vs. 2.
dribbling success summary

Because of the freedom of the three-step rule, you don’t need to dribble to advance with the
ball. Even though dribbling will allow you unlimited advancement with the ball, its inappropriate
use slows down and interrupts team play. The combined use of three steps and passing is the
most effective way to move the ball in attack. Dribbling should be among your skills as a team
handball player, but you should learn its appropriate uses. Choosing to dribble will enhance
your mobility and effectiveness in three situations:
1. When all alone on a fast-break
2. In a one-on-one situation after you have used three steps
3. To avoid a three-second violation when you cannot find an open teammate
Ask your coach or trained partner to rate your dribbling technique by using the checklist items
in Keys to Success Figure 3.2. In scrimmage situations, ask your observer to evaluate your drib-
bling decision to see if your choices match any of three situations listed.
Step
4
shooting: finishing the attack
W hat do John Elway, Wayne Gretzky, and
Michael Jordan bring to mind? Scoring. These are
deliver the shot more quickly and powerfully.
Keep in mind that running into a defender who
athletes who are always a threat to score. The objec- has established proper position is the same as
tive of offense, in any game, is to score. You can have “charging” in basketball and is a foul resulting
the most well-tuned offensive system and look pretty in a free-throw.
doing it, but it is of no value if you can’t finish with 2. Watch the goalie and shoot at an area of the
a touchdown, or goal, or basket. In team handball, goal that the goalie is not covering. Remember,
shooting is the final action in an attack—the payoff not only must you beat your defender but the
punch. There are four basic handball shots, each with goalie also.
its own technique, advantages, and uses. The “set 3. Shooting the ball hard is not enough to beat a good
shot” is the most natural of all shooting actions and goalie; accuracy is essential. Shoot for the corners.
is simply the overhand pass thrown hard. The “jump The high corner “cobwebs” are under the crossbar
shot” is the most used shot in handball. Developing and inside the goalpost. The low cobwebs are
the ability to jump and shoot over the defense, as where the goalposts meet the floor, above where
well as jumping inside the goal area, will make you the goalie’s foot can extend and below where the
a more effective scoring threat. The “wing shot” is the goalie’s hand can reach (see Figure 4.1). When
jump shot performed at a difficult shooting angle.
Finally, the “fall shot” is the basic technique of the
circle runner. It allows you to receive the ball on the
6-meter line and shoot without using three steps.
Why Is Shooting Important?

The fast pace of team handball provides many scor-
ing opportunities. You must be able to choose and
execute the appropriate shot as the opportunities pre-
sent themselves. No matter what position you play,
there are a few universal rules that apply to shoot-
ing. Your efficiency and effectiveness as a shooter
depends on your knowledge and understanding of
the following principles. High corners
cobweb
Principles of Shooting
1. Shoot on the move. This is one example of why
Low corners
the piston movement is so important. Shooting cobweb
on the move creates momentum that gives you
an advantage over the defense, allowing you to Figure 4.1 Shoot for the cobwebs.
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Job# 376
Fig# 4.1
Artist: Jennifer D.
42
Shooting: Finishing the Attack • 43
Figure 4.2 Bounce shot under the goalie.
shooting low, you may choose to shoot a “bounce

shot.” Even though a direct shot is quicker and
more accurate, the bounce shot changes the speed
and direction of the ball, making it more difficult
for the goalie to stop (see Figure 4.2).
4. Consider your distance and angle to the goal. High percentage
When learning to play there is a natural ten- shooting area
dency to shoot from anywhere at every oppor-
tunity. Although it is important for a shooter to
possess an aggressive mentality, you have to be
smart about some things (see Figure 4.3).
You should know your limitations as a shooter,
particularly when it comes to deciding how far
out you should take a shot. You may be accu-
rate, but if you can’t get enough velocity on the
ball the goalie will have more time to react and
block your shot. Most shots are taken in the
area between the 6-meter and 9-meter lines.
Be aware that even though you may be close to
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the goal, shooting from an extreme angle makes Job# 376
Figure 4.3 Highest
Fig.#percentage
4.3 shooting area
the goalie’s job easier and your job harder. The based on distance and angle to goal.
Artist: Jennifer D.
more severe the shooting angle, the less open
goal space there is for you to shoot at, reducing
the space the goalie has to cover (see Figure 4.4).
remember is “do not force your shot.” Attempting

to shoot when there is no opening stifles the at-
Severe
angle tack and constitutes dangerous play. According
to the rules, an offensive player cannot careless-
ly shoot a ball that hits a stationary defender or
even fake a threatening throw to an opponent’s
face. Endangering your opponent in such ways
will likely result in a 2-minute suspension.
How to Execute the Set Shot

The mechanics of the set shot are the same as the
overhand pass, only the player throws the ball hard
with the intent to score. It is the overhand pass in
exaggerated form, like a center fielder trying to throw
Clanton someone out at the plate.
Job# 376
Figure 4.4 Sharp-angle shots are usually not suc- For the set shot to be effective you must perform it
Fig.# 4.4
cessful. Artist: Jennifer D. quickly. This requires a minimum time from catching
the ball to shooting it. Preparation is the key. “Run to
5. Shoot when there is an opening, over defenders, receive” to get into shooting position. The momentum
around defenders, or between defenders. If there created from being in motion will increase the power
is a clear path, you can run between defenders of your shot. Upon receiving the pass, use the “three
and jump into the goal area to shoot (see Figure steps” and on the second step quickly bring the ball
4.5). To be an effective shooter a key phrase to up to head height or higher. Extend your arm back
comfortably and flex your elbow to 90 degrees or
greater. At this point, all of your weight is on your
back foot. Keep your upper body upright, your shoul-
ders perpendicular to the goal, and your head up with
the goal and goalkeeper in your field of vision. This
position will help you protect the ball from the defense
and allow you to shoot at any moment. To shoot, step
forward and transfer your weight from your rear to
your front foot. Rotate and open your shoulders so
they are parallel to the goal. Begin moving your arm
forward by leading with your elbow, then whip your
forearm and snap your wrist. To follow through, al-
low the momentum of your body to continue forward
and the motion of your throwing arm to continue
across your body (see Figures 4.6a-c).
Figure 4.5 Running between defenders and jump-

ing into the goal area to shoot.
FIGURE
4.6 keys to success
the set shot
9
5
3 8
13
4 7
a b c

1. Run to receive ____ 7. Step forward—transfer 12. Momentum is going forward
2. Attack using three steps ____ weight from rear foot to front ____
3. Flex elbow to 90 degrees ____ foot ____ 13. Throwing arm motion contin-
4. Put weight on back foot 8. Rotate and square shoulders ues across body ____
(same as throwing arm) ____ to the goal ____
5. Hold shoulders perpendicu- 9. Lead with elbow ____
lar to goal ____ 10. Whip forearm ____
6. Keep head up and eyes on 11. Snap wrist ____
goalie ____
How to Execute the Jump Shot This last step is important because it provides the up-
ward force for maximum height in your jump. Assist
Use the jump shot to shoot over the defense and to your jump by driving up the knee of your nonjumping
penetrate the goal area. The throwing action of the leg. As you explode off the floor, lift your opposite arm
jump shot is basically the same as the set shot, only slightly in front of your body for balance and rotate
you perform it while jumping. your shoulders perpendicular to the goal. Stretch
First, run to receive, then use three steps to gain your shooting arm back as far as is comfortable, and
momentum for your jump. Take a long diagonal third hold the ball above your head. Keep your head up
step, planting your foot and flexing your knee to help and eyes focused on the goal and the goalie. Now you
you change some forward momentum into vertical. are ready to deliver the shot quickly and forcefully at
the top of your jump. Swing your nonthrowing arm waist to help generate maximum power. Completely
toward the rear and rotate your shoulders to face the follow through by allowing your body’s momentum to
goal. Move your throwing arm forward by leading with continue forward, the motion of your throwing arm
your elbow, whipping your forearm, and snapping to continue across your body, and by landing on your
your wrist. As you are throwing, pike slightly at your jumping leg (see Figures 4.7a-c).
FIGURE
4.7 keys to success
the jump shot
9
4 5
12
3
3 13
a b c

1. Run to receive ____ 7. Swing nonshooting arm to- 11. Momentum forward ____
2. Use three steps ____ ward rear ____ 12. Throwing arm continues
3. To jump, plant foot in the 8. Rotate shoulders ____ across the body ____
last step (opposite foot of the 9. Whip throwing arm forward 13. Land on take-off foot ____
throwing arm) and drive other (elbow, shoulder, forearm,
knee up ____ wrist) ____
4. Bring shooting arm up and 10. Pike slightly at your waist ____
back ____
5. Bring nonshooting arm slightly
in front of your body ____
6. Hold shoulders perpendicular
to the goal with head up ____
The Wing Shot more horizontal distance you can cover when
jumping into the goal area. The farther you
Good wing players increase the effectiveness of a jump, the better shooting angle you can create.
team’s offense and scoring potential by making the 2. The plant—Look for the 6-meter line to avoid
full width of the court useful. Learning the wing shot stepping on it. On your third step, plant the foot
technique will allow you to turn what would be a low- opposite your shooting arm and point it roughly
percentage scoring opportunity into an excellent one. in the direction of the 7-meter line. At this point
There is one cardinal rule that you must adhere to flex the knee of your jumping leg.
when playing the wing: NEVER SHOOT A SET SHOT.
To have a chance at scoring, you must jump inside 3. The jump—Hold the ball in both hands to pro-
the goal area to increase your shooting angle. So, tect it, and swing it inside the goal area. Now
the wing shot is much like the jump shot with a few jump off your planted foot and drive your op-
modifications in technique (see Figure 4.8). posite leg forcefully forward and up. To improve
your chance of scoring, you must increase your
shooting angle, so all body movement should
How to Execute the Wing Shot be toward the 7-meter line. At this point, your
shoulders are perpendicular to the goal (see
You should learn technique for the wing shot in the
Figure 4.9a).
following progression: (1) the approach, (2) the plant,
(3) the jump, and (4) the shot. 4. The shot—When you are in the air above the goal
area, release your support hand and lift the ball
1. The approach—Be in motion to receive the ball. up to throwing position. Focus on the goal and
Your space is limited in the wing, so you prob- hold this position until you are ready to shoot.
ably won’t be able to run forward to receive a Then rotate your shoulders to face the goal, lead
pass. Just make sure you are in motion, feet with your elbow, whip your forearm, and snap
moving in place, and ready to move forward your wrist (see Figure 4.9b). Follow through by
when you get the ball. After receiving the pass, allowing the momentum of your body to continue
use your three steps to accelerate toward the forward and the motion of your throwing arm to
6-meter line. The greater your acceleration, the go across your body. Land on your jumping leg
(see Figure 4.9c).
Figure 4.8 Jumping inside the goal area to increase your shooting angle from the wing.
FIGURE
4.9 keys to success
wing shot
6 Preparation
3
a
1. Be in motion to receive ____

2. Use three steps (accelerate toward 6-meter line) ____
3. Plant foot opposite shooting arm ____
4. Drive shooting-arm leg forward and up ____
5. Jump toward the 7-meter line ____
6. Bring ball up into shooting position ____
7. Hold shoulders perpendicular to the goal ____
8. Head up, watch goalie ____
Execution
10
9
9. Rotate shoulders to face goal ____

10. Lead with and extend your elbow ____
11. Whip arm around ____
12. Snap wrist ____
Follow-Through
13
15
13. Continue to rotate shoulders ____

14. Momentum going forward ____
15. Throwing arm continues across the body ____
16. Land on take-off foot ____
Because of its unnatural components, your first Setting the goal at a 45-degree angle will simulate
wing shots may be wild and, consequently, dangerous the presence of a goalie and force you to shoot to the
for the goalie. So, it’s a good idea to begin practicing long corners (see Figure 4.11).
wing shots without a goalkeeper. This will not only
save the goalie undue stress but also give you a
chance to develop accuracy without the added pres-
sure of beating a goalie. Concentrate on learning to Endline
45ϒ
shoot to the long high corner and the long low corner
of the goal. The bounce shot is effective to the long Jum oot
low corner (see Figure 4.10). p Sh
7-meter line
Clanton
Figure 4.10 The long high corner and the long low Figure 4.11 Job#
Goal 376
at 45-degree angle—jumping
corner of the goal from the left wing position. toward the 7-meter line.4.11
Fig.#
Artist: Jennifer D.
When your accuracy and technique have improved, slightly forward, and your hands are chest high to
put the goal back on the goal line and add a goalie. receive a pass. After receiving the ball you must
The wing shot is difficult to learn and perfect, so use execute the shot quickly and decisively, because the
the progression and be patient with yourself. defense is so concentrated on the 6-meter line. Keep
both hands on the ball to protect it from the defense,
The Fall Shot pivot, swing the ball inside the circle, and lean directly
toward the goal. Fall toward the goal by pushing for-
The fall shot is primarily used by the circle runner, ward with one or both legs. Keep your head up with
who normally receives the ball near the 6-meter line your eyes on the goalkeeper. Release your support
with his or her back to the goal. This position dictates hand from the ball and bring your shooting arm up
that you must turn and fall into the goal area to and back. Shoot quickly and explosively by whipping
deliver an effective shot. If you are afraid to fall you your arm forward and snapping your wrist. In the
cannot master this shot. Put in extra time practicing follow-through you must prepare for floor contact.
the technique for cushioning your fall until you feel Cushion your fall by extending your arms to the floor
comfortable and confident. with your elbows slightly flexed, and catch yourself
with your hands to absorb the shock (see Figures
How to Execute the Fall Shot 4.12a-c).
In the circle runner ready position, your feet are

shoulder-width apart, knees flexed, upper body
FIGURE
4.12 keys to success
the fall shot
5
7
3
10
a b c

1. Have back to goal ____
4. Push toward goal ____ 9. Extend nonthrowing arm to
2. Flex knees, hold hands chest 5. Lift shooting arm up and the floor ____
high ____ back ____ 10. Extend shooting arm to the
3. Pivot, swing ball inside the 6. Keep head up, eyes on goalie floor ____
area ____ ____ 11. Flex elbows ____
7. Whip throwing arm forward ____ 12. Catch yourself with hands ____
8. Snap wrist ____
The 7-meter Throw foot in contact with the floor and you cannot touch
the 7-meter line. Therefore, the set shot and the fall
The referee awards a 7-meter throw when a foul shot are used (see Figure 4.13). Other players must
obstructs a clear scoring opportunity. In most in- be behind the 9-meter line and at least 3 meters from
stances, a clear chance to score means you have gone the ball until the shooter releases the ball. Similar to
around the defender and are shooting near the circle. executing a free-throw in basketball, offensive players
There is no 7-meter shot awarded if you maintain full are allowed to rebound a blocked 7-meter shot and
ball and body control when being fouled. The referee shoot at the goalie again from the 6-meter line. Play
will allow you to continue for the score. also continues if a defensive player rebounds the ball.
Your coach may choose any player to take the 7-me- The 7-meter throw is an important part of the game
ter throw. To execute the throw, you must keep one so you should practice it at every training session.
Figure 4.13 The 7-meter throw.

shooting success stoppers

Remember the principles of shooting for every shot opening. The most common errors for the set shot,
you take: (1) shoot on the move, (2) watch the goalie, jump shot, wing shot, and fall shot are listed here
(3) shoot for the corners, (4) consider distance and with suggestions for correcting them.
angle of the shot, and (5) shoot when there is an
ERROR CORRECTION
Set Shot

1. You are standing still when you take a 1. Always run to receive, use your three
shot. steps, then shoot.
2. As you take a shot, the foot on the same 2. If you are right handed, step left, right, left
side as your throwing arm is your last step. (left handers step right, left, right). Make good
use of your allowed three steps.
3. You shoot in the middle of the goal and hit 3. Look at the goalie and shoot to the open
the goalie. corner.
4. Goalie catches your shot taken from 12 4. To take advantage of your power and ac-
meters. curacy, take most set shots from 9 meters to
10 meters. Do not shoot too far away.
5. You are fouled before you can release a 5. Don’t get too close to your defender. Try to
shot. avoid free-throws. Even though a minor foul
results in a free-throw for your team, it inter-
rupts the flow of attack and allows the defense
to rest.
Fall Shot
1. You step on the line as you pivot to shoot. 1. If you start next to the line, do not take a
step with your pivot foot. Catch the ball, pivot
to face the goal, fall, and shoot.
2. You release your shot standing up, then 2. Say to yourself, “Pivot, fall, shoot.” You fall
fall in the area. forward first and shoot on the way down.
Wing Shot
1. You shoot a set shot from the wing and hit 1. Jump inside the area to increase your
the goalie. shooting angle. Look for the long corner.
2. You receive the ball standing still. 2. Show some forward motion before receiv-
ing the ball. Your teammate will be giving you
a lead pass. Space is limited in the wing so you
don’t have as much space to run to receive as
you do in the backcourt.
3. You step on the line when shooting. 3. Look at the 6-meter line as you take off.
To help condition yourself while you practice,
have a teammate yell “line” if you step inside
the area on your shot.
ERROR CORRECTION
Shot
Jump
1. You are called for a charging foul when 1. Don’t take off too close to your defender.
attempting to shoot a jump shot over a defend- Remember you must transform your forward
er. momentum into vertical height when shooting
over defenders.
2. Your jump shot lacks velocity. 2. Concentrate on your shoulder rotation.
Shoulders are perpendicular to the goal before
the shot. As you shoot, the shoulder rotation
adds power to your shot.
3. You feel awkward on take-off before the 3. Run to receive and use your three steps.
jump shot. Your take-off leg is opposite your throwing
arm. Remember, step left, right, left for right
handers, and step right, left, right for left
handers.
shooting
Drills
1. Set Shot Target Practice
The purpose of this drill is to help you practice set shot technique, shooting on the move, and
shooting accuracy. Use gym floor tape (five centimeters wide) to make a goal 2 meters by 3 meters
on the wall. Tape targets in each corner 1 meter by 1 meter and mark a line 9 meters from the
wall. Start about 12 meters from the wall and toss the ball out in front of you. This gentle toss
is important because it gets you in motion to catch the ball, like run to receive. Use three steps
to get into shooting position. Shoot on the move aiming for a corner.
3 meters
.5 meter
2 meters
.5 meter
9 meters
12 meters
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig# S4D1
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 6 out of 10 shots in a To Increase Difficulty

corner target ____ • Shoot from 10 meters.
• Shoot three in a row to a corner target before
✔
Success Check
• Toss and run to receive ____
moving to the next corner.
• Three steps to shooting position ____ • Make the corner targets bigger.
• Aim for a corner ____ • Shoot from the 7-meter line.
2. Jump Shot Footwork

This drill is a progression designed to help you master the jump shot footwork.
Examples are for a right-handed player.
a. Start about 5 meters from your partner. Stand on your right foot and throw to your partner.
b. Stand one step from a line on the floor opposite your partner, who is 6 meters from the line.
Take one step on your left leg, jump over the line, and throw to your partner before landing.
You step left, then jump and throw.
c. Stand three steps away from 6-meter line. Take three steps, jump over 6-meter line into
goal area, hang in the air, and shoot at the goal. You step left, right, left, jump, and shoot.
d. Start about 12 meters from the goal. Toss ball slightly in front of you and run to catch it.
Take three steps, jump for maximum height, hang, and shoot at the corners of the goal.
e. Stand parallel to your partner about 12 meters from the goal. Run to receive a pass from
your partner at the 9-meter line: (a) catch the ball, (b) take three steps, (c) jump over the
6-meter line into the goal area, (d) hang in the air and look at the goalie, and (e) shoot the
ball and score! Take turns passing and shooting with your partner. Put towel targets in the
high corners and cones in the low corners of the goal if you do not have a goalie.
Success Goal = 5 to10 times for each

step of the progression ____
✔
Success Check
• Jump off your nonthrowing-hand foot ____
• Jump for maximum height____
• Hang in air, then shoot ____
3. Attack, Pass, and Shoot

This drill allows you to practice backcourt shooting in a more gamelike manner. It will help
you develop the proper timing you need to play cohesively with a backcourt teammate. You will
work on making a lateral lead pass to an attacking teammate and receiving a lateral lead pass
in preparation to deliver a set shot or jump shot. Place targets in corners of the goal (i.e., towels,
small hula hoops, hang a sheet to cover up middle of goal, cones in lower corners). With team-
mates, form one line in the left backcourt position and one line in the right backcourt position
about 12 meters from the goal. Your coach or teammate stands in the center backcourt position
as a stationary passer. Positioned in the right backcourt, you run to receive a pass from your
coach, attack the goal using three steps, then pass laterally to the left backcourt. The left back-
court will be running to receive so you must give a lead pass. When the left backcourt receives
the pass, the player attacks using three steps and shoots a set shot from the 9-meter line. The
left backcourt and right backcourt switch lines after the shot. When everyone has shot, repeat
the drill and shoot from the right backcourt. Shooters, remember to look at the goalie.
2
1
LB RB
Clanton
Job# 376
Success Goal = 6 out of 10 set shots Fig.# S4D3
Artist: Jennifer D.
from: • Add a goalie and defender at 8 meters.
Left backcourt hitting target ___ • Do a fake, followed by a jump shot over a defender
Right backcourt hitting target ___ at 8 meters.
✔
Success Check
• Run to receive, attack, and pass or shoot ____
• Use no targets.
• Timing: receive ball at 11 or 12 meters ____

• Shoot from the 9-meter line ____
4. Jump Shot With Screen

This drill will help you learn to control your forward momentum when jump shooting over the
defense. It will also help you improve your timing when working in combination with a teammate.
Set up targets in the goal (see Drill 1). Position yourself in the left backcourt about 12 to 14
meters from the goal. Have your partner do the same in the right backcourt. The drill starts with
the right backcourt running toward the 7-meter line and you passing the ball to this teammate
at about 9 meters (see Figure a). After your partner catches the ball, you run toward the center
of the court and receive a return pass. Use three steps to accelerate, plant, and shoot a jump
shot over your partner, who is positioned at about 8 meters to serve as a screen (see Figure b).
RB
1 2
LB RB LB
a Clanton b Clanton
Job# 376 Job# 376
Fig.# S4D4a Fig.# S4D4b
Artist: Jennifer D. Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 6 out of 10 jump shots To Increase Difficulty

hit a target ____ • Add a goalie.
• Add defense with hands up to set screen on and
✔
Success Check
• Step left, right, left (right hander) ____
to shoot over.
Step right, left, right (left hander) ____ • Start with ball, self toss, take three steps, and
• Not too close to the screen and defense to avoid shoot a jump shot.
charging foul ____
• Shoot at maximum height of your jump,
hang ____
5. Wing Shot
The purpose of this drill is to help you get familiar with the floor space you have to work with
in the wing. It also allows you to practice technique without the pressure of a goalie. Position
the goal away from the goal line at a 45-degree angle. Start in the left wing position (or the right
wing if you are left handed) where the 9-meter line meets the sideline. Self toss the ball slightly
ahead so you will be running forward when you catch the ball. Use three steps, jump toward the
7-meter line, and shoot for the long corners.
Endline
45°
t
Jum oo
p Sh
7-meter line
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# 4.11
Success Goal = 6 out of 10 wing Artist:inJennifer D.
shots To Increase Difficulty
a long corner ____ • Place the goal in proper position and add a goalie.
• Add a goalie and a pass from a backcourt player.
✔
Success Check
• Watch the line ____
• Add a goalie, a pass from a backcourt player, and
a cone on the 6-meter line that represents your
defensive player. From the left wing, attack to
• Jump toward the 7-meter line ____ the left of the cone and jump into the goal area
• Hang and shoot for a long corner ____ toward the 7-meter line. From the right wing,
attack to the right of the cone.
• Use no goalie and leave the goal on the goal line.
6. Fall Shot Learning Progression

As a beginning circle runner, the fear of falling may inhibit you from learning the fall shot
and eventually the more advanced dive shot. Use appropriate mat cushioning and take gradual
steps in the development of this shot. Tumbling skills like the forward, backward, and shoulder
rolls as well as push-ups can be used as warm ups for fall shot practice. This drill will help you
safely learn the fall shot technique.
On a padded carpet or tumbling mat, position yourself across from your partner. Start about
3 meters apart and use the following progression. Do not advance to the next progression until
you have successfully completed the previous one.
a. In a push-up position, bend your arms to push your body up off the ground. Then land on
your arms again, cushioning the force of the fall by bending your elbows.
b. Kneel on both knees (you may want to use knee pads). Bring the ball up to shooting posi-
tion. As you fall forward, pass the ball to your partner. Cushion your fall with both hands
like a push-up position.
c. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Bend knees and bring ball to shooting position. Fall
forward and pass to your partner. Cushion your fall as in a.
d. Start with your back to your partner. Pivot, fall forward, and pass the ball to your partner.
Cushion your fall as in a.
e. Repeat the same progressions on the 6-meter line in front of the goal. Start with a tumbling
mat inside the goal area, then repeat without a mat. Shoot at the goal rather than passing to
a partner. Remember, you can’t contact the floor inside the goal area until after you release
the ball.
MAT
CR
BC
To increase difficulty:
Backcourt pass to circle runner
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S4D6
Success Goal = 10 repetitions of eachArtist: Jennifer D. To Increase Difficulty
progression using the correct technique ____ • On progression e, add a goalie and a pass from
the backcourt (see Figure).
✔
Success Check
• Fall forward ____
• When you have successfully completed e, add a
passive defender on the circle.
• Look at partner or goal and shoot ____

• Cushion fall ____
7. Half-Court: 3 vs. 2
The purpose of this drill is to focus on attacking and shooting with emphasis on shot selection.
This situational play helps you learn to choose the best shot for a given situation. Select four
teammates and a goalie to participate with you in this drill. Start a goalie in the goal and two
defensive players on the 6-meter line. If you do not have a goalie, put targets in the corners of
the goal. The offense begins with a circle runner, left backcourt, and center backcourt. These are
your starting positions, but you may move around anywhere within the boundaries of the des-
ignated playing area. The boundaries are the boundary line shown in the figure below extending
left to the sideline, forward to the endline, and back to the centerline. Now you are set to play a
minigame using all the rules of team handball. The only exceptions are that the defensive players
must play basketball-style defense (no contact), and your team must make at least three passes
before taking a shot. Keep in mind that you are playing 3 vs. 2, so find the open player. The
defense receives 2 points for any unsuccessful shot by the offense—blocked shot, goalie save, or
missed shot. The offense receives 1 point for every made shot. The game ends after the fifth shot
on goal, so keep score accurately. At the end of each game rotate positions clockwise. This will
give each player a chance to play with different combinations of people and different positions.
CR
Cone
LB
CB
Boundary line
Cone
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S4D7
Success Goal = Your team scores more
Artist: Jennifer D. To Increase Difficulty
points than your opponent: • Decrease the width of the playing area.
Your points ____ • Play 3 vs. 3—make it take it; first team to 10
Opponent’s points ____ goals wins.
✔
Success Check
• Attack the goal; be a threat to shoot ____
• Pass to open player ____
• Use the piston movement ____
shooting success summary

Shooting is the final action in attack, the decisive moment, the payoff punch. Learning to mas-
ter the four basic shots, to select them appropriately and execute them flawlessly, might make
you the Michael Jordan of team handball. You can become a player that is a threat to score at
any time, under any circumstance. All it takes is a little hard work and dedication. Start slowly
when learning new shooting skills. If you have not been throwing regularly, too much shooting
practice will make your arm sore. It is all right to learn a skill at half speed; then, as your skill
increases, increase your pace and intensity. Practicing shooting against a defender makes your
performance more gamelike. Ask your coach or a trained partner to rate your technique accord-
ing to the checklist items with the Keys to Success for the set shot, jump shot, wing shot, and
fall shot (see Figures 4.6, 4.7, 4.9, and 4.12).
Individual Defensive Skills: Going One-on-One • 61
Step
5
individual defensive skills:
going one-on-one
D uring the 1994 NBA Championships Hakeem
Olajuwon said that he played team handball when
should be shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent,
and weight on the balls of your feet. Keep your upper
growing up in his native Nigeria. When you watch him body upright with a slight lean forward at the hips.
play “big man” defense, you can get a little glimpse Keep your head up and use your peripheral vision
of it coming through. The skills Olajuwon displays to keep track of both the ball movement and your
when he gets strong position on an opposing center, opponent’s location at all times. Hold your hands
moves well to prevent him from penetrating to the up about shoulder height and slightly wider than
basket, then blocks his shot are the same skills re- shoulder-width apart (see Figure 5.1a). You may
quired to become a solid team handball defender. In have to experiment a little to find a comfortable and
this game, the attacker is always the initiator, and functional stance that permits balance and mobility.
it is the defender’s role to neutralize the attacker’s
Checking—Making Contact
actions. Step 5 will teach you the correct elements of
individual defense to help you accomplish that task:
(1) basic stance, (2) checking your opponent, and (3) With Your Opponent
shot blocking.
Checking can be from a little touch to continuous
body contact. The rules allow you to use your up-
per body to obstruct an opponent with or without
Why Are Individual Defensive the ball. To check your opponent, step forward on
Skills Important? your leg that is on the same side as your opponent’s
shooting arm, and extend your hand on that side
You’ve heard it said that a chain is only as strong as to make contact with the ball or shoulder. This will
its weakest link. This holds true in team handball inhibit the player’s ability to shoot or pass effectively.
also, particularly as it applies to defense. To have a At the same time, your other hand should contact
strong defensive team, the chain, takes fundamen- your opponent’s hip (see Figure 5.1b). Applying this
tally sound defenders, the links. Mastery of individual resistance will deter the player’s forward momentum
defensive skills will ensure your ability to neutralize and help you feel which direction the player wants
your opponent’s attack and to contribute your part to move. Using the open hands within the confines
to the team’s defensive effort. of the upper body is a necessary defensive technique
to stop your opponent. Get close enough to look like
two people in a slow dance position.
Once you have established contact, continue
Basic Stance checking with the idea of mutual resistance. This
means not overpowering your opponent, but apply-
Effective checking and shot blocking begin from the ing force equal to your opponent’s attack. Move your
basic stance. In the basic defensive stance your feet feet to stay between your opponent and the goal,
61
and use your leg strength to resist your opponent’s the point of changing the player’s forward movement
forward momentum (see Figure 5.1c). Don’t push to lateral movement. The key phrase to remember is
your opponent out of the play. Just try to resist to “play defense with your feet.”
FIGURE
5.1 keys to success
checking
10
9 11
4
6
8
2
1
a b c
Preparation—Basic Execution Follow-Through

Stance 8. Your leg forward on shooting- 11. Slow dance position ____
1. Feet shoulder width ____ arm side ____ 12. Maintain contact and move
2. Knees bent ____ 9. One hand on hip ____ your feet ____
3. Weight on balls of feet ____ 10. One hand on shoulder or
4. Upper body upright, slightly ball ____
forward ____
5. Eyes on opponent ____
6. Hands up ____
7. Step out to meet attacker ____
Aggressive body-to-body checking that prevents

your opponent from continuing the attack is called
a “tie-up” and results in a free-throw. This is most
likely to occur when an attacker is attempting to
drive to the 6-meter line. In such a case tying up is
a good action, even though a foul is called, because
it interrupts the flow of the attack and prevents a
potential scoring chance (see Figure 5.2).
Figure 5.3 The punishment ladder.
How to Block Shots

Blocking is the last opportunity to prevent a shot on
goal by putting your hands in the path of the ball. In
a game, you will see players blocking both individu-
ally and collectively in the air and on the ground.
Individual blocking is used when you are in a one-
on-one situation and you have to stop your attacker
by relying only on your own skills. Anytime you are
unable to check the attacker you should take on a
Figure 5.2 Tying up. goalie’s mentality, have your hands up, and make
every effort to block the shot. Even if you don’t block
When checking an opponent, however, if you direct the ball, the blocking action serves as an obstruction
your actions exclusively at the opponent and not the by interfering with the shooter’s vision. Blocking also
ball you will be punished progressively: warning, takes away a portion of the goal as a shooting option,
2-minute suspension, disqualification (see Figure giving the goalie a better idea of where the attacker
5.3). Basically these actions include reaching around, has an opening to shoot.
holding, pushing, tripping, or hitting the opponent. If As the ball leaves the shooter’s hand, watch the
these actions destroy an opponent’s clear chance to ball and extend your arms fully into its path. Keep
score, a 7-meter throw will also be awarded. your hands open and fingers slightly spread with
your thumbs almost touching. Attack the ball aggres- Set Shot Block
sively. Move your arms forward against the force of
the shot and block with both hands. This not only To block a set shot keep your feet in contact with
helps you stay aggressive but also helps prevent floor while you bend and reach to adjust your arm
elbow hyperextension. position to the path of the ball (see Figures 5.4a-c).
FIGURE
5.4 keys to success
set shot block
8
6
a b
Preparation—Basic Stance Execution

1. Feet shoulder width ____ 7. Watch the ball ____
2. Knees bent____ 8. Extend arms fully ____
3. Weight on balls of feet ____ 9. Hands open, thumbs almost touching ____
4. Upper body upright, slightly forward ____
6. Hands up ____
10
10. Attack the ball ____
Jump Shot Block be done from the basic position or with a step forward.
Blocking jump shots is similar to volleyball blocking In both cases, you prepare to jump by bending your
in that you must jump, reach, and attack the ball knees then pushing off forcefully with both legs. The
while in the air. Time your take-off so you jump just arms should be fully extended into the path of the
after the shooter jumps (see Figures 5.5a-c). Other- ball. Keep your hands close together with your palms
wise, you will be coming down when the ball is shot open. If the shooter changes his or her throwing posi-
and have no chance to block it. Depending on the tion while in mid-air, try to adapt to the change by
distance between you and the shooter, blocking can leaning in that direction.
FIGURE
5.5 keys to success
jump shot block
1
a
Preparation
1. Feet shoulder width ____
2. Knees bent ____ 8
3. Weight on balls of feet ____
4. Upper body upright, slightly
forward ____
6. Hands up ____
b
Execution
7. Watch ball and shooter ____ 9. Jump after shooter
8. Bend knees, prepare to jumps ____
jump ____ 10. Keep hands open ____
individual defensive skills success stoppers

Team handball is a contact sport that requires ag- arms into the shot’s path and attack the ball. Keep
gressive individual defense. If you play much non- in mind that blocking the jump shot requires a little
contact basketball, you may have trouble adjusting timing delay compared to the attacker’s jump. The
to checking your opponent. Remember to step out to most common errors in individual defense are listed
meet your opponent, making contact with the hip and here with suggestions for correcting them.
shooting shoulder. When blocking a shot, extend your
ERROR CORRECTION
Stance
Basic
1. Similar to the basketball basic defensive 1. The team handball basic defensive stance
stance, you bend forward at the hips with your requires your upper body to be upright with
hands out in front, palms up. your hands up and shoulder-width apart.
Shot Blocking
1. The ball goes through your hands as you 1. Extend your arms with your hands open,
block it. fingers spread. Your thumbs are almost touch-
ing so the ball has no space to go through.
2. The shot touches your hands but the force 2. Be aggressive and move your arms forward
knocks your arms back and the ball continues against the force of the shot. Attack the ball!
on its path to the goal.
3. You attempt to block a jump shot but fail 3. Time your take-off so you jump just after
because you are coming down as the shooter the shooter jumps. This is similar to blocking
releases the shot. in volleyball.
Checking
1. You step out but avoid contact with your 1. Effective checking requires making body
opponent. contact with your opponent, like two people in
a slow dance position.
2. Grabbing or pushing your opponent re- 2. Keep your hands open and move your feet
sults in a 2-minute suspension. after making contact. To avoid pushing, keep
arms flexed.
individual defense
Drills
1. Defensive Footwork
This drill will give you practice moving and changing direction in your defensive stance, help-
ing to improve your balance and body control.
Stand about 6 meters from your partner, facing each other. Your partner holds a ball with two
hands at waist level. When your partner slaps the ball with one hand, you immediately get to
basic stance and begin moving your feet quickly in place. From there your partner will indicate
your movement by moving the ball to different positions.
A. If your partner extends the ball in one hand to either side, shuffle to that side.
B. If your partner puts the ball in shooting position, run forward.
C. If your partner extends the ball toward you, run backward.
D. You can also do this drill with your entire team, having your coach direct.
A B C
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig# S5D1
Success Goal = 20 seconds continuous Artist: Jennifer D.
movement ____ • Change directions faster.
• Increase time by 5-second increments.
✔
Success Check
• Basic stance ____
• Reduce time to 10 seconds.
• Shuffle, keep feet moving ____
• Step out, back up ____
2. Making Contact
These drills will help you learn to maintain contact with a moving offensive player and give
you good practice for defensive footwork.
a. Breaking out of the circle: Six defending players stand in a circle 2-3 meters apart with you
in the middle of the circle as an attacker. Your objective is to break out of the circle while the
defenders try to obstruct you by checking you, using only the torso.
b. Partner shuffle: Partners face each other standing in the basic position with knees bent.
Put your hands up slightly in front of your shoulders. Place your hands flat against your part-
ner’s hands. Without losing contact, shuffle sideways the width of the court, and return to your
starting point.
c. Checking in pairs: Your partner imitates a set shot as you take one step out from the basic
position and make contact at the hip and shooting shoulder. Repeat this drill 15 times, then
switch roles.
d. Three passes and check: You and a teammate face each other 4-5 meters apart while con-
tinuously side-stepping between the sidelines. You start with the ball and make three passes
between each other. On the third pass your teammate attacks while you try to obstruct your
partner by checking him or her. Make sure you make contact correctly.
Success Goal = 5 round trips without To Increase Difficulty

losing contact ____ • Partner shuffle: Partners take turns being the
leader. For 1 minute the leader changes the pace
✔
Success Check
• Maintain contact ____
and direction of the movement, and the follower
has to react and keep up. Rest 1 minute and
change leaders. If contact is broken before the
• Keep feet moving ____ 1-minute limit, note the time and change leaders.
The player with the most time keeping contact
wins. Play the best of five.
• Slow down the pace.
3. Step Out and Check Drill

The purpose of this drill is to practice the movement of stepping out and making proper contact
with an attacker. You will need two teammates to help you in this drill. Your teammates posi-
tion themselves on the 9-meter line facing the goal about 2 meters apart, with one ball. Position
yourself on defense at the 6-meter line between the two of them. When your teammate slaps the
ball, slide along the 6-meter line until you are directly in front of your teammate. When your
teammate raises the ball to shooting position, step out and check, making contact with the hip
and shoulder (see Figure a). When you make contact, your teammate passes over to the other,
you recover diagonally to the 6-meter line, then slide directly in front of the ball. When the ball
is raised to shooting position, step out, check, and recover when the ball is passed (see Figure
b). Continue the drill for 30 seconds, then rotate clockwise until everyone has been on defense.
Clanton
a. Step out and make contact b. Recover to 6-meter line
Clanton
Job# 376 Job# 376
Success Goal = 30 seconds using proper To Increase Difficulty

technique ____ • Increase by 10 second increments up to 60 sec-
onds.
✔
Success Check
• Step out aggressively ____
• Add a second defender and decrease time to 20
• Contact shooter’s hip and shoulder ____ seconds.
• Recover diagonally to 6-meter line ____
4. Partner Blocking
This drill allows you to practice blocking technique and gradually conquer any fear you might
have of the ball hitting you.
Face your partner about 2 meters apart. Your partner is the shooter with a ball (if you have
several balls place them on the floor beside your partner so the balls can be thrown consecu-
tively). You are the defender. The shooter throws 10 balls, at about 50 percent speed, past you
but within your reach, and you try to block the balls. The shooter tries to shoot all around you,
over your head and to either side. It would be convenient to have a barrier about 6 meters behind
you so you don’t have to chase the balls very far.
(Wall)
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S5D4
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 8 of 10 balls blocked ____ To Increase Difficulty

• Increase the velocity of the shot.
✔
Success Check
• Watch the ball ____
• Shoot jump shots.
• Extend arms ____ • Players move closer together, about one-half to 1
• Attack the ball ____ meter apart. The shooter fakes a shot and keeps
control of the ball as the blocker extends to touch
the ball with two hands.
5. Shot Blocking
The purpose of this drill is to improve your reaction time and aggressiveness in shot blocking.
One defender stands at 7 or 8 meters in front of the goal. Five shooters line up in single file at
12 meters, each with a ball. In rapid succession, the shooters approach the defender and shoot
from the 9-meter line. The defender gets 1 point for touching the ball and 2 points for a block;
the defender loses 2 points for each goal allowed. Change the defender when every shooter has
shot. Continue this rotation until everyone has been the defender.
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S5D5
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = The winner is the player To Increase Difficulty

with the most points at the end of the drill ____ • The defender sits on the floor and, as the shooter
attacks, gets up to block each shot.
✔
Success Check
• React to the shooter’s attack ____
• The defender retreats to the 6-meter line after
each shot, then steps out to block the next.
• Be aggressive ____ To Decrease Difficulty

• Shoot at 50 percent velocity.
6. One-on-One
This drill allows you to practice all your individual defensive skills under gamelike conditions.
Place two cones or other markers on the 6-meter line about 1 meter outside each goalpost. One
defender stands on the 6-meter line directly in front of the goal. Five attackers, each with a ball,
line up single file at about 12 meters. A passer, preferably a coach, stands to either side of the
attackers at about 10 meters. The attacker passes to the coach and runs to receive a return
pass. The defender steps out to meet the attack at the 9-meter line. All action must take place
within the boundaries. The attackers can either attempt to shoot or fake and drive to the 6-meter
line. The defender tries to prevent either option by checking and trying to tie up the player for a
free-throw, or blocking the shot. The coach serves as referee and blows the whistle to stop play
on a free-throw or out of bounds. Switch defenders every five attacks until everyone has been
on defense.
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S5D6
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 3 of 5 tie-ups (free- To Increase Difficulty

throws) or blocked shots ____ • Increase the number of attacks to 10 per de-
fender.
✔
Success Check
• Step out in good timing ____
• Decrease the size of the boundaries.
• Maintain contact, keep feet moving ____ • Designate fakes and drives only or BC shots only.
individual defensive skills success summary

Don’t be a weak link; take pride in your individual defense. Like Hakeem Olajuwon, you can
make an invaluable contribution to your team. Be alert, aggressive, and visually aware of all
activity around you. “Play defense with your feet,” be in perpetual motion. Move with short,
quick shuffle steps, prepared to check an attacker or block an attacker’s shot. Ask your coach or
trained partner to rate your technique according to the checklist items with the Keys to Success
for basic stance, checking, and shot blocking (see Figures 5.1, 5.4, and 5.5).
Goalkeeping: The Competitive Edge • 75
Step
6
goalkeeping: the competitive edge
G oalkeepers in team handball have to cope
with shots coming at them at speeds of up to and
find out how to position yourself in the goal, then
block high, low, medium, and wing shots. Last, learn
over 80 mph. It requires all their courage, skill, and to quickly recover the shots you block, then initiate
exceptional reflexes to face these bullet-like throws the fast-break. Good luck!
and stop the ball from entering the net. The goalies
are always at a disadvantage, but the best of them
can point to a save rate of more than 40 percent. It Why Is Goalkeeping
often verges on magic when they succeed in the last
moment in stopping the ball from crossing the goal
Important?
line. Get ready to experience firsthand what it is like A poor goalie can make a good team mediocre, and a
to be in the goal. First, learn what rules apply only good goalie can make a mediocre team competitive.
to you and how to protect yourself in the goal. Next, Not only are you the last line of defense but also the
Specific Rules That Apply to Goalies

Specific rules that govern the goalkeeper:
The goalie is permitted to do the following:
• Block the ball with any part of the body while inside the goal area.
• Move around with the ball inside the goal area with no restrictions except against intentionally delaying
the game.
• Leave the goal area at any time subject to the rules applied to court players.
The goalie is not permitted to do the following:
• Leave the goal area while in possession of the ball (free-throw).
• Touch the ball while it is stationary or rolling on the ground outside the goal area while standing in the
goal area (free-throw).
• Re-enter the goal area from the playing area while still in possession of the ball (7-meter throw).
• Receive a pass from a court player while inside the goal area (7-meter throw).
Goal-throw is awarded for the following:
• The goalie blocks the ball and recovers it in the goal area.
• The ball goes over the endline after the goalkeeper blocks it.
• The attacking team throws the ball over the endline.
To execute the goal-throw, stand inside the goal area and throw the ball to a teammate.
If the goalie blocks a shot and the deflected ball goes out of bounds on the sideline, the attacking team
keeps the ball, putting it back into play with a throw-in.
75
first attacker in offense because of the responsibility

of beginning the fast-break. Your effectiveness greatly
How to Position Yourself in the
affects the psychological state of your teammates, and Goal
your overall performance is of considerable influence
Assume the basic stance whenever an opponent has
to team success. Regardless of your success or fail-
possession of the ball within shooting distance of the
ure, you must be a leader and display the intangible
goal. The stance is similar to a court player’s defensive
qualities of confidence, composure, and courage.
basic stance. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width
apart and knees flexed. Your weight should be slightly
How to Protect Yourself in the forward on the balls of your feet and evenly distrib-
uted. Keep your arms up and elbows bent with your
Goal hands either shoulder or waist high. You will adjust
your hand position according to the type of shot and
In team handball, the shooter intends to score a goal,
your personal preference (see Figure 6.1a).
not to hit the goalie. As you begin to train keep in
Your movement should provide maximum protec-
mind, however, that most Americans are accustomed
tion of the goal at all times. Pay particular attention
to throwing a ball directly to someone (i.e., baseball,
to guarding the short corners of the goal. These are
basketball, football). This carryover from other sports
the top and bottom corners closest to the attacker
and being unaccustomed to the size of a handball
with the ball. Because the attacker is closer to them,
causes beginning shooters to be inaccurate. Conse-
the short corners are often easier targets to shoot
quently, many of your teammates will unintentionally
at than other parts of the goal. For this reason it
shoot the ball at the goalie instead of shooting to the
is important to stay between the attacker with the
open corners of the goal. Ultimately, good technique
ball and the short corners. This will force him or her
will be your best protection. Until you’ve learned
to take a more difficult shot, which decreases the
basic goalie technique and your teammates have
chance of scoring.
mastered shooting the ball with reasonable accuracy,
Be aware of the entire offensive situation, but
use targets in the corners of the goal for game-like
keep your eyes on the attacking player and the ball.
drills and scrimmages.
Move laterally along an imaginary arc between the
Here are some ideas to protect your body while
two goalposts (see Figure 6.1b). Do not move directly
practicing goalie technique: To soften the ball impact,
along the goal line. A good rule of thumb is to start
have a partner throw at you from 3 to 6 meters at a
in the center of the goal, one step out from the goal
moderate to slow speed. You can use dense foam balls
line. From this position, however, there is no way you
and partially deflated volleyballs for your beginning
can see the goalposts. You must learn to sense where
goalie training. Old tennis balls thrown consecutively
you are in relation to the goal opening. Having your
at a moderate speed from about 4 meters will help you
hands up between your shoulders and waist will help
work on your reaction time. Protect yourself from the
you locate the goalposts and determine your posi-
sting of blocking by wearing a long-sleeved shirt and
tion. As the ball is passed from player to player, use
long pants. Males should wear a protective cup, and
short, quick shuffle steps to mirror the movement of
many goalies also wear knee and shin pads.
the ball. Be ready to change direction at any time.
Keep a position on the imaginary line that bisects the
angle between the ball and the goalposts (see Figure
6.1c). Paying attention to the defense, the developing
offensive situation, and the ball helps you anticipate
when and where a shot will be taken.
FIGURE
6.1 keys to success
positioning yourself in the goal
Preparation—Basic
5 Stance
1. Eyes on ball ____
2. Stand tall ____
3. Flex knees ____
4. Put weight on balls of feet ____
5. Hold hands up at shoulder
height ____
Execution
6. Step out one step from the goal line ____
7. Quick, shuffle steps in an arc ____
b
8. Bisect the shooting angle ____

9. Stop moving just before shot ____
Blocking Shots the mistake of trying to catch the ball. Concentrate on

making the block, then trying to gain control of the
Positioning yourself in the goal (review Figure 6.1a) ball as quickly as possible. Avoid diving for the ball
is the preparation phase for all the shots the goalie because it takes too much time to regain your footing.
will block. When a player is ready to deliver a shot, This extra time will put your team at a disadvantage
stop moving and get stable in the basic position. Don’t in transition because you will not be able to recover
begin the blocking action until the ball is released. the ball quickly. Being on the floor will also put you
Moving prematurely will only assist the shooter beat a disadvantage if the opposition fields the rebound
cause the shooter will shoot away from the direction for another shot.
in which you’ve moved. This timing is important and
requires absolute concentration. When the shooter How to Block High Shots
has committed, act quickly and decisively. As you To block high shots, stand tall, keeping your center
move toward the ball, point your ball-side foot toward of gravity as high as possible, and take a small step
the sideline, trying to put as much of your body as in the direction of the shot (see Figure 6.2a). Push off
possible in the line of the shot. Whether you block the leg farther from the ball and leap in the direction
the ball with one or two hands will depend on how of the shot, simultaneously extending your arm(s)
much time you have to react to the shot. Don’t make into the path of the ball (see Figures 6.2b and c).
FIGURE
6.2 keys to success
blocking high shots
Preparation
a
2
1. Stand tall ____
2. Take step in ball’s direction ____
Execution
4 4
b. One-handed block c. Two-handed block
3. Push off and leap toward shot ____ 5. Attack the ball ____
4. Extend arm(s) in path of ball ____
How to Block Low Shots shot by extending both your leg and arm into the
path of the ball. Lift and shoot your leg out into the
To block low shots, keep your center of gravity low path of the ball. Then cover the space above your leg
and take a small step in the direction of the shot. with your arm moving in a downward arcing motion.
Push off the leg farther from the ball in the direction Remember this key phrase: “Shoot and cover” (see
of the shot (see Figure 6.3a). Attempt to block the Figure 6.3b).
FIGURE
6.3 keys to success
blocking low shots
Preparation
1. Take a small step in direction of

the ball ____
2. Push off leg farther from ball ____
Execution
3. Lift knee ____

4. Shoot leg ____
5
5. Extend arm and cover with
hand ____
4
How to Block Medium High Shots farther from the ball pushes the body in the direction
To block medium high shots means to block balls of the shot, then with a little hop, helps to maintain
coming between the shoulder and knee level. These body balance on one foot. Attempt to cover as much
shots cause some difficulty because they are in the area as possible when moving your leg and hand
in-between area of blocking with your arm and leg. into the path of the ball. When attempting the block,
Generally, block medium high shots by using your the distance of the shot from the body determines
hand and leg. Starting from the basic position, take the degree of bend in the arm and leg. The opposite
a small step in the direction of the ball, raise your hand moves upward to help maintain your balance
knee, and lower the hand closest to the shot. The leg (see Figure 6.4).
FIGURE
6.4 keys to success
blocking medium high shots
3, 4
1. Take a small step in direction of the ball ____

2. Lift knee and lower hand into path of the ball ____
3. Push off in direction of the ball ____
4. Maintain body balance on one foot ____
5. Extend leg and hand into the ball’s path ____
How to Block Wing Shots goalpost-side foot (see Figure 6.5a). When the shooter
On shots from the wings, it is important to protect jumps into the area, take one step out from the goal-
the short corners of the goal and force the shooter to post and move with short steps to cover the shooter’s
shoot for the more difficult long corners. Stay close angle. As the shot is taken, stop moving and focus
to the goalpost, with your arm on the goalpost side on the ball (see Figure 6.5b). Attempt to block low,
held up with the forearm protecting your face. Your medium, and high shots using the proper technique
other hand is placed out to the side bent at about (review Figures 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4; see Figure 6.5c).
90 degrees. Most of your weight should be on your
FIGURE
6.5 keys to success
blocking wing shots
a b
Preparation Execution
1. Stand tall close to the goalpost ____ 5. Take one step out as shooter jumps ____
2. Goalpost-side arm up, forearm protecting 6. Take short steps to cover shooter’s angle ____
face ____ 7. Stop moving, eyes on ball ____
3. Keep free hand out to side, bent about 90
degrees ____
4. Put weight on goalpost-side leg ____
8
c
8. Push off goalpost leg toward path of ball ____

9. Block the shot ____
Recovering the Ball and ball and put it back in play. The speed, precision, and
judgment with which you perform this skill set the
Initiating the Fast-Break pace for the entire attack. To initiate the fast-break,
you must be equally skilled in the short outlet pass
The actions of recovering the ball and initiating the and the long “touchdown” pass to a breaking player
fast-break follow every ball you block. Your effective- down the court. To improve your passing skills, prac-
ness as a goalkeeper is not only judged by your ability tice the court player passing drills and those drills
to block shots but by how quickly you can recover the specifically designed for goalies.
goalkeeping success stoppers

The most common technical errors you will make as the position equally demands the intangible qualities
a beginning goalie are listed here along with sugges- of confidence, composure, leadership, and courage.
tions for correcting them. However, remember that
ERROR CORRECTION
Positioning
in the Goal
1. You bend at the waist, similar to a basket- 1. Stand tall with weight on the balls of your
ball defensive stance, with your hands low. feet and shoulder-width apart. Hands are be-
tween shoulder and waist level.
2. You stand in the center of the goal line and 2. Follow the ball and move with quick
do not move. shuffle steps in an arc between the goalposts.
Blocking High, Low, and Medium

High Shots
1. You feel off balance as the shot is taken. 1. When a player is ready to deliver the shot,
stop moving and get in basic stance.
2. When attempting to catch a shot, it goes 2. Stand in the basic goalie stance. Concen-
through your hands into the goal. trate on making the block, not catching, then
gain control of the ball quickly.
3. You lean, then reach rather than moving 3. Push off the leg farther from the ball.
your body toward the ball.
4. You repeatedly contact the ball with your 4. Stand one step from the goal line in
arm but it rebounds into the goal. basic position. As you move your arm(s) into
the path of the ball, remember to go forward
against the shot. Think, “Attack the ball.”
5. You fail to use both your arm and leg to 5. Remember to shoot your leg in the path of
cover low shots. the ball and cover with your arm and hand.
Blocking Wing Shots

1. The ball goes between you and the goal- 1. From the wing the short corner is the easi-
post. est place to score. To prevent this easy goal,
stand next to the goalpost, a ball’s width away.
2. You don’t use both your arm and leg to 2. Shoot your leg in the path of the ball and
cover low shots. cover with your arm and hand.
goalkeeping
Drills
1. Partner Soccer
This drill works on turning your foot out to stop low shots. Face a partner 3 meters apart. Pass
the ball back and forth with your feet, as a soccer player would pass a soccer ball. Concentrate
on controlling the ball using the inside of your foot.
Success Goal = 30 seconds in control of To Increase Difficulty

ball ____ • Increase the time for control by increments of 10
seconds.
✔
Success Check
• Move to the ball ____
• To increase the pace, decrease distance between
partners.
• Play soccer tennis. Place a bench between you
• Contact ball with inside of your foot ____ and your teammate and determine boundaries.
Keep score as you do in tennis.
• To slow the pace, increase the distance between
partners.
2. Goalie Beginning Training Progression

This progression lets you concentrate on learning beginning goalie technique without the
worry of being injured by a hard thrown shot. To keep the drill safe and to help you develop
your confidence, ask your partner to control the speed and direction of the ball. Start by having
your partner throw the ball gently, then gradually increase the speed as your confidence and
technique improve. Have your partner wait for you to return to the basic goalie position before
throwing the next ball. Stand about 3 meters apart.
a. Partner throws a ball at half speed at your face. Block the ball with both hands. Do not
catch the ball.
b. Partner throws five balls to your high right and five to your high left. Block ball with both
hands.
c. Partner rolls five balls to your right, then five to your left. Block the ball by turning your
foot out and covering with your hand.
d. Partner rolls ball between your legs. Stand upright, block ball by jumping slightly forward
and at the same time, bringing your feet together. Ball is blocked by hitting the front of your
ankles.
e. Partner throws a low bouncing shot to the right and to the left. Block the ball by using the
shoot and cover technique.
f. Partner throws the ball anywhere in the goal. Choose the correct technique to block the
ball.
Success Goal = 10 balls blocked for each To Increase Difficulty

progression ____ • Have your partner start with 10 balls. Increase
the speed of the shots and decrease the time
✔
Success Check
• Stand tall ____
between shots.
• Alternate throwing to the right and the left and
high and low.
• Return to basic position after each attempt ____
• To increase safety and gradually build confi-
dence, start by using a foam ball.
3. Line Shooting
This drill gives you repetitive practice at blocking high and low shots. By moving from one side
to the other, this drill also helps you develop a feel for the size of the goal opening. Six shoot-
ers stand in one line in front of the goal. Each player has a ball and shoots one after the other,
alternating shots right high and left high. The next time through, shoot right low and left low.
Let the goalie recover to basic stance before shooting the next shot.
Clanton
Job# 376
Success Goal = 4 out of 6 shots Fig.# S6D3 To Increase Difficulty
blocked ____ Artist: Jennifer• D.
Players alternate right high, left low, then left
high, right low.
✔
Success Check
• Push off opposite leg ____
• Similar to a fast-break, players dribble in and
shoot a jump shot from the 6-meter line. Players
should decrease the force of the shot by 50 per-
• Shoot and cover on low shots ____ cent and concentrate on placement in the goal.
• Recover quickly to basic position ____
• Players decrease the speed of their shots.
4. 9-meter Set Shot Drill

This drill helps you work on positioning in the goal. It provides many consecutive repetitions
for you to react to the ball and determine the proper technique to use. Six players, each with a
ball, stand along the 9-meter line. Players shoot set shots in succession from left wing to right
wing. Wait until the goalie recovers to basic stance before attempting the next shot. Move with
quick shuffle steps from shooter to shooter and attempt to block each shot. Your movement
should be in an arc from goalpost to goalpost as the ball moves from wing to wing. Repeat the
drill starting from opposite side.
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S6D4
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 8 out of 12 shots To Increase Difficulty

blocked ____ • Add a defender in front of each shooter at the
6-meter line.
✔
Success Check
• Short quick shuffle steps ____
• Shooters move in and shoot from the 6-meter
line.
• Move in an arc between goalposts ____ To Decrease Difficulty

• Recover to basic stance after each shot ____ • Shooters decrease the speed and pace of their
shots.
5. Wing Shooting
This drill works on positioning in the goal, especially in relation to the goalposts, and goalie
technique for wing shots. Because of the limited angle and close proximity of the shooter, begin-
ning wing shooters often lack accuracy, thus increasing the potential for injury to the goalie.
Limit this drill to players who have developed their wing shooting accuracy with prior shooting
practice without a goalie (see page 57). Two players with a ball stand in each wing, starting where
the sideline meets the 9-meter line. The players shoot alternately from the right and left wing,
forcing you to move quickly from one goalpost to the other. Shooters should wait for you to be in
position before they shoot. Remember that it’s important to protect the short corners and force
the shooter to shoot for the more difficult long corners.
A B
Clanton
Blocking shots from the left and right wings
Job# 376
Fig.# S6D5
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 6 out of 10 blocked To Increase Difficulty

shots ____ • Add a wing defender against the shooters.
• Add a circle runner to shoot from the 6-meter
✔
Success Check
• Move quickly, find goalpost ____
line.
• Use forearm to protect your face ____ • Shoot from only one side at a time.
• Put weight on foot next to goalpost ____ • Shoot only bounce shots.
• Before each shot, designate the corner of the goal
at which the wing will shoot.
6. Block, Pass, Defend Drill

This drill allows the goalie to work on initiating the fast-break after attempting to block a shot.
Court players work on receiving a pass on the run with a defender close by and finishing the
attack with a goal at the other end of the court. Three players stand without a ball in one wing,
the other three stand in a row facing the goal in the CB position. The coach has some balls and
stands to the side of the shooters. The first shooter attacks the goal and shoots from the 9-meter
line. The goalie tries to block it. At the same moment the shot is taken, the first player in the
wing starts running down the court. The goalie must forget about the ball that has just been
shot, receive a new ball from the coach, and pass it out to the running player. The shooter must
turn and run after the wing in an attempt to defend him or her. The two players return on the
outside of the court and go to the opposite line (wing to shooter, shooter to wing). If a second
goalie is available, end the drill with a shot on goal at the other end of the court.
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S6D6
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = To Decrease Difficulty

5 out of 10 blocked shots ____ • Players shoot at half speed.
8 out of 10 passes thrown with accuracy ____
✔
Success Check
• Concentrate on blocking the ball first ____
• Lead pass to the running player ____
goalkeeping success summary

Your play as the goalie greatly affects the psychological state of your teammates, and your
overall performance considerably impacts your team’s success. As your team’s last line of de-
fense, you must be able to block high, low, and medium high shots from all shooting positions
and initiate the fast-break. Regardless of your success or failure, you must be a leader and dis-
play the intangible qualities of confidence, composure, and courage. Ask your coach or trained
partner to rate your goalie technique according to the checklist items with the Keys to Success
Figures 6.1 through 6.5.
Individual Tactics: Attack and Defend • 91
Step
7
individual tactics: attack and
defend
O ne time down the floor, his defender sags and
Magic pulls up to hit a 3-pointer. The next time, he
Individual Attack Tactics—
penetrates the defense and dishes to Jabbar for a Attacking the Gap
dunk. Another time, he makes a steal, leads the fast-
break, and makes a beautiful behind the back pass As an attacking player your primary objective is to
to Byron Scott for a layup. Magic Johnson had great score goals and assist your teammates in scoring
individual skills, but what set him apart, and helped goals. The essential individual tactic toward achieving
make the Lakers great, was his ability to make good this is attacking the gap. A gap is a space between
decisions about the execution of his skills. Choos- two defenders (see Figure 7.1).
ing the proper skill and course of action to use at a
given time and for a given situation is called tactics.
Step 7 will help you develop a good understand-
ing of basic individual attack and defense tactics.
The primary individual attack tactic is attacking the
gap. You will learn how to anticipate and read the
defense, maintain ball possession, and fake to help
you attack the gap. Individual defense tactics relate
to controlling your defensive space, which includes
seeing ball and opponent, stepping out to meet the
attacker, recovering to the 6-meter line, and moving
in relation to the ball. Attacking the gap
Why Are Individual Tactics

Important?
During a game you will be confronted with many
options on both ends of the court. Your ability to
make good decisions concerning these options is Clanton
Job# the
Figure 7.1 Attacking 376gap.
just as important as proper execution of skills. If you Fig.# 7.1
are unable to make good decisions about when and Artist: Jennifer D.
where to perform your individual skills, you probably Direct your actions at a gap for two reasons:
will not be successful, and your team will suffer the 1. To try to break through the defense for a shot
consequences. from the 6-meter line (see Figure 7.2).
91
Use the following guidelines to assist you in recog-

nizing and attacking the gap.
Anticipate
The best attack information is always gathered from
the defense. Study the defense before receiving the
ball so you can make quick decisions about the
situation and take advantage of it. Anticipate so you
can adjust your position according to the location
and reaction of your defender and the location of the
gap. As you receive the ball, you should know what
course of action you want to take.
Maintain Ball Possession

Once in possession of the ball, maintaining a strong
attacking position is vital. The most important
consideration is that you be in a position that will
Figure 7.2 Breaking between two defenders for a protect the ball and enable you to make your next
shot from the 6-meter line. move as quickly and efficiently as possible. First rule
is don’t get too close to the defense and get tied up.
2. To draw the attention of two defenders, which The resulting free-throw disrupts the flow of your
creates a defensive imbalance and a numerical team’s attack. Creating a workable space between
advantage for the offense. This means that if you and your defender will help you protect the ball
you are occupying the attention of two defend- and give you time to make good decisions about your
ers, then one of your teammates must be un- defender’s actions. The shooting position naturally
guarded for a scoring opportunity (see Figures protects the ball because your body is between your
7.3a and b). defender and the ball (see Figure 7.4)
Figure 7.3a Occupying two defenders. Figure 7.3b Clanton

Draw two defenders and pass to
Job# 376
open teammate. Fig.# 7.3
Artist: Jennifer D.
Figure 7.4 Maintaining possession.
Fake tempt to fake your defender. Let’s say you want to

Sometimes, because of the good actions of your team- fake your defender to the left and pass on the right.
mates, there is a big gap in front of you and all you The footwork involved is important. Keep the ball in
have to do is receive a pass and go through. Other both hands at about waist level; step left transfer-
times you have to create your own gap. Faking is the ring all your weight to your left foot and moving your
chief means of getting your defender out of position shoulders and head in that direction also. As soon
to create more space in a gap. You can do this by as your defender shifts in that direction, change di-
changing the direction and pace of your movements. rections quickly by pushing off your left foot to the
right, and step past your defender with your right
How to Execute a Fake foot. Once past your defender, your third step will
Run to receive, catch the ball in midair, and land be toward the goal on your left foot, turning your
with both feet parallel to your shoulders for balance. shoulders perpendicular to the goal and raising the
When you land simultaneously on both feet after the ball to shooting position. Once your defender is out
catch, no steps are counted. This balanced position of position you have to decide what to do next (see
will allow you to change directions easily in an at- Figures 7.5a-e).
FIGURE
7.5 keys to success
Preparation
faking Execution
1. Run to receive ____
2. Give teammate a target ____
a b
3. Catch ball in midair ____ 5. Step laterally on nonthrowing-hand foot ____

4. Land on both feet simultaneously ____
6
7
c d
6. Step back in opposite direction past defender ____ 7. Step toward goal on nonthrowing-hand foot ____
Follow-Through
8. Turn shoulders perpendicular to goal ____

9. Raise ball up and back ____
10. Decide to shoot or pass ____
Read the Defense Attacking the Gap—Summary

Once you‘ve used a fake to get your defender out Anticipate
of position and you recognize the gap, you need to 1. Look at the location of the defenders.
act quickly and decisively. The faster you can read 2. Adjust your position.
the situation and act, the more likely you are to Maintain Ball Possession
gain an advantage for yourself or a teammate. You
3. Create workable space—not too close.
must aggressively attack the gap with the intent to
4. Protect the ball.
score. Being aggressive will allow you to either drive
5. Be a threat.
and shoot at the 6-meter line or draw the attention
of the next defender, permitting a pass to an open Fake
teammate. Your mentality must be to “shoot first, 6. Change direction and pace.
pass second.” Your decision to shoot, drive through 7. Step past the defender toward goal.
the gap to the 6-meter line, or pass will depend on 8. Decide to pass or shoot.
your court position relative to your defender and Read the Defense
your teammates. 9. Move forward through the gap.
10. Think “shoot” first.
11. Pass if you draw two defenders.
Individual Defensive Tactics— opponent’s actions, enabling you to defend in

good position and timing.
Controlling Your Defensive • Step out to meet an attacker with the ball. As
Space an attacker with the ball enters your space, ag-
gressively step out to meet the attack. Quickly
Generally, team handball defensive players shift as closing the space between you and your op-
a unit as the strength of the attacking team moves. ponent gives less time for the attacker to make
It’s a zone defense, but within the zone each player decisions and play the ball. Ideally, you should
has individual responsibility of controlling a certain meet the attacker in the front of your space at
space. Whenever an attacker comes into your “defen- the 9-meter line.
sive space,” that player then becomes your responsi-
• Stay between opponent and the goal. To be an
bility. Your defensive space reaches in all directions
effective one-on-one defender, you must prevent
from your basic position, extending forward from the
your opponent from shooting or penetrating to
6-meter line to the 9-meter line, and laterally to the
the 6-meter line. You accomplish this by main-
defenders on either side of you (see Figure 7.6). In-
taining strong position between your opponent
ability to control your defensive space will result in a
and the goal. The keys are proper checking and
breakdown of the entire defensive structure.
moving your feet.
• Recover to 6-meter line. When your opponent
passes the ball to a teammate, you should then
recover to the 6-meter line by shifting diagonally
back in the direction of the pass. If you don’t
recover to the 6-meter line you leave a big open
space close to the goal. Be aware of maintaining
a good defensive stance throughout the move-
ment.
• Move in relation to the ball. When your opponent
doesn’t have the ball, your basic defensive posi-
tion is at the back of your defensive space along
the 6-meter line. As the ball moves away from
your defensive space, you will shift along the
6-meter line by shuffling in the direction the ball
is moving. Move with short, quick shuffle steps,
never crossing your feet and keeping them in
contact with the floor.
Following is a summary of the key tactical prin-
ciples for controlling your defensive space:
Clanton defensive space.
Figure 7.6 Individual
Job# 376 When Opponent Is Without the Ball
Fig.# 7.6
Artist: Jennifer D. 1. Shift along 6-meter line in direction of ball.
Key tactical principles for controlling your defensive 2. See the ball and your opponent.
space are the following:
3. Maintain good defensive stance.
• See ball and opponent. Use your peripheral vi-
sion to be aware, at all times, of ball location and When Opponent Has the Ball
the opponent in your defensive space. Having 1. Step out to meet the attacker near 9-meter line.
this awareness will help you anticipate your 2. Recover diagonally to 6-meter line.
individual tactics success stoppers

The main focus of individual tactics is on decision attack and defense tactics are listed here along with
making. Common errors that occur with individual suggestions for correction.
ERROR CORRECTION
Individual
Attack Tactics
1. You attack the player directly in front of 1. Attack the gap. Go through to score or
you. draw two defenders and pass.
2. You frequently interrupt the team attack 2. Don’t get too close to the defense. Create a
by being fouled, which results in a free-throw workable space. Protect the ball.
call.
3. You take more than three steps when us- 3. Run to receive, catch the ball in midair,
ing a fake. and land simultaneously on both feet. No steps
are counted when your feet hit the floor and
you catch the ball in midair. You will have
three steps to fake and attack.
4. You attack toward the gap but fail to look 4. You must attack with the intent to score.
at the goalie. Keep the goalie in your vision and think shoot-
ing first. Move forward toward the gap, read
the defense, then make a decision quickly to
shoot, drive through, or pass.
Individual Defense Tactics

1. You fail to step out to meet attacker with 1. Anticipate when your opponent will enter
the ball at 9 meters. your defensive space. Aggressively step out to
check an opponent with the ball.
2. You step out to 9 meters but fail to recover 2. After your opponent passes the ball, re-
to the 6-meter line after the ball is passed. cover diagonally in the direction of the pass.
This action supports the defender next to you
and protects against shots from the 6-meter
line.
3. A large space occurs between you and the 3. Shift along the 6-meter line in the direc-
teammate next to you on the 6-meter line. tion of the ball. Move with short, quick shuffle
steps.
individual tactics
Drills
1. Ten Passes Game
The purpose of this drill is to help you get comfortable with faking so it becomes second nature
to you. The attackers use fakes without the ball to free themselves to receive a pass and fakes
with the ball to free themselves to pass to a teammate. Play on the half-court using the 6-meter
line as one boundary. If you are not on a court, mark a playing area 15 meters by 20 meters.
Select two equal teams and match up player to player. Have your coach serve as referee and flip
a coin to determine the first ball possession. The attacking team tries to complete 10 consecu-
tive passes against the defense. If the ball is dropped, thrown out of bounds, or intercepted the
other team takes possession. Turnovers also result from a 3-second rule violation and on the
third free-throw due to defensive tie-ups. If the attacking team completes 10 passes it is awarded
1 point and keeps possession.
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S7D1
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = First team to 5 points To Increase Difficulty

wins ____ • First team to 10 points wins.
✔
Success Check
• Be quick and deceptive ____
• Decrease the number of players on each team.
• Use shoulders, head, and feet to fake ____

2. Fake and Drive

This drill will give you practice in creating workable space and in quickly changing your lateral
faking movement into forward movement. The purpose is to help you be able to penetrate the gap
and drive to the 6-meter line. Select a partner to participate with you in this drill. You stand in the
center backcourt at about 12 meters with a ball and your partner on defense at about 6 meters.
Place a cone about 2 meters on both sides of your partner to indicate the next defender and to
show the gap. Pass the ball to your partner and, when your partner receives it, run to receive a
return pass (see Figure a). After passing, your partner steps out to about 8 meters to meet your
attack. From that point the defender should only react to the fake and allow you to step by on
the drive. This is done to help you get a clear idea of when to change movement from the lateral
fake to forward drive. When you’re preparing to receive the return pass, think of creating a work-
able space—not too close or too far away from your defender. Time your attack so you receive
the ball around 9 meters, then fake, drive to the 6-meter line, jump into the area, and shoot
(see Figure b). At some point, you may need to dribble to gain three more steps to continue your
drive. If your movement carries you directly to or outside the cone, it is an unsuccessful attempt.
a. Receive the ball at the 9-meter line b. Fake, drive, andClanton
shoot
Clanton
Job# 376 Job# 376
Fig.# S7D2 Fig.# S7D2b

5 attempts to fake left, drive right ____ • Move the cones in 1 meter to narrow the gap.
5 attempts to fake right, drive left ____ • Play one-on-one, defense 100 percent. The player
with the most successful fake and drives out of
✔
Success Check
• Timing ____
10 is the winner.
• Create workable space ____ • Perform the drill at half speed.
• Quick change lateral to forward movement ____
3. Attack the Gap—Pass or Shoot

The purpose of this drill is to help you learn to read the defense and make good decisions
accordingly. You and two teammates form an attacking team. Position one teammate in the left
backcourt, one in the right backcourt, and you start in the center backcourt with a ball. Place
three defenders on the 6-meter line, one defending each backcourt position. Place a cone 1 meter
to the outside of the left backcourt and right backcourt defenders to indicate the next defenders.
To begin, pass the ball to your defender, run to receive a return pass, fake right or left, and try
to drive through the gap. For the purpose of the drill, the center backcourt defender should go
with the fake and allow you into the gap. Now you must key on the next defender. If the defender
does not move to close the gap, continue to drive to the 6-meter line and shoot (see Figure a). If
the defender moves to close the gap, quickly pass to the attacking backcourt player who drives
through the gap created by the displaced defender and shoots from the 6-meter line (see Figure
b). Movement should not go past the cone. The backcourts switch positions after eight attacks,
rotating from left to right. The defenders should do likewise. When all attackers have been in the
center backcourt, switch offense and defense.
a. Center backcourt fakes and attacks the gap Clanton who shoots from the 6-meter
b. Pass to right backcourt
Clanton line Job# 376
Job# 376 Fig.# S7D3b
Fig.# S7D3a Artist: Jennifer D.
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 6 of 8 correct To Increase Difficulty

decisions ____ • Center backcourt defender plays 100 percent
defense.
✔
Success Check
• Key on the next defender ____
• Play a 3 vs. 3 scrimmage with no shooting from
the backcourt. Direct all action toward penetrat-
ing a gap and driving to the goal area for a shot.
• Decide quickly ____ Each team takes five possessions. Count 1 point
per goal. The team with the most points wins.
4. Defense 6 meters-9 meters

This drill will help you get the feel for stepping out to check a shooter, as well as for the space
between the 6-meter and 9-meter lines. If you are on a handball court, use the 6-meter and
9-meter lines. Otherwise, mark two lines 3 meters apart and 10 meters long. Shooters, up to
six, stand along the 9-meter line, each with a ball. The first defender stands at the 6-meter line
directly across from the first shooter. All other defenders line up behind the first. When shooter
1 raises the ball to shooting position, defender 1 steps out and checks the shooter. After making
proper contact, retreat diagonally to the 6-meter line in front of shooter 2. Shooter 2 raises the
ball to shooting position and defender 1 steps out, checks, retreats. Continue in this manner
through the last shooter. As defender 1 gets in front of shooter 2, defender 2 steps out to shooter
1 and continues through the last shooter. When all defenders have gone through from left to
right, defender 1 begins the next cycle from right to left. When you have completed five cycles,
switch shooters and defenders.
6
5
4
3
2
1
1 6
2 5
3 4
Clanton
Step out to check a shooter
Job# 376
Fig.# S7D4
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 5 continuous cycles ____ To Increase Difficulty

• Increase the number of cycles.
✔
Success Check
• Step out, make contact at 9-meter line ____
• Shooter tries to fake and drive to the goal after
defender makes contact.
• Recover diagonally back to 6-meter line ____ To Decrease Difficulty

• Decrease the number of cycles.
• Do the drill with a partner. Step out, check your
partner, and retreat directly to the 6-meter line.
Do five times and switch shooter and defender.
5. Stepping Out and Recovering Basic Position

The purpose of this drill is to help you become familiar with the parameters of your defensive
space and to work on the timing of stepping out to meet the attack as the ball arrives. You and
a partner position yourselves in middle defense on the 6-meter line about 2 meters apart. Two
other teammates stand directly in front of the two of you on the 9-meter line as passers (A and
B). Two more passers (C and D) stand 2 meters to either side of them. Place a marker directly in
front of the outside passers to indicate their defenders. When passer A slaps the ball and gets
in shooting position, Defender #1 steps out to check. After the check, A passes to C or B, and
Defender #1 recovers to the 6-meter line (see Figure a). If A passes to B, then Defender #2 steps
out to check. B then passes to D or A, and Defender #1 and Defender #2 respond accordingly (see
Figure b). When C has the ball, then Defender #2 should slide a little in that direction along the
6-meter line to close the gap. When D has the ball Defender #1 should do the same. All passers
get in shooting position when in possession of the ball. Defender #1 and Defender #2 attempt to
cover their defensive space as the passers continuously move the ball.
2 1 2 1
D C D C
B A B A
Clanton
a. Defender #1 steps out and recovers to 6-meter line Clanton
b. Defender #2 steps out, Defender #1 recovers to
Job# 376 6-meter line Job# 376
Success Goal = 30 seconds correctly To Increase Difficulty

covering defensive space ____ • C and D have the liberty to drive to the inside of
their defense markers. D1 and D2 must step up
✔
Success Check
• Timing: meet the attacker as the ball arrives ____
to stop the drive.
• A and B have the liberty to shoot a set shot if
their defender is late in stepping out.
• Recover diagonally to the 6-meter line ____ • Do both of the above.
individual tactics success summary

Team handball is a game in which the success of the whole is highly dependent on how well
each part works. Learning to use your individual skills in a tactical way is critical to team suc-
cess. In attack this means not only creating scoring opportunities for yourself, but also assisting
your teammates in scoring goals. Attack the gap aggressively and make good decisions regarding
your options. Defensively, your primary concern is controlling your defensive space. Always be
aware of the location of the ball and your opponent. Step out to meet the attacker with the ball,
and recover in the direction of the ball to basic position to protect the 6-meter line. Ask your
coach or trained partner to rate your technique according to the checklist items with the Keys
to Success (see Figure 7.5). Also, ask your coach to evaluate your decision making in choosing
correct skills and courses of action.
Step
8
Offensive combinations:
supporting your teammates
U p to this point, all the skills and tactics you’ve
learned have been designed to develop your individual
you learn how to move without the ball to get into
better positions to attack and provide support for an
play. Individual skills and tactics are important, but attacking teammate. Coordinated actions with your
rarely isolated. As the name implies, team handball is teammates, coupled with good decision making, lay
ultimately a team game requiring teamwork. To help the groundwork for successful team attack.
your team score consistently, you must learn to use
your individual attack skills and tactics in support
of and in combination with your teammates. How to Support the Player
Creating an “overload” is the principle that should
guide all attack actions. Overload means that your
Attacking the Gap
team works to create a situation where attackers Attacking the gap is an essential individual attack
outnumber defenders in a given space. Ideally, this tactic. Equally important is your ability to support a
involves a player with the ball and a player in support teammate who is attacking a gap. When a teammate
against one defender. When an overload is created, next to you attacks a gap and draws your defender,
everyone involved should move quickly and intel- a 2 vs. 1 situation is created. Your awareness of
ligently to exploit the situation. You can achieve an the developing situation and anticipation of your
overload by executing three combinations: (1) sup- defender’s actions will help you take advantage of
porting the player attacking the gap, (2) crossing, the overload.
and (3) pick and roll. As you see your defender move to close the gap,
quickly run to receive a pass and attack the defensive
space vacated by your defender. Timing in this action
Why Are Offensive is important for two reasons: (1) to create an open
Combinations Important? passing lane for your teammate, and (2) to get into
the vacated space before your defender can recover.
Even though team handball is played 6 vs. 6, scoring Moving too early will put you too far in front of your
opportunities usually involve small groups creating teammate, allowing the defense to obstruct the pass-
an overload situation. If played correctly, this nu- ing lane. Moving too late will allow your defender to
merical advantage should leave one player unguarded recover to his or her defensive space and even the
for an open shot. Practicing combinations in 4 vs. 3 numbers back to one-on-one.
and 3 vs. 2 situations will enhance your awareness If you receive the ball in proper timing to attack
of numerical advantages and your decision-making the vacated space and the next defender does not
abilities about them. You will learn to recognize when cover, you will have a clear path to penetrate the gap
you are open to shoot and when you should pass the and shoot (see Figure 8.1a). If the next defender does
ball to a teammate who is in a better position to score. cover, continue the overload by passing to the next
Working in these small group situations will also help teammate supporting your attack (see Figure 8.1b).
104
Offensive Combinations: Supporting Your Teammates • 105
FIGURE
8.1 keys to success
support the player attacking the gap
Execution
a Clanton b Clanton
Job# 376 Job# 376
Fig.# 8.1a Fig.# 8.1b
Artist: Jennifer
1. Anticipate your defender’s D. ____
actions 4. Next defenderArtist:
does Jennifer D. to the next
cover—pass
2. Run to receive ____ supporting teammate ____
3. Next defender doesn’t cover—penetrate and
shoot ____
How to Execute Crossing pression of continuing the attack, then runs to cross
behind the center backcourt (see Figure 8.2). If the left
This strategy involves the crossing of two players, one backcourt shows this intention too early the defend-
over the path of the other, in an effort to confuse or ers will recognize the situation and communicate the
slow down their defenders’ actions. Generally, cross- switch. The center backcourt waits until their paths
ing takes place between two backcourt players, or a intersect, then passes quickly to the left backcourt,
backcourt and a wing. who continues into the center backcourt’s position
Let’s say the center backcourt wants to cross with looking to shoot. The confusion comes between the
the left backcourt. With the ball, the center backcourt center backcourt’s and left backcourt’s defenders. If
attacks toward the left backcourt’s defender. The they don’t communicate and switch responsibilities
center backcourt must be a serious threat to score quickly enough, the left backcourt will be temporar-
to hold his or her defender’s attention and attract ily unguarded to shoot. The effectiveness of crossing
the left backcourt defender’s attention as well. The depends on good timing and how well the two attack-
left backcourt waits momentarily for the situation ers read each other’s actions.
to develop, fakes toward the left wing to give the im-
FIGURE
8.2 keys to success
crossing
Execution
open
space
LB CB
Clanton
Job# 376
1. Attack toward left backcourt’s defender ____Fig.# 8.2
Artist: Jennifer D.
2. Left backcourt fakes toward left wing ____
3. Left backcourt runs behind center backcourt ____
4. Center backcourt passes to left backcourt as paths cross ____
5. Left backcourt looks for open shot ____
The Pick tion you are facing the action so you can follow the
ball and keep your hands free to be a receiver. The
Intelligent play of the circle runner is vital for any key to setting a good pick is stability. Position your
offense to be successful. The circle runner should feet shoulder-width apart with your knees slightly
constantly be looking to coordinate efforts with a bent to lower your center of gravity. This position will
backcourt player to free the backcourt for a scoring provide a stable base and help cushion your contact
opportunity. The most effective technique for achiev- with the defender. Keep your hands up at chest level
ing this is the “pick.” Using this tactic, the circle ready to receive a pass and slightly in front of your
runner obstructs a backcourt defender’s movement body for balance. Keep your torso upright with your
creating an opening for the backcourt to shoot. head up and eyes on the ball (see Figure 8.3). You
must be stationary when setting a pick. You may not
use your hands, arms, legs, or hips to hold or push
How to Execute the Pick the defender.
In handball, set picks with your back to the defender

so you can remain an offensive threat. In this posi-
FIGURE
8.3 keys to success
the pick
Execution
2
1. Place your back to defender ____
2. Place feet shoulder width ____
3. Bend knees slightly, keep torso upright ____
4. Keep hands open at chest level ____
5. Head up, eyes on the ball ____
How to Execute the Pick and circle runner more room to position. The backcourt
then attacks back past the circle runner, thus mov-
Roll ing the defender into the circle runner’s pick. At this
point the backcourt’s defender is cut out of the action,
An important strategy involving the circle runner pick leaving a 2 vs. 1 situation with the backcourt and
and the attack of a backcourt is the “pick and roll.” circle runner against the next defender. If the next
When a defensive player steps out from the 6-meter defender does not step out to meet the backcourt’s
line to check a backcourt, the circle runner pops attack, then the backcourt has a clear shot on goal
out to set a pick on either side of the defender. It is (see Figure 8.4a). If the next defender does step out,
important for the backcourt to set up the defender for the circle runner rolls into the open space created
the pick. As the backcourt attacks, fake the defender behind the two defenders who are out and receives a
to the opposite side of where the pick will be set. This pass from the backcourt for a shot from the 6-meter
will momentarily move the defender away and give the line (see Figure 8.4b).
FIGURE
8.4 keys to success
the pick and roll
Execution
1. Backcourt fakes defender ____
2. Circle runner pops out to pick ____
3. Backcourt attacks past the pick ____
open
space
open space
a Clanton b Clanton
Job# 376 Job# 376
Fig.# 8.4a Fig.#step
8.4bout—circle runner rolls
4. Next defender does notJennifer
Artist: step out—backcourt
D. 5. Next defender does
Artist: Jennifer D.
shoots ____ for pass and shot ____
offensive combinations success stoppers

The most common errors in supporting the player at- listed here along with suggestions for correcting them.
tacking the gap, crossing, and doing pick and roll are
ERROR CORRECTION
Supporting the Player Attacking

the Gap
1. You start running to receive too early or 1. Run to receive when your defender moves
you do not move at all. to close the gap on your attacking teammate.
Moving early puts you too far in front of your
teammate, allowing the defense to obstruct the
passing lane. Not moving at all allows defense
to easily recover and stop the attack.
Crossing
1. As the crossing left backcourt, you fail to 1. Wait momentarily for the center back-
set up your defender by faking before crossing court to draw attention of your defender. Fake
with the center backcourt. toward the left wing, then cross behind the
center backcourt.
2. As the center backcourt, you pass too 2. Wait until your path intersects with the left
early to the left backcourt. backcourt to pass the ball. Passing too early
allows the defense to adjust to the crossing ac-
tion.
Pick and Roll

1. You set the pick facing the defender. 1. Set the pick with your back to the defender
so you are facing the action and your hands
are free to catch a pass.
2. As the backcourt, you fail to set up your 2. Before the pick by the circle runner, fake
defender with a fake. your defender in the opposite direction to give
the circle runner more room to position the pick.
3. As the circle runner, you are late getting 3. As the defender steps out, you move out to
out to set the pick. set the pick.
offensive combinations
Drills
1. Overload Support: 4 vs. 3
The purpose of this drill is to practice attacking the gap and the timing of supporting teammates
attacking the gap. Place two cones on the court as shown in the diagram to designate the play-
ing area. You and three other players form an offensive team consisting of a left wing and three
backcourt players. Three other players and a goalie form a team and play defense. Play 4 vs. 3
with regular handball rules. The one restriction is that the offense can only play by attacking the
gap and supporting each other. No one can shoot from the backcourt. All scores must come by
driving through a gap and shooting from the 6-meter line. Each shot attempt, defensive tie-up, or
other turnover counts as one possession. Play five possessions then switch offense and defense.
The wing and goalie should not switch but play offense and defense for both teams respectively.
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S8D1
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = Score more points than To Increase Difficulty

the opposition ____ • Add a defender and play 4 vs. 4.
✔
Success Check
• Attack the gaps ____
• Support your teammates ____
2. Crossing: 2 vs. 1
The purpose of this drill is to help you practice the timing and ball handling involved in crossing
with a teammate. Place two cones on the court as shown in the diagram to designate the playing
area. Select two teammates and a goalie to play with you. One teammate begins play on defense
and the other plays center backcourt with you playing in the left backcourt. You start with the
ball in the left backcourt and pass to the center backcourt, who attacks to the left. The defender
steps out to meet the center backcourt’s attack. In good timing with the center backcourt’s at-
tack, you cross behind, receive a pass, and shoot a set shot or jump shot through the opening.
Perform the drill seven times, then rotate positions clockwise until each player has played all
positions. The goalie remains in the goal through all rotations. You receive 1 point each time
you and your teammate perform the skill flawlessly and an extra point for scoring a goal, with
14 points possible.
Clanton
Job# 376
Success Goal = 10 of 14 possible points
Fig.# S8D2 To Increase Difficulty
scored ____ Artist: Jennifer D. 2 vs. 1. The attackers must begin with cross-
• Play
ing, but the defender may play the situation as
✔
Success Check
• Timing—cross when the defender steps out to meet
she wishes. The attackers must decide who has
the best scoring opportunity. For instance, if the
defender doesn’t step out, the center backcourt
your teammate’s attack ____ will be unguarded, so he or she should decide
to keep the ball and continue attacking instead
of passing. Attackers receive 1 point for a score,
and the defender receives 2 points for stopping
the attack. A missed shot has no point value
but is counted as a possession. Play five pos-
sessions and rotate the same as in the original
drill. Each player keeps track of all of his or her
points throughout the rotation. The player with
the most cumulative points is the winner.
• Play without defense.
3. Attack the Gap and Crossing: 4 vs. 3

The purpose of this drill is to practice the combination of crossing in a gamelike situation. Place
two cones on the court as shown in the diagram to designate the playing area. To begin, you
and three other players form an attacking team consisting of a right wing and three backcourt
players. Three other players and a goalie form a team and play defense. Play 4 vs. 3 with regular
handball rules. The offense can only play by attacking the gap and supporting or executing cross-
ing. The center backcourt may cross with either backcourt. A goal scored by crossing equals 2
points. A goal scored by driving through a gap equals 1 point. Play five possessions, then switch
offense and defense. The wing and the goalie should not switch but play offense and defense for
both teams, respectively.
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S8D3
Artist: Jennifer D.

the opposition ____ • Add a defender and play 4 vs. 4.
✔
Success Check
• Execute crossing ____
• Make good decisions ____
4. Circle Runner Pick Drill

The purpose of this drill is for the circle runner to practice the technique for setting a pick and
for the backcourt and circle backcourt to practice the timing of the circle runner pick. You will
need three teammates to participate with you in this drill. Place a passer in the center backcourt
with a good supply of balls, a shooter in the left backcourt, and a circle runner in the middle on
the 6-meter line. The other player is the defender and should be on the 6-meter line directly in
front of the left backcourt. Place a cone on the 6-meter line left of the circle runner to designate
the next defender. The left backcourt runs to receive a pass from the center backcourt, and the
defender steps out to meet the attack. While the defender is moving out, the circle runner pops
out to establish a position to set the pick. The left backcourt fakes left to draw the defender away
from the circle runner, then steps right to run the defender into the pick. With the defender out
of the action, the left backcourt shoots a jump shot. Repeat the drill seven times, then rotate
clockwise, moving center backcourt to left backcourt, left backcourt to defender, defender to
circle runner, and circle runner to center backcourt.
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S8D4
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 5 out of 7 properly ex- To Increase Difficulty

ecuted picks ____ • Execute the pick and roll. When the left back-
court steps past the pick, the circle runner rolls
✔
Success Check
• Circle runner coordinates timing with backcourt
toward the 6-meter line, receives a pass from the
left backcourt, and shoots a fall shot from the
6-meter line.
attack ____ • Play 3 vs. 2 working the pick and roll.
• Set pick with your back ____
• Hold hands chest high ____ To Decrease Difficulty
• Place feet shoulder-width apart, bend knees ____ • Put a cone at the 9-meter line to replace the
defender.
5. All Combinations: 4 vs. 3

The purpose of this drill is to practice the execution of all combinations in a gamelike situa-
tion. Use the same set-up, rules, and scoring as in Drill 1. The offense tries to score using all
combinations.
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S8D1
Artist: Jennifer D.
the opposition ____ • Replace the cone in the wing with a defender and
play 4 vs. 4. Now the wings will play offense and
✔
Success Check
• Create overload through the execution of attack
defense for their respective teams.
the gap and support, crossing, and pick and

roll ____
• Timing: support your teammates ____
• Make good decisions ____
offensive combinations success summary

Creating an overload, working for a situation in which attackers outnumber defenders, is the
principle that should guide all offensive actions. Players achieve this by using their individual
skills and tactics in support of and in combination with each other. The small group combina-
tions of pick and roll and crossing are two tactics you can employ to create an overload. If they
are executed correctly, a 2 vs. 1 situation develops, freeing you or a teammate for a shot. Intel-
ligently coordinated actions with your teammates lay the groundwork for successful team attack.
Ask your coach or trained partner to rate your technique according to the checklist items with
the Keys to Success (see Figures 8.1 through 8.4).
Defensive Combinations: Help and Communication • 115
Step
9
defensive combinations:
help and communication
W hether playing in attack or defense the focal How to Execute the Defensive
Help Triangle
point is always the ball, because only the ball can
score. In attack this involves a small group of play-
ers working together to score goals and on defense
The help triangle is formed by one defender positioned
a small group working to prevent goals. Effective
on the ball at the point of the triangle and two defend-
defense requires the successful execution of three
ers positioned behind that defender providing help on
small group tactics: the defensive help triangle, taking
either side (see Figure 9.1). When a defender steps
over–passing on procedure, and switching.
out, it is the responsibility of the teammates on either
side to squeeze in slightly to fill the hole created on
Why Are Defensive the 6-meter line. The “help” defenders serve as the
Combinations Important? “point” defender’s safety valves. If the point defender
is beaten, the help defenders are in position to step
When you step out and check the attacker in your out and prevent a shot or a penetration to the goal
defensive space, you create a hole behind you in area. Covering the hole also helps prevent other at-
the defensive structure—a vulnerable spot that the tackers from moving into the open space for a direct
attackers could easily exploit. The defensive help pass and high-percentage shot from the 6-meter line.
triangle provides maximum defensive coverage at the
point of the attack. The objective is to put pressure
on the ball and fill any hole in the defense before an
attacker can take advantage of it.
Just the presence of the circle runner is enough
to disrupt defensive unity, but it is the circle run-
ner’s movement in attack that presents the toughest
problems for defenders. Never leave the circle runner
unguarded. The circle runner will move in and out
of many defensive spaces trying to create openings
in the defense structure.
To avoid confusion and to make sure one player
is always responsible for the circle runner, all play-
ers must have command of the take over–pass on
procedure.
Switching is the act of changing the opponent
guarded. Anytime one attacker is moving into your
defensive space and one is moving out simultan-
eously, or when two attackers are moving in the same
space at the same time, the defenders responsible
must switch opponents to avoid an overload. Clanton
Figure 9.1 The defensive help triangle.
Job# 376
Fig.# 9.1 115
Artist: Jennifer D.
Communication in the Triangle

Communication is a key element in effectively
exe-cuting the defensive help triangle. Communica-
tion is a two-way street. All three defenders should
constantly talk to one another. Talking ensures that
each knows who is stepping out and who is staying
2 2
back to defend the 6-meter line. Executing the help 3
triangle can be confusing at times, particularly when 3
there are a circle runner and an attacking backcourt
playing in the same defensive space. Figure 9.2a
illustrates this situation.
2 2
3 3 Clanton
Figure 9.2b Executing
Job# 376the help triangle.
Fig.# 9.2b
Artist: Jennifer D.
How to Execute the Take

Over–Pass On Procedure
When the circle runner moves into your defensive
space, you must take over the physical control of this
player from your teammate. Slide a little toward your
teammate to receive the circle runner. There will be
a brief moment when both you and your teammate
Clanton
Figure 9.2a Circle
Job#runner
376 and backcourt in same guard the circle runner (see Figure 9.3a). To defend
Fig.# 9.2
defensive space. the circle runner, position your body between him or
Artist: Jennifer D.
her and the goal. Use your torso and open hands to
The circle runner is between the number 3 de- maintain contact, and always be ready to deflect a
fenders, and the center backcourt has the ball. The pass. This position is similar to playing post defense
location of the circle runner and center backcourt in basketball (see Figure 9.3b). Even though there
presents a dilemma about coverage for the number 3 is a lot of body-to-body contact, remember that you
defenders. In this situation, two things have to hap- play good defense with your feet. Keep your feet mov-
pen to prevent a scoring opportunity: (1) you must ing to maintain position between the circle runner
put pressure on the ballhandler, and (2) you must and the goal.
control the circle runner. Anticipation and early com- As the circle runner moves out of your space, ver-
munication are the keys. The number 3 defenders bally communicate the circle runner’s movements to
must decide who will step out to check the center the next defender. Maintain physical contact until you
backcourt and who will defend the circle runner. If can pass on the physical control of the circle runner
you neglect either attacker he or she will have a clear to your teammate (see Figure 9.3c). If you execute this
scoring opportunity. To complete the help triangle, procedure effectively, you will maintain visual and
the number 2 defender on the side of the number 3 physical contact with the circle runner at all times,
defender who stepped out should squeeze in to fill the creating fewer problems for the defense as a whole.
hole on the 6-meter line (see Figure 9.2b).
FIGURE
9.3 keys to success
take over–pass on procedure
Take Over Guard
a b
Clanton Clanton
1. Communicate ____Job# 376 Job# circle
4. Position body between 376 runner and goal ____
Fig.# 9.4a Fig.# 9.4b
2. Slide toward your Artist:
teammate ____
Jennifer D. 5. Body-to-body contact ____
Artist: Jennifer D.
3. Take over physical control ____ 6. Keep ball-side hand in the passing lane ____
7. Move your feet ____
Pass On
c
Clanton
8. Communicate movement ____ Job# 376
9. Maintain contact ____ Fig.# 9.4c
Artist: Jennifer D.
10. Pass on ____
If the circle runner receives a pass, your objective assuming the responsibility of another player, you
is to stop the threat of a shot. In this situation, you must stay with the player you’re guarding until you
will need to immediately tie up the circle runner even are absolutely sure that the switch will be made.
though the result will be a free-throw. To prevent
the circle runner from turning to shoot, maintain
body-to-body contact with your torso, and try to get
your hands on the ball (see Figure 9.4). This is a time
when a slight infringement of the rules is better than
giving up a shot from the 6-meter line.
Clanton
Figure 9.5 Defenders
Job# 376switching on a crossing ac-
tion by the attackers. Fig.# 9.5
Artist: Jennifer D.
Figure 9.4 Tying up the circle runner.
How to Execute Switching

Common examples of situations that require switch-
ing are crossing and pick and roll (see Figures 9.5 and
9.6). Switching is not always easy, especially when
attackers are moving quickly and executing flaw-
lessly. There will be a moment during the switch when
the attackers will be unguarded. It is important that
this be as short a time as possible. To help with this,
there are two points to remember when performing
a switch. First, communicate to your teammate that
you are going to switch. Verbally acknowledge all
communication so each defender is certain of each Clanton
other’s attention to the situation. Secondly, before Figure 9.6 Defenders
Job# 376 switching on a pick and roll.
Fig.# 9.6
Artist: Jennifer D.
offensive combinations success stoppers
ERROR CORRECTION
Defensive
Help Triangle
1. You leave the circle runner or backcourt 1. You and your teammates must communi-
unguarded in your defensive space. cate your intended actions to cover attackers
in your space.
2. The point defender is beaten one-on-one 2. Squeeze in behind the point defender to
and BC scores from the 6-meter line. provide help.
Take Over and Pass On

1. Circle runner is open on the 6-meter line 1. Communicate the circle runner’s move-
for a pass and shot. ments to teammates and maintain contact
with the circle runner at all times.
Switching
1. You fail to switch, resulting in an attacker 1. Communicate the switch with your team-
being open to shoot. mate and stay with your player until you are
absolutely sure the switch will be made.
defensive combinations
Drills
1. Circle Runner Coverage: 3 vs. 2
The purpose of this drill is to practice coordinating efforts with a teammate to ensure coverage
of the ballhandler and circle runner at all times. You and a partner form a team and position
yourselves on defense at the 6-meter line. Position a circle runner in between the two of you.
Two other teammates complete the attacking team by positioning themselves across from the
defenders at the 9-meter line. The attackers continuously pass the ball between themselves
while the defenders step out and recover so the ballhandler and circle runner are covered at
all times. The passer should raise the ball to shooting position and allow the defender to check
before passing. The goal for the defenders is to prevent a completed pass to the circle runner in
a 30-second period. If this is achieved the defenders receive 1 point, and the teams switch roles
for another 30-second period. If a pass is completed the drill immediately stops, the attacking
team receives 1 point, and the teams switch roles. The circle runner does not switch and plays
offense for both teams. Continue the drill until one team earns 5 points.
Step Clanton
out, check backcourt,
recoverJob# 376 circle runner
to defend
Fig.# S9D1
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = The first team to earn 5 To Increase Difficulty

points wins ____ • Extend drill time to 45 seconds.
✔
Success Check
• Communicate ____
• Step out and recover ____
• Keep contact with circle runner ____
2. Take Over and Pass On Drill

The purpose of this drill is to learn to take over control of the circle runner from a teammate,
defend the circle runner through your defensive space, and pass on control of the circle runner
to the next defender. You will need two teammates to play with you on defense. Designate each
player’s defensive space by placing four markers 3 meters apart just behind the 6-meter line. You
begin in defensive space B on the 6-meter line, with your teammates filling the spaces on either
side. A group of five attackers (circle runners) stands outside space A. Your coach stands with a
ball at 10 meters to pass. The first circle runner steps into space A with his or her back to the
goal and hands up ready to catch. Defender A stands between the attacker and the goal in good
circle runner defense position. The circle runner slides to the right, and defender A moves with
the circle runner through his or her space. As the circle runner approaches your space, slide
over to take over the circle runner from defender A. Remember to communicate with each other.
Defender A passes on the circle runner as you take over physical control by establishing circle
runner defense position. The circle runner will be looking to receive a pass while moving through
your defensive space. Your job is to maintain good position and prevent the circle runner from
receiving a pass. If the circle runner receives a pass, immediately execute a tie-up, preventing a
turn for a shot or a pass back out. Play should stop on a tie-up. Return the ball to the passer,
and continue the game with the next circle runner. As the circle runner approaches space C,
communicate with your teammate as he or she slides toward you to take over the circle runner.
Continue in this manner until all five circle runners have gone through; then repeat, starting
from the opposite side to complete the cycle. You are playing against the five circle runners col-
lectively. You receive 1 point for a successful take over–pass on without a completed pass and
1 point for a successful tie-up if the circle runner receives a pass. The circle runners receive 2
points for a completed pass.
A B C
Success Goal = Most points wins: Clanton

Job# 376
Your points ____ Fig.# S9D2 • Play without a passer.
Circle runner points ____ Artist: Jennifer D.
✔
Success Check
• Maintain body-to-body contact ____
• Keep good position, move your feet ____
3. Switching Drill
In this drill you learn how to execute a defensive switch with a teammate. You and a teammate
position yourselves in the middle on defense at the 6-meter line. A group of attackers line up
in each wing. One wing starts dribbling around the goal area between the 6-meter and 9-meter
lines. The opposite wing begins running around the goal area at the same time. The dribbler
passes to the other wing as their paths approach each other in the middle of the court. Take
responsibility of the attacker in your defensive space, and switch when necessary. Communicate
the switch to your teammate.
Clanton
Making the moment during the switch when the at-
Job# 376 as short as possible
tackers are unguarded
Fig.# S9D3
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 10 correctly executed To Increase Difficulty

switches ____ • Perform switch against pick and roll.
• Perform switch against backcourt crossing.
✔
Success Check
• Defend attacker in your space ____
• Switch responsibility of attackers ____
4. Defensive Triangle Drill: 4 vs. 5

This drill will help you learn to execute the help triangle. Place a marker, as shown in the fig-
ure, to designate the playing area. Position a circle runner on the 6-meter line to play offense for
both teams. Three of your teammates form an attacking team and position themselves in the left
wing, left backcourt, center backcourt, and right backcourt positions. You and three teammates
form another team and position yourselves on defense at the 6-meter line. Get a goalie to tend
goal for both teams. The attackers move the ball using the piston movement looking to shoot, or
pass the ball to the circle runner. The defenders execute the help triangle each time the ball is
passed. The objective for the defense is to prevent any shots from the backcourt and prevent any
completed passes to the circle runner in a 30-second period. If they achieve this, they receive 1
point and the teams switch roles. If the attackers score a goal from the backcourt or complete a
pass to the circle runner they receive 1 point and the teams switch roles.
Players shiftClanton
to form defensive triangle
Job# 376
Fig.# S9D4
Artist: Jennifer D.

wins ____ • Increase drill time to 45 seconds.
✔
Success Check
• Communicate all actions ____
• Remove the circle runner and play 4 vs. 4.
• Help the defenders squeeze in ____

• Cover the circle runner ____
defensive combinations success summary

The purpose of defense is to prevent goals, so the focus of your team’s efforts must be the ball
and all the potential scorers in the immediate vicinity. Small group defense tactics are designed
to ensure that this coverage occurs. Properly executing the defensive help triangle (see Figure
9.1), take over and pass on procedure (see keys to success items in Figure 9.3), and switching
(see Figures 9.5 and 9.6) allows you to aggressively defend a ballhandler in your defensive space
with the peace of mind of knowing you’ve got help. Communication is the key to ensuring that
all activity is covered. Verbally let your teammates know if you are stepping out, switching, or
taking over and passing on and expect the same from them. Remember that communication is
a two-way street, so it’s equally important that all communication be verbally acknowledged.
Letting your teammates know that you hear them and understand their intentions allows them
to confidently carry out their actions.
Transitions: Fast-Break and Quick Retreat • 125
Step
10 Transitions: Fast-break and
quick retreat
T ransition is the period of moving from one
activity or place to another.
break can be discouraging. The negative psycho-
logical consequences can be potentially damaging
Team handball is a fast-paced game, so there are to team performance on both ends of the court. For
numerous transitions that occur during the course of any team, transition to defense is a vulnerable time.
a contest. The fast-break is a transition from defense When your team loses ball possession, you know the
to attack, and the quick retreat is a transition from opposition is going to try to fast-break. If your team
attack to defense. Anatoli Yevtushenko, coach of the doesn’t react immediately and intelligently to this
1988 Soviet Union Olympic champions and longest- pressure, the opposition will be able to pick up some
serving team handball coach in the world, says, “Our easy goals. Any team will give up a fast-break goal
aim is to score as many goals as possible in fast-break from time to time, but working hard on quick retreat
so that we don’t have to play against an active, ag- will prevent easy scores from a fast-break.
gressive, organized defense.” This statement strongly
emphasizes that your team’s ability to make quick
and intelligent transitions to attack and defense can The Fast-Break
mean the difference between winning and losing. Step
10 addresses the primary and secondary fast-breaks When the defense gains possession of the ball
and the three stages of quick retreat. because of a blocked shot, interception, or rule
violation, the team is at that moment in a position
to begin a fast-break. The team handball fast-break
Why Are Transitions involves the same characteristics as those in basket-
Important? ball, using speed and as few passes as possible to
outmaneuver the defense down the court for a quick
The successful completion of a fast-break means score. This can be accomplished by executing either
more than just quickly upping the score. A defensive the primary or secondary fast-break. The primary
team suddenly becoming a successful attacking team fast-break is achieved when one player breaking away
has definite psychological consequences. Scoring on from the defense receives a pass from the goalie or
the fast-break stimulates and motivates your team, other teammate and attacks the goal alone. The sec-
while the opposition becomes demoralized and dis- ondary fast-break is more of a team effort—all players
couraged. Constant fast-breaking forces the opposi- move up the court quickly in an effort to obtain an
tion to adjust its attack strategy, perhaps becoming easy scoring opportunity against the retreating de-
more cautious. Also, constantly defending against the fense. To be an effective fast-breaking team requires
fast-break can physically wear a team down. Master- superb physical conditioning, mental discipline, and
ing the primary and secondary fast-break will add a much practice. If your team is committed to making
dynamic dimension to your attack. the fast-break a consistent part of your game, the
The cumulative effect of your team’s inability to payoff will be well worth the effort.
master quick retreat and consistently stop the fast-
125
How to Execute the Primary How to Execute the

Fast-Break Secondary Fast-Break
The goalie plays a major role in transition from If the goalie is unable to make a direct pass to a break-
defense to attack, because most fast-break oppor- ing wing, he or she should throw an outlet pass to
tunities occur after a goalie save. A good fast-break one of the remaining players. These remaining four
depends on the goalie’s ability to quickly recover a players constitute the secondary break. When the
blocked shot, make the choice of a receiver, and ac- ball is shot, the backcourts and circle runner should
curately pass the ball to a breaking player. The wings hesitate and maintain their defensive positions to
are usually the faster players and take the lead on protect against rebounds. When possession of the
the fast-break. As soon as the shot is taken, unless ball is secured, they break down court as a second
either is directly involved in defending the shooter, wave. When the goalie completes the outlet pass,
the wings quickly break from their positions and the second wave should pass the ball quickly up the
sprint directly down the court. The wings should not court in an attempt to score before the opposition can
break their paths toward the middle of the court until fully recover and organize their half-court defense.
they reach the midcourt area. Maintaining this width Spacing and depth are two important components
makes the defenders’ jobs more difficult. The goalie’s involved in successfully executing the secondary
first look should be to a wing, but only make the pass fast-break. Players should space themselves so there
if the player is wide open. Upon receiving the pass, is enough distance between two teammates to pre-
the wing should accelerate, by the most direct route vent one defender from easily defending both. When
available, toward the center of the goal. Because the moving the ball up the court, the fastest way is in a
wing is often alone in this situation, advancing the straight line, and you should take that route if pos-
ball may require dribbling. To finish the fast-break, sible (see Figure 10.2).
jump into the goal area and score (see Figure 10.1)
s
t pas
outle
Clanton
Figure 10.2 The secondary fast-break.
Job# 376
Clanton Fig.# 10.2
Figure 10.1 The primary fast-break. Artist: Jennifer D.
Job# 376
Fig.# 10.1
Artist: Jennifer D.
Oftentimes, however, in the secondary break you react quickly. Three stages characterize making the
have to face retreating defenders along the way, quick retreat and defending the fast-break.
who you must avoid if the break is to continue. This First, pressure the player with the ball. This will
requires use of a more tactical approach to confuse temporarily disrupt the fast-break, giving all other
defenders and slow them down. A way to accomplish defenders a chance to establish good defensive po-
this is by well-coordinated changes of position with sitions. Only the player closest to the ballhandler
your teammates (see Figure 10.3). should attempt this defensive pressure. Often the
ballhandler will be the goalie who is inside the goal
area. In this case, designate a player to mirror the
goalie’s movements, attempting to obstruct his or
her vision. When the ballhandler passes the ball,
the player applying pressure retreats quickly to the
defensive end of the floor.
In the second stage of the transition, while initiation
of the fast-break is being delayed, all other players
should hustle back to the defensive end of the court.
During this retreat, pay attention to defending the
most immediate danger, so guarding an opponent
along the way may be necessary. All players should
keep an eye on the ball at all times and communicate
with each other. Always make sure that the player
with the ball is guarded, as well as other players in
potentially dangerous positions. In the early stages
ss
of retreat, player-to-player defense is most practical.

t pa
This is especially true in covering the breaking wings

outle
and preventing them from receiving a direct pass from

Clanton
the goalie (see Figure 10.4).
Figure 10.3 A Job#
tactical solution for avoiding a de-
376
Fig.# 10.3fast-break.
fender during the secondary
Artist: Jennifer D.
To provide depth, players should stagger them-

selves as they move up the court. Depth is important
for two reasons: (1) if the lead players’ attack is being
stifled, the trailing players can analyze the situation
and adjust without slowing down, keeping pressure
on the unorganized defense, and (2) to ensure that
there will be at least one player back to defend in
case a turnover occurs. If the primary and secondary
fast-breaks do not create a clear scoring opportunity,
players should assume their positions and organize
the attack.
How to Execute Quick Retreat

When your team loses possession of the ball, the men-
tality must immediately shift to defense. No sulking
Clanton
about a missed shot or turnover; every player must Figure 10.4 Quick
Job#retreat.
376
Fig.# 10.4
Artist: Jennifer D.
If an outlet pass is completed and the fast-break back take positions along the 6-meter line establish-
is in progress, the first players back must guard the ing a “wall” in front of the goal, and from there do their
leaders of the break and try to slow down the attack best to keep pressure on the ball and protect danger
until teammates can recover and help. These play- zones until all teammates can get back. When all
ers may be momentarily charged with defending the players are back to the 6-meter line, organization of
entire goal area, but pay particular attention to the the zone begins with each player shifting to his or her
most vulnerable area directly in front of the goal. They regular defensive position. Do the organizing quickly,
should try to force the ball toward the wing areas so but without jeopardizing defensive strength. Shifting
the goalie will have a better chance for a save (see occurs one position at a time by players who are not
Figure 10.5). directly involved in defending the ball. Communica-
The third phase involves organizing the zone. Dur- tion is vital. This re-organization can be overseen by
ing quick retreat, especially if defending against a the goalie who, by virtue of his or her position, can
fast-break, players often find themselves out of their survey the situation and give instructions to team-
regular defensive positions. During this short time mates. If a lull in the attack occurs quickly, such
of disorganization, everyone must work together to as a free-throw, then all players should scramble to
provide normal defensive coverage. The first players their normal defensive positions (see Figure 10.6).
Clanton Clanton
Figure 10.5 Concentrate
Job# 376 defense in front of goal. Job# 376
Figure 10.6 Players switch positions safely (ball
Fig.# 10.5 on opposite side ofFig.# 10.6
court).
Transition Drills
Drills
1. Over the Shoulder Pass and Catch
The purpose of this drill is to help you learn to catch the ball over your shoulder while run-
ning straight ahead, and to help you learn to pass the ball over a teammate’s shoulder who is
running in front of you.
Get two teammates to position themselves on each sideline, 3 to 5 meters from the center-
line, diagonally facing each other with one ball. Position yourself on the same sideline as your
teammate with the ball. Begin at the centerline and run straight along the line, looking back to
receive a pass from your teammate. When you receive the ball, immediately pass it to your other
teammate. Continue running to the opposite sideline, change directions, and receive another
pass. Continue the drill in this manner for 30-second intervals, changing receivers at the end
of each period.
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Job# 376
Fig.# S10D1
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 10 complete passes in 30 To Increase Difficulty

seconds ____ • To make the angle more difficult for the receiver,
move the passers closer to the centerline.
✔
Success Check
• Look back over your shoulder ___
• Catch the ball in stride___
2. Primary Fast-Break Drill

The purpose of this drill is to practice running the floor properly and handling the long outlet
pass. It also gives the goalie practice in throwing the long outlet pass to the wings and block-
ing the jump shot from the 6-meter line. Place a goalie in each goal. All players begin on one
end, evenly distributed in the left and right wings, and each with a ball. Alternately, pass to
the goalie and sprint straight to the centerline, receive a pass from the goalie and break toward
the center of the goal. Dribble to the 6-meter line, jump into the area, and shoot (see Figure a).
After shooting, remain behind the goal area. When all players have finished, form your lines in
the wing positions and repeat the drill for six cycles. Receive 1 point for a completed pass and
1 point for a goal. Goalies compete against each other, receiving 1 point for a completed pass
and 1 point for a blocked shot. Always run the same side of the court so you receive from the
left and right wing positions.
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a. Long outlet pass directly b. To increase difficulty:
Job# 376 Clanton
to wing
Fig.# S10D2a Long outlet pass and passing
Job# 376
Artist: Jennifer D. between wings
Fig.# S10D2b
Artist: Jennifer D.

a. Court Player: • Coach stands at the 9-meter line and throws the
6 completed outlet passes ____ ball to the goalie. Both the left and right wings
6 goals scored ____ sprint as soon as the ball leaves the coach’s hand.
b. Goalie: Goalie throws the long outlet pass, players break
Completed outlet passes ____ toward the middle of the goal, passing the ball
Blocked shots ____ between themselves until one can approach the
6-meter line for a shot. No dribbling (see Figure b).
✔
Success Check
• Quick start—sprint ____
• Add a defender.
• Break to the middle near the centerline ____

• Goalie pass over the inside shoulder ____
3. Secondary Fast-Break Drill: 3 vs. 2

The purpose of this drill is to practice the secondary break, moving the ball up the floor quickly
and coordinating your movement tactically to beat defenders along the way. You and two team-
mates start on the 6-meter line as shown in the diagram. Two other teammates position them-
selves in front of the centerline to play defense. The defenders should only try to disrupt play
around the centerline area and play only half speed. Place two markers on the centerline about
8 meters from each sideline. All action must stay between the sideline and the marker. Place a
goalie in each goal with a supply of balls inside the goal. When the goalie says go, break from
the 6-meter line, look for a short outlet pass from the goalie, and begin moving the ball quickly
up the court. After beating the defenders at the centerline, finish the break by jumping into the
goal area and shooting. Then move to the opposite side of the court and turn back toward the
other goal. This time receive the outlet pass from the goalie and attempt to beat the defenders
who have moved directly across the court behind the centerline. No dribbling is allowed. Make
four consecutive trips down the floor. Earn 1 point for each time you beat the defense and don’t
drop the ball, and 1 point for scoring a goal. You can earn a total of 8 points.
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Job# 376
Fig.# S10D3
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 8 points earned ____ To Increase Difficulty

• Defense plays 100 percent.
✔
Success Check
• Short, quick passes ____
• Coordinate movements tactically ____
4. Fast-Break: 6 vs. 6
The purpose of this drill is to practice the fast-break under gamelike circumstances. Designate
two teams complete with goalkeepers. Your team begins on defense, setting up along the 6-meter
line. The opposing team sets up an attack with three backcourts, two wings, and a circle runner.
The attackers continuously attack and pass the ball around the defense from wing to wing. The
defenders step out and shift as the ball is moved. When the coach blows the whistle, the attacker
with the ball throws it hard to the goalie and everyone goes into transition. The goalie should
knock the ball down, recover it, and look to initiate the fast-break. The fast-break team scores 1
point for a successful primary or secondary break. They keep possession until they miss a shot
or a turnover or free-throw disrupts the break. If the defense successfully stops the fast-break,
either by forcing a turnover, free-throw, or a missed or blocked shot, they receive 1 point and
the teams switch roles. The game continues until either team scores 10 points.
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Job# 376
Fig.# S10D4
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = First team to 10 points To Decrease Difficulty

wins ____ • Play 5 vs. 5 without a circle runner
✔
Success Check
• Wings break quickly ____
• Goalie decides quickly on long or short outlet ____
• Keep pressure on defenders—be tactical ____
5. Quick Retreat Drill: 2 vs. 2

The purpose of this drill is to practice player-to-player coverage in an effort to disrupt the mo-
mentum of the fast-break, which will allow teammates to get back and establish position. Get a
partner to be your teammate and two other teammates to form another team. Place a goalie in
the goal. The opposing players will be the attackers in the secondary break and position them-
selves along the 6-meter line with their backs to the goal. You and your partner will defend the
break and stand opposite and facing them on the 9-meter line. When the goalie says “go,” the
attackers break out for a short outlet pass and try to move the ball quickly up the court against
your team. Your job is to try to delay their attack between the 9-meter line and the centerline.
Have your coach or teammate keep time with a stopwatch. Start the clock when the outlet pass
is received. The attackers have 5 seconds to move the ball across the centerline. The defenders
receive 1 point if they prevent the attackers from crossing within the time limit or disrupt the
attack by forcing a turnover or free-throw. The attackers receive 1 point if they move the ball
across the centerline within the time limit. Teams switch attack and defense after each point.
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S10D5
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = First team to 10 points

wins ____
✔
Success Check
• Pressure player-to-player defense ____
6. Half-Court Pick-Up Drill: 4 vs. 4

The purpose of this quick retreat drill is to practice organizing a temporary barrier in front of
the goal and trying to prevent high-percentage shots. Form two teams of four court players and
a goalie. You and your teammates set up on defense around the centerline. The other team sets
up between the 9-meter and 6-meter lines ready to fast-break. Their goalie in the goal area with
a ball is ready to make an outlet pass. The goalie makes a short outlet pass to an attacker and
they attempt to complete a fast-break. Your team’s job on defense is to quickly force them into
an error, or retreat quickly to set up your barrier in front of the goal and attempt to keep them
from scoring. The attackers receive 1 point for a goal, and the defenders receive 1 point if they
stop them, including a missed shot or goalie save.
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Job# 376
Fig.# S10D6
Artist: Jennifer D.

wins ____ • Play five attackers against four defenders.
✔
Success Check
• Try to force a quick error ____
• Protect high-percentage shot areas—force action
to the wings ____
Transitions Success Summary

Your team’s ability to swiftly move from defense to attack and quickly retreat from attack to
defense plays a big role in how you compete over the course of a contest. Because of the fast
pace of team handball, transitions are numerous and consequently an important part of the
game. Consistent, effective use of the primary and secondary fast-breaks provides quick scoring
and wears down the opposition both physically and psychologically. Immediate reaction to the
loss of ball possession by a quick retreat to defense prevents these results from happening to
your team. Spending time practicing transitions will help build confidence on defense and add
a dynamic dimension to your team’s attack.

Step
11 Team attack: support points
T he legendary football coach Knute Rockne
said, “The secret of winning football games is work-
ing more as a team, less as individuals.” The same
secret applies to creating a successful attack in team
RW
handball.
LW
Fundamental team handball attack organizes all
CR
six court players in an attack system called “support
points.” Support points consists of moving the ball
quickly and accurately from one player to the next,
providing the continuity and security necessary to
carry out group tactics spontaneously. Get your team LB RB
together to practice the essential elements of support CB
points: positioning, passing, and patience. Your team

will also learn how to attack in special situations.
Why Is Team Attack Important?

If the fast-break doesn’t result in a score, you and Clanton
Figure 11.1a The 3-3 formation.
your teammates must settle into an organized attack. Job# 376
From this point you must collectively focus your ef- Fig.# 11.1a
Artist: Jennifer D.
forts against the set defense to score. This is not to
say that one-on-one efforts are discouraged. Certainly
you should pursue such actions at the proper times
and circumstances. But over the course of a game, RW
LW
an organized team attack is more effective simply

because it increases the number of scoring options. CR
CR
Positioning in Support Points

Team attack begins from a basic formation, which LB RB
is simply the starting positions players take based
on their skills and abilities. The formation provides
organization and balance but doesn’t prohibit play-
ers’ creativity or freedom of movement. Figures 11.1a
and b show two basic attack formations, the 3-3 and
the 2-4. The 3-3 formation is ideal for support points
because the equal spacing of players across the back-
court allows shorter passes and better ball control. Clanton
Figure 11.1b The 2-4 formation.
Job# 376
136 Fig.# 11.1b
Artist: Jennifer D.
Team Attack: Support Points • 137
Each position in the attack formation has specific Wings

physical, technical, and psychological requirements. Because of the limited playing area and difficult
Following are characteristics that you should possess shooting angle, the wing position is highly special-
to play each position. ized. You need to be quick and an accomplished faker,
able to play one-on-one. Speed and the ability to pass
Backcourts and catch on the run are important because you lead
The backcourt players initiate most attack combina- the fast-break. Agility and good jumping ability are
tions, so your play significantly influences how well essential for you to create a good shooting position
the team performs. You must be a good playmaker from a difficult angle (see Figure 11.3).
and ballhandler, able to coordinate with the actions
of teammates and make good decisions quickly. You
must be a strong, accurate set shooter and jump
shooter. It is obvious that the ability to score from
long range (9 to 11 meters) directly contributes to
RW
LW
the attack, but it contributes indirectly also. Qual-
ity backcourt shooting forces defenders to step out
farther, which extends the depth of the defense and
creates more open space for the wings and circle
runner. Height can be an advantage in the backcourt
to help you see and shoot over the defense. It is
advantageous if you play on the opposite side of the
court of your throwing arm, so your power is toward
the middle of the court. If you are right handed you
should play in the left backcourt, and if left handed
in the right backcourt, so that your power is toward
the middle of the court (see Figure 11.2).
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Figure 11.3 Wing
Job#movement
376 area.
Fig.# 11.3
Artist: Jennifer D.
Circle Runner
You’ve heard the phrase “playing in the trenches”
referring to football linemen. That’s how it is playing
circle runner; you work in the thick of the defense to
create opportunities for the big scorers. As a circle
runner, more than any attacker, you need to under-
LB RB
CB stand that contact is part of the game. A cool head
and tactical discipline will help you stay focused and
undisturbed by the unceasing physical encounters
with defenders. Strength and a good sense of balance
are important for withstanding the physical demands
of playing circle runner. You need to possess excellent
catching skill and be able to handle the ball in traffic
along the 6-meter line (see Figure 11.4).
Clanton movement area.
Figure 11.2 Backcourt
Job# 376
Fig.# 11.2
Artist: Jennifer D.
LW
RW
6
2
3 CR 4 5
LB
CB RB
Figure 11.4 Circle runner movement area. Figure 11.5 Support points.
Passing in Support Points Patience in Support Points

Moving the ball from wing to wing with quick, ac- Wait for a good scoring opportunity. If support points
curate passes is the second key to support points. Exe- is accompanied by patience the defense will eventu-
cution of the piston movement is very important. For ally make mistakes, allowing openings in the defense
support points to be effective, each player must be for drives to the 6-meter line and open shots. Don’t
a threat to the defense. When you receive the ball, rush to complete the attack. Keep in mind that when
attack the gap aggressively. If the gap closes, pass your team has the ball your opponents cannot score,
quickly to the next attacker who has moved into so work patiently for a high-percentage shot. Taking
position to support you. This attacker continues a poor-percentage shot, which the goalie or defend-
attacking in the same manner, until there is a clear ers can easily block, denies your team a potential
scoring opportunity. As the ball is passed around the goal and turns the ball over to your opponents for
defense wall several times, the attackers develop a a chance to score. When there is a good scoring op-
rhythmic movement that looks like a piston moving portunity, be quick, decisive, and determined to put
forward and backward. This is how support points the ball in the goal. The bottom line is that the best
provides continuity to the attack. Quick passing possible positioning, the most precise passing, and
and aggressive attacking force defenders to step out, the most enduring patience are of little value if there
help, recover, and eventually become out of position is not a great desire to finish the attack when the
creating an overload. opportunity arises.
While moving the ball in support points, you may
use any of the offensive combinations. The back- Points to Remember in Support Points:
courts may use crossing at any time. The circle run- ■ Move the ball with short, quick passes.
ner constantly looks to help by setting picks for the ■ Run to receive and play in good timing with team-
backcourts and by moving along the 6-meter line mates.
into openings behindClanton
the defense. The wings must ■ Attack the gap. Clanton
Job# 376 Job# 376
play patiently to effectively
Fig.# 11.4 contribute to the attack. ■ Be a threat. Fig.# 11.5
They coordinate withArtist:
theJennifer D. to initiate sup-
backcourts Artist:tie
■ Don’t let the defense Jennifer
you upD.(avoid free-throws).
port points by attacking the gap, and if the overload ■ Be alert and support teammates when playing
presents itself, finish support points with a strong without the ball.
shot (see Figure 11.5). ■ Be patient.
Special Situations Attacking 5 vs. 6:

■ Play with discipline and caution. The objective is
Most of the game is played in numerical equality, and to protect the ball and keep possession until the
you should focus most of your tactical preparation on suspended player returns. However, running time
this. However, during a 2-minute suspension you will off the clock without attempting to score is called
attack with a numerical advantage or disadvantage, passive play or stalling. The passive play call is
and these periods can be turning points of the game. based entirely on the judgment of the referee and
Following are some tactical suggestions for playing results in a free-throw.
in these situations. ■ To keep pressure on the defense, continually at-
tack the gaps trying to break through to the 6-me-
Attacking 6 vs. 5: ter line. This action will also help your team draw
■ Don’t rush the attack. The objective is to score one more free-throws, which eat time off the 2-minute
goal during the two minutes of the suspension. suspension and prevent a passive play call. Shoot
■ Work patiently for a high-percentage shot. only if there is a clear opportunity to score.
■ Use support points to take advantage of the natural ■ To increase ball control, play with three back-
overload of 6 vs. 5. courts, two wings, and no circle runner (see Figure
■ Play with two circle runners (2-4 formation) to 11.7).
create more openings on the 6-meter line (see ■ Always be in a position to support a teammate
Figure 11.6). with the ball.
Figure 11.6 Attacking 6 vs. 5—2-4 formation. Figure 11.7 Attacking 5 vs. 6—no circle runner.
Team Attack
Drills
1. The Shell Drill: 3-3 Formation
The purpose of this drill is to develop your team’s competence and confidence in support points.
It will also help you develop the ability to incorporate all tactics while moving the ball in support
points. Set up in the 3-3 formation without a circle runner, just three backcourts and two wings.
(1) Start support points in the left wing, move the ball around to the right wing and back to the
left wing, who finishes support points with a wing shot. Alternate starting and finishing in each
wing. Perform three shots from each wing (see Figure a). (2) Start support points in the left wing,
move the ball around to the right wing and back to the center backcourt, who crosses with the
left backcourt for a jump shot. To alternate crossing with each backcourt, alternate starting in
each wing. Perform three crosses in each backcourt (see Figure b). (3) Now add the circle run-
ner. Start support points in the left wing, move the ball around to the right wing, and as the
ball comes back across, the circle runner plays pick and roll with the left backcourt. Alternate
starting in each wing so the circle runner can alternate pick and roll with the left backcourt and
right backcourt. Perform three pick and rolls with each BC (see Figure c). Your goal is to handle
the ball without error and finish each tactic with a score.
LB
CB
Support points shooting from the wing Support points with backcourts crossing
a Support points shooting from the wing b Support points with backcourts crossing
Clanton Clanton
Job# 376 Job# 376
1
5
Success Goal = 6 successful support
4
points—score from the wing ____
7 6
6 successful support points—score from crossing ____
2 3 6 successful support points—score from pick and
roll ____
✔
Success Check
• Ball control ____
Support points with pick and roll • Timely execution ____
Support points with pick and roll
c • Finish the attack ____
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S11D1c
Artist: Jennifer D.
2. Half-Court Scrimmage: 6 vs. 6

The purpose of this drill is to practice team attack in a gamelike situation. You and five team-
mates form a team and organize your attack in the 3-3 formation. Six other teammates form a
defensive wall along the 6-meter line. Scrimmage for 10 minutes with your coach as referee and
scorekeeper. The defense scores 1 point each time they win possession of the ball and 2 points
for scoring on a fast-break. Your attacking team scores 1 point for each of the following:
(a) successful execution of overload in support points—score an additional point for a goal,
(b) successful execution of crossing—score an additional point for a goal, (c) successful execution
of pick and roll—score an additional point for a goal.
Playing 6 vs. 6
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Success Goal = Team that scores the

most points wins
Job# 376
Fig.# S11D2
✔
Success
Artist: Jennifer D. Check
• Read the defense ____
Attacking team’s score ____ • Make good decisions ____
Defensive team’s score ____ • Finish the attack ____
Team Attack Success Summary

Good team attack involves all six players combining their efforts to score goals. Support points
is the most important procedure in team attack because it provides your team the continuity
and security necessary to execute your tactics consistently. The 3-3 formation, consisting of
three backcourts, two wings, and a circle runner, is ideal for support points. The equal spacing
of players gives balance to the attack and allows for shorter passes and better control. The key
to support points is passing the ball quickly from wing to wing, using the piston movement and
attacking the gap aggressively. Incorporate small group tactics as the rhythm of support points
builds. Don’t rush to complete the attack. Work patiently for a high-percentage shot. If support
points is accompanied by a lot of patience, the defense will eventually make mistakes and a good
scoring opportunity will present itself.
Step
12 Team Defense: The 6-0 Zone
T he main menu on a computer is your gateway
to many other options. The 6-0 zone defense in team
positions relative to the 6-meter line determine the
classification of zone defense. The 6-0 zone has six
handball is your team’s starting point and the gate- players on the 6-meter line and zero players out
way to other more advanced defensive formations. front. Examples of other defenses are the 5-1, 4-2,
When practicing the 6-0 zone defense, you and your and 3-2-1. All zone defenses are named by counting
teammates will learn to “count,” to understand the the number of players from the 6-meter line out (see
defensive concepts of width, depth, and density along Figures 12.1a-d).
with player positioning and overall coverage. You will
also explore some special defensive situations.
Why Is Team Defense Important?

Even though defense is less spectacular than offense,
it is no less vital to your team achieving good results.
In fact, team success is highly dependent on the
ability to prevent goals. Scoring goals is important,
but if you give up a goal for every one you score you
gain nothing. Any team is going to have occasional
off games in attack, but this should never happen
on the defensive end of the floor. Strong defense is
the one aspect of play that you should be able to
count on every game because, more than anything 6-0 defense
else, it requires effort and attitude. There is no doubt 6-0 defense
a
that effective defense relies on each player master-
ing individual skills and tactics, but the key is how
well they can weave these into a cohesive unit with
a strong personality of its own. Each player develops
this through a desire to excel and a sense of respon-
sibility to the team. Playing defense is hard work
and provides little immediate gratification like that
of scoring a goal. In the long run, however, the boost
in confidence and morale that strong, consistent
defensive play gives your team is invaluable.
The 6-0 Zone Defense

In handball, zone defenses are most effective against
an organized set attack. The zone is established in 5-1 defense
front of and close to the goal area. The defenders’ b 5-1 defense
142 Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# 12.1b
Artist: Jennifer D.
Team Defense: The 6-0 Zone • 143
numbering and counting system is used. The basic

position for all defenders in the 6-0 zone is along the
6-meter line. The defenders are numbered from the
sideline to the middle of the court. The defenders
next to the sideline, usually the wings, are numbered
1 and are responsible for the players on the outside
of the attack. The players next to the number 1 de-
fenders are numbered 2 and are responsible for the
second players in attack, usually a backcourt or a
circle runner. The middle defenders are numbered 3
and are responsible for the third players in from the
outside of the attack, usually the center backcourt
or a circle runner. Each defender takes responsibil-
ity for one player at a time. Even when the offense
4-2 defense is not so neatly organized, you can still determine
4-2 defense
c assignments by counting from the wings on both
Clanton sides (see Figure 12.2).
Job# 376
Fig.# 12.1c
Artist: Jennifer D.
1
LW
RW
1
2 2
CR
3 3
LB
RB
CB
3-2-1 defense
3-2-1 defense
d
Clanton
Job# 376
Figure 12.1a-d Four zone defenses.
Fig.# 12.1d
Artist: Jennifer D.
The 6-0 zone involves all six defenders moving as a

Clanton
Figure 12.2 Counting.
unit, forming a movable wall that maintains its great- Job# 376
est strength between the ball and the goal. The zone’s Fig.# 12.2
effectiveness relies heavily on how well defenders Artist: Jennifer D.
control their defensive space and assist each other by Achieving Width, Depth, and Density
executing the help triangle. A sound understanding of in the 6-0 Defense
the 6-0 defense provides the foundation to use more Zone defenses consist of three elements: width is
complex defensive systems. Adhering to the following the area covered along the 6-meter line providing
guidelines will help you learn and properly execute protection of the goal area; depth is the area cov-
the 6-0 defense. ered out from the 6-meter line providing defense of
backcourt shots; and density is the close proximity
Counting of defenders minimizing the chance for attackers
To help define each defender’s defensive space to drive to the 6-meter line. No one zone meets all
and individual responsibilities within the zone, a these requirements automatically. The 6-0 zone has
natural width and density, but not depth. Depth is Coverage

achieved by playing aggressively and stepping out to The zone is constantly adjusting to the position of
meet attacks from the backcourt at the 9-meter line both the ball and the attackers. As the defense shifts,
(see Figure 12.3). After the attacker passes the ball each defender should keep in his or her field of vision
to a teammate, you should break contact and recover the ball and the player in his or her defensive space.
to the 6-meter line to maintain density, as the next As the ball moves farther away from your space, you
defender steps out to meet the continuing attack, and can give more distance between yourself and your
so on. Remember that you must form a help triangle opponent. Doing this helps keep the density of the
every time a defender steps out (see Step 9). zone and prevents gaps. How much distance is safe?
You should be able to close the distance before your
opponent can receive a direct pass from a teammate
(see Figure 12.4).
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Figure 12.3 Creating
Job# 376 depth by stepping out.
Fig.# 12.3
Artist: Jennifer D.
Player Positioning
Figure 12.4 Clanton
Shifting to keep the density of the
The positioning of individual players in the zone is Job# 376
defense in the area of the
Fig.# 12.4ball.
important in helping fulfill the width, depth, and den- Artist: Jennifer D.
sity of the defense. Here are some guidelines to follow
The defense must be careful not to overshift with
when selecting players for each defensive position.
the ball and leave any attackers unaccounted for.
Most teams direct their attack actions toward the
It’s important to count and make sure there is one
high-percentage scoring area in the middle of the
defender matched to one attacker at all times. If a
court. Tall and strong number 3 defenders provide
defender notices that there is no attacker in his or her
excellent shot blocking and defense. This will provide
defensive space, then an overload has been created
excellent shot blocking and circle runner defense.
and a teammate is covering two attackers. The key
Players occupying the number 2 positions must be
to avoiding this is counting and communicating so
strong enough to defend a circle runner, but quick
the defense can continually adjust to proper coverage
and agile enough to defend a faking and driving back-
(see Figures 12.5a and b).
court player. Height and strength are not determining
factors for playing the number 1 defensive positions.
Quickness and lateral mobility are necessary to de-
fend the one-on-one moves of the wings.
Defending with numerical advantage: six defend-

ers versus five attackers
■ Play more aggressively, try to force mistakes.
1
■ Defend player to player against the best shooter
1
while the rest of the team stays in 5-0 zone.
2 2
3 3 Defending with numerical disadvantage: five de-
fenders versus six attackers
■ Requires increased individual and collective effort.
■ Play a 5-0 zone, and do not step out; make an
extra effort to block backcourt shots. Keep the
zone dense, with special attention to protecting the
high-percentage shooting area in front of the goal.
■ Force the action of the attackers to the lower-
percentage shooting area in the wing.
Right wing leaves area to create an overload
a Right wing leaves area to create an overload
Player-to-Player Defense
You may be wondering why player-to-player defense
has not been mentioned. First of all, player-to-player
defense must be flawlessly executed to present a
1 big problem for a fast and varied attack. This re-
quires that each defender has not only a high level
2 1 No wing of technical and tactical ability but also a high level
3 3 2 attacker
of physical conditioning because of the large playing
court. Player-to-player defense is risky and puts great
demand on players over the course of a game, which
could ultimately affect other areas of performance. Al-
though difficult to employ as a primary defense, there
are certain situations when it would be appropriate:
1. To apply pressure when your team is 6 vs. 5
during a 2-minute suspension.
Defense shifts to cover all attackers 2. When you are playing a team that is poorly
b Defense shifts to cover all attackers conditioned and has weak skills.
3. To try to force the action and get quick posses-
sion of the ball when you are behind late in the
Figure 12.5a-b Adjusting defensive coverage for
an overload situation. game.
Special Clanton
Situations
Job# 376
There are someFig.# 12.5a situations that may occur
defensive
Artist: Jennifer D.
in a game that warrant special consideration because
they either pose a period of vulnerability or provide
a time for extra opportunity. These situations occur
because either team has been issued a 2-minute
suspension. Following are two such situations and
tactical suggestions for dealing with them.
Team Defense
Drills
1. 6-0 Shell Drill
The purpose of this drill is to practice shifting and coordinating movements in the 6-0 zone.
You and five teammates position yourselves in the 6-0 defense. Position six teammates in the
3-3 attack formation, with the circle runner playing stationary between the number 3 defenders.
As the attackers pass the ball in support points, the defenders shift with the ball, executing the
help triangle and covering the circle runner at all times.
Clanton
Job# 376
Fig.# S12D1
Artist: Jennifer D.
Success Goal = 30 seconds of proper To Increase Difficulty

positioning in the 6-0 zone ____ • Play with seven attackers and position a circle
runner between the number 2 and number 3
✔
Success Check
• Shift with the ball ____
defenders on each side.
• Increase drill by 10-second increments up to 60
seconds.
• Form help triangle on the ball ____
• Cover the circle runner at all times ____ To Decrease Difficulty
• Eliminate the circle runner.
2. Half-Court Scrimmage: 6 vs. 6

The purpose of this drill is to practice the 6-0 zone, incorporating all defensive tactics, in a
game-like situation. You and five teammates form a team and set up on defense in the 6-0 zone.
Six other teammates form an attacking team and set up in the 3-3 formation. Position a goalie
in the goal. Scrimmage for 10 minutes with your coach as referee and scorekeeper. The attack-
ers score 2 points for scoring a goal or 1 point for getting off a shot that is blocked by the goalie.
Your defending team scores 1 point for each of the following: (a) successfully defending a cross-
ing, (b) successfully defending a pick and roll, (c) intercepting a pass, (d) scoring on a fast-break
after a goalie save, and (e) keeping the attackers from getting off a shot on goal in 45 seconds.
Success Goal = Team that scores the

most points wins
✔
Success Check
• Shift as a unit—be like a movable wall ____
Defensive team’s score ____ • Communicate with teammates ____
Attacking team’s score ____ • Count to cover overload situations ____
• Create depth by stepping out ____
Team Defense Success Summary

When you begin working on a computer you start your explorations from the main menu. The
6-0 zone defense is recommended for beginning teams because it is the main menu of all the
defensive principles. All zone defenses consist of three elements: width, depth, and density, but no
one defense meets all these elements automatically. The 6-0 zone positions players in the zone to
take advantage of individual strengths and to allow the best incorporation of small group tactics.
The 6-0 zone defense is the most effective against an organized set attack. Your team establishes
the 6-0 zone in front of the goal area and simulates a moveable human wall that maintains its
greatest strength between the ball and the goal. Team success is highly dependent on strong
defense. Your team’s ability to consistently prevent good scoring opportunities for the opposition
builds confidence and morale, and these intangibles positively affect all aspects of performance.
R ATING YOUR PROGRESS

A t this point you have been exposed to individual fundamental skills used in game play
as well as tactics and strategies used by a small group or the entire team. The following
rating chart allows you to rate your overall progress. Rate your success in team handball
by writing a number in the space to the right of each skill listed. Read each item carefully
and respond objectively. Then, review your strengths and weaknesses, and set new goals.
Share your knowledge and expertise with other players willing and eager to learn.
Rating Points
5 = Outstanding
4 = Very good
3 = Fair
2 = Needs extra work
1 = Weakness
Individual Fundamental Skills

Passing and catching: Individual defensive skills:
Overhand pass___ Basic defensive stance___
Wrist pass___ Checking—making contact___
Catching the ball___ Blocking shots___
Catching above the waist___ Set shot___
Catching below the waist___ Jump shot___
Catching while running___ Goalkeeping:
Attacking: Knowledge___
Three actions of the piston movement: Special rules___
1. Run to receive___ Mental game:
2. Use three steps___ Confidence___
3. Back up quickly___ Courage___
Side-stepping___ Composure___
Dribbling: Leadership___
Alone on fast-break___ Blocking shots:
One-on-one___ Blocking high shots___
Avoid 3-second violation___ Blocking low shots___
Shooting: Blocking medium shots___
Set shot___ Blocking wing shots___
Jump shot___ Recovering the ball___
Wing shot___ Initiating the fast-break___
Fall shot___
7-meter throw___
148
Rating Your Progress • 149
Game Concept Skills

Individual attack tactics: Defense triangle:
Anticipation___ Stepping out on point___
Maintain ball possession___ Squeezing in___
Use fakes___ Communication___
Read the defense___ Take over–pass on___
Individual defense tactics: Guarding the circle runner___
Defensive space___ Switching___
Stepping out___
Recovering to basic position___
Overload principle:
Support attacking teammate___
Crossing___
Pick___
Pick and roll___
Team Play
Transitions—offense: Attacking 6 vs. 5___
1. Primary fast-break___ Attacking 5 vs. 6___
Goalie pass___ Team defense:
Wing breaking___ Zone defense___
2. Secondary fast-break___ Player-to-player defense___
Spacing___ 6-0 defense___
Depth___ Counting___
Transitions—defense: Width, depth, density___
Quick retreat___ Player positions___
Pressure the ball___ Coverage___
Hustle back___ Defending 6 vs. 5___
Organize the zone___ Defending 5 vs. 6___
Communication___
Team attack:
Support points___
Positioning___
Passing___
Patience___
A ppendix A: Team Handball simplified Rules

T his is a simplified rules handout. If you have any questions about specific rules,
please refer to the International Handball Federation official rule book. Rule books can be
purchased from the U.S. Team Handball Federation, One Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs,
CO 80909, phone number 719-578-4582.
1. The Playing Court. 20 meters (65’ 7”) by 40 meters Endline
(131’ 3”). The goal area line, or 6-meter line (19’ 8”), 6 meters
is probably the most important line. No one except 7 meters
the goalie is allowed to stand in the goal area. The 9 meters
goal opening is 2 meters by 3 meters. Players may
jump into the area if the ball is released before land-
40 meters (131 ft 3 in.)

ing in the area. The court is larger than a basketball
court, but the length may be shortened when space
is limited (see Figure A1).
Sideline Centerline
2. The Ball. 20 meters
• 32-Panel Leather Ball: (65 ft 7 in.)
Women’s = 54 to 56 centimeters, 325 to 400 grams
Men’s = 58 to 60 centimeters, 425 to 475 grams
• Airfilled Foam Ball—”SuperSafe elite” by Sportime Free-throw line
7-meter line
(1-800-283-5700). Handball (350g), Junior Hand- Goal-area line
ball (320g), Mini-Handball (270g)
3. Number of Players. Seven players on each team = six
court players + one goalie (see Figure A2). Maximum
of twelve players may dress and participate in a game Goal area
for each team. Substitutes may enter game at anytime
Figure A1 The playing court.
through own substitution area as long as the player Clanton
they are replacing has left the court. Job# 376
Fig.#
offense A1
/ defense
4. Uniform of the Players. Players’ numbers = 1 to Artist: Jennifer D.

20; shirts and shorts are the same color. Goalkeeper
must wear different color shirt from teammates and
opponents. No jewelry.
5. Referees. Two: court referee and goal line referee;
referees have complete authority—decisions are final.
the referees are assisted by a timer and scorer.
6. Duration of the Game. For 18 years and over: 2 x
30 minutes—10-minute halftime. Tournaments and
youth: 2 x 15 minutes or 2 x 20 minutes. Running
time except for injury and one team time-out per Figure A2
Clanton Offense vs. defense.
Job# 376
Fig.# A2
Artist: Jennifer D.
150
Team Handball Simplified Rules • 151
half. Change benches at halftime. game ends in a tie unless game demands a winner.
(Overtime: 2 x 5 minutes.)
Passive play: It is illegal to keep the ball in a team’s possession without making a recog-
nizable attempt to attack and try to score. In other words, a team cannot stall (free-throw
awarded for opponents).
7. Throw-off. Taken by the team that wins the coin toss and
chooses to start the game with the ball. Each team must
be in its own half of court with the defense 3 meters away
from the ball. Following a whistle, the ball is passed from
center court to a teammate and play begins. Throw-off is
repeated after every goal scored and after half-time (see
Figure A3).
8. Scoring. Goal is scored when entire ball crosses goal line
inside the goal. Goal may be scored from any throw (i.e.,
free-throw, throw-in, throw-off, goal-throw).
9. Playing the Ball.
Player is allowed to:
• Run with the ball 3 steps (violation is a free-throw)
• Hold the ball 3 seconds (violation is a free-throw)
• Unlimited dribble with 3 steps allowed before and after
dribbling (no double dribble)
Player is not allowed to:
• Endanger an opponent with the ball
• Pull, hit, or punch the ball out of the hands of an op- Clanton
Figure A3 Throw-off.
Job# 376
ponent Fig.# A3
• Contact the ball below the knee Artist: Jennifer D.
• Dive on the floor for a rolling or
stationary ball
10. Defending the Opponent. A player
s
is allowed to use the torso of the ur
o cc
body to obstruct an opponent with or ul
Fo ere RW
LW
without the ball. However, using the X h

n
CR X tio
outstretched arms or legs to obstruct, e cu
push, hold, trip, or hit is not allowed. ete
rs Ex ot
3m sp re
The attacking player is not allowed to LB he
RB
CB
charge into a defensive player (free-
throw awarded).
11. Throw-in. Awarded when ball goes Free-throw execution:
out of bounds on the sideline or when Defense must be 3-meter radius
away from ball
the ball is last touched by a defensive
Offense outside 9-meter line
player (excluding the goalie) and goes
out of bounds over the endline. The
throw-in is taken from the spot where Figure A4 Free-throw execution.
the ball crossed the sideline, or if it
crossed the endline, from the nearest
corner. The thrower must place one foot on the sideline to execute the throw. All oppos-
ing players must stay 3 meters away from the ball.
12. Referee Throw.

Awarded when:
• The ball touches anything above the court
• Simultaneous infringement of the rules
• Simultaneous possession
Referee throws the ball vertically between two opposing players. Players jumping may
grab the ball or tap it to a teammate. All other players must be 3 meters away from the
throw. Time-out is called and the referee throw is always taken at center court.
13. Free-Throw. For a minor foul or violation, a free-throw is awarded to the opponents at
the exact spot it took place. If the foul or violation occurs between the goal area line and
the 9-meter line, the throw is taken from the nearest point outside the 9-meter line. All
players on the team taking the free-throw must be outside the 9-meter line. Opponents
must be 3 meters away from the ball when the throw is taken. The thrower must keep
one foot in contact with the floor, then pass or shoot (see Figure A4).
14. 7-Meter Throw.
Awarded when:
• A foul destroys a clear chance to
score a goal
• The goalie carries the ball back into
his or her own goal area
• A court player intentionally plays
the ball to his or her own goalie in
the goal area and the goalie touches
the ball
• A defensive player enters his or her
goal area to gain advantage over an
attacking player in possession of the
ball
All players must be outside the free-throw
line when the throw is taken. Player
taking throw has 3 seconds to shoot
after referee whistles. Any player may
Figure A5 The 7-meter throw execution.
take the 7-meter throw (see Figure A5).
15. Goal-Throw.
Awarded when:
• The ball rebounds off the goalkeeper over the endline
• The ball is thrown over the endline by the attacking team
Goalie takes the throw inside the goal area and is not restricted by the 3-step/3-second rule.
16. Progressive Punishments. Fouls that require more punishment than just a free-throw.
“Actions” directed mainly at the opponent and not the ball are to be punished progressively
(e.g., reaching around, holding, pushing, hitting, tripping, or jumping into opponent).
See the referee signals in Figure A6.
Warnings (yellow card)
Referee gives only one warning to a player for rule violations and a total of three to a
team. Exceeding these limits results in 2-minute suspensions thereafter. Warnings are
not required prior to giving a 2-minute suspension.
Clanton
Job# 376
Team Handball Simplified Rules • 153
2-minute suspension
Awarded for:
• serious or repeated rule violations
• unsportsmanlike conduct
• illegal substitution
The suspended player’s team plays short for 2 minutes.
Disqualification and Exclusion (red card)
Disqualification = three 2-minute suspensions; disqualified player must leave court and
bench but team may replace the player after the 2-minute suspension expires.
Exclusion = given for assault; excluded player’s team continues short one player for rest
of the game.
RefeRee signals
The referee does not handle the ball on any foul or violation. The player retrieves the ball and
puts it into play as quickly as possible. The referee uses hand signals to explain calls and to
indicate the direction the ball will be moving when put in play.
Entering illegal catching, too many steps holding striking

the bouncing, or or holding the and on the
Goal area fumbling ball too long pushing arm
attacker fault throw-in goal-throw free-throw keep the

running into, (direction) distance of
jumping into 3 meters
time wasting goal Referee-throw Referee- warning

throw (yellow)
execution Disqualification
(red)
Suspension Exclusion time-out permission to permission for

(2-minutes) enter the court substitute goal-
keeper to enter
the court after
Figure A6 time-out
A ppendix B: Marking a Team Handball Court

M any gyms are not big enough to accommodate a regulation team handball court. If
this is the case in your facility, here are some guidelines for converting your floor space
and a key for converting meters to feet.
1. Determine the maximum length and width of the court that you can set up. Remem-
ber to include a 1-meter safety zone along both sidelines and a 2-meter safety zone on
both ends.
2. Put down two parallel sidelines to the allowable length, not to exceed 40 meters.
3. Measure and mark the center point of both sidelines. Put down the centerline by con-
necting these two center points.
4. Put down two parallel endlines to the allowable width, not to exceed 20 meters. Make
sure the outer goal lines (endlines) are perpendicular to the sidelines.
5. Measure and mark the center point of both outer goal lines (endlines).
6. Measure and place a mark one and one-half meters from the center of goal line in both
directions. These marks are the focal points for preparing the goal-area (6-meter) line
and the free-throw (9-meter) line and are the location of the goalposts. (See Figure B1a.)
7. Measure and mark a quarter-circle arc from each focal point for the goal-area and
free-throw lines (see Figure B1b). Starting at one focal point (where one goalpost will
be), tape the end of a measuring tape or 6-meter string to the floor. Extend the string
straight out in front of the focal point (90-degree angle to the goal line).
8. Hold a piece of chalk at the 6-meter mark and make a quarter-circle arc to the outer
goal line keeping the string tight. Repeat this at the other focal point (where the other
goalpost will be).
9. Join the two quarter circles with a 3-meter straight line directly in front of the goal.
10. Go over the chalk marking with 5-centimeter-wide gym floor tape following along the
curve and trying to avoid wrinkles.
11. Repeat the process for the 9-meter line but use pieces of tape 15 centimeters long
instead of continuous tape.
12. Returning to the goal line center point, measure and mark directly in front of the goal
the 4-meter goalkeeper’s restraining line and the 7-meter line. The goalie’s line is 15
centimeters long and the 7-meter line 1 meter long.
13. Measure and mark the substitution area lines on the sideline where the team benches
and official’s table are located. The substitution lines are 4.45 meters from the center
line and are 30 centimeters long. Fifteen centimeters extends into the court and 15
centimeters extends off the court.
14. Move the goals into place on the goal line. The inside back corner of the goalpost is
placed on the previously marked focal points. Increase the width of the actual goal line
to the width of the goalposts. This line will extend 3 centimeters into the goal area.
154
Marking a Team Handball Court • 155
Straight line
3 meters
Straight
line connects 9 meters
quarter
circles
Quarter Quarter
circle circle
3 meters
Goal opening
Goal opening toward

playing court
300 centimeters
Goal- Goal-
post post
(5 centimeters) Outer goal line 8 centimeters Goal line Outer goal line
Center of Center of
b quarter circle quarter circle
Clanton
Figure B1a-b Marking the court. Job# 376
Fig# B1a&b
Artist: Jennifer D.
Team Handball Markings Metric U.S. Equivalent

Width of court lines: 5 centimeter (cm) 2 inches (in.)
Width of goalpost/goal line: 8 cm 3-1/8 in.
Length of free-throw dashes: 15 cm 6 in.
Length of black/white goal face spaces: 20 cm 8 in.
Black upper corners of goal face: 28 cm 11-1/8 in.
Length of penalty line: 1 meter (m) 3 feet (ft) 3-3/8 in.
Height of goal opening: 2 m 6 ft 6-3/4 in.
Width of goal opening: 3 m 9 ft 10-1/8 in.
Goalie restriction line: 4 m 13 ft 1-1/2 in.
Each substitution area: 4.45 m 14 ft 7-3/4 in.
Goal-area line: 6 m 19 ft 8-1/4 in.
Penalty line: 7 m 22 ft 11-5/8 in.
Free-throw line: 9 m 29 ft 6-3/8 in.
Width of court: 20 m 65 ft 7-3/8 in.
Length of court: 40 m 131 ft 2-3/4 in.
G LOSSARY
attack—A team or individual tries to score when they are in possession of the ball.
centerline—The line divides the court in the center, and the game begins at the centerline.
charging—An offensive player runs into or over a stationary defensive player who is in
proper position.
checking—Body contact between attacker and defender with the torso and limbs as per-
mitted by the rules.
circle—The nickname for the goal-area line or 6-meter line.
depth of court—The longitudinal scope of the court from endline to endline.
endline—This is another term for the outer goal line.
free-throw—This term describes how the ball is put back into play after a minor rule viola-
tion. The opponents maintain 3 meters from the player taking the free-throw.
free-throw line—The dashed line at 9 meters used for taking free-throws following minor
fouls that occur between the 6- and 9-meter lines opposite from the point of the foul. The
defense must be 3 meters from the ball.
goal-area line—The 6-meter line or the circle.
goal-throw—The throw taken by the goalie from inside the goal area after the goalie de-
flects the ball over the goal or endline or after an attacker throws the ball over the endline.
goalkeeper restraining line—This line is 4 meters away from the rear edge of the goal line.
The goalie must stand behind this line on a 7-meter throw.
long corner—The top and bottom corners of the goalpost farthest from the ball.
referee-throw—When players from both teams infringe the rules at the same time or gain
simultaneous possession of a loose ball, the referee will throw the ball up between two
players at center court (like a jump ball in basketball).
7-meter throw—A penalty throw awarded for serious fouls or other violations of the rules
that destroy a clear scoring opportunity. 7-meter throws are taken from the 7-meter line.
short corner—The top and bottom corners of the goalpost closest to the ball.
substitution area—Substitutes must enter and leave the game from an area 4.45 meters
on either side of the centerline. This designated area is located in front of the scoring table
and the team benches.
throw-in—When a ball goes out of bounds across the sideline, it is put back into play from
the spot where it went out of bounds. The player throwing the ball must have one foot on
the sideline when taking the throw.
throw-in from the corner—A throw-in is taken from the corner of the court when a de-
fensive player (excluding the goalie) is the last to touch the ball as it goes out of bounds
over the goal line (endline).
throw-off—The throw-off is taken after the referee’s whistle and is a pass to a teammate
at the centerline to start the game and after each goal scored.
zone defense—A ball-orientated system in which every defender is responsible for a specific area.
156
Suggested Readings • 157
S uggested readings
Aagaar, P., and E. Skovsgaard. 1979. Minihandball. Roskilde, Denmark: Roas.
Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. 1994. Olympic day in the schools: Sports training
manual—Team handball. Atlanta: Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games.
Blazic, B., Z. Soric, and J. Belford, eds. 1972. Team handball—An exciting physical fitness
game for all. Winnipeg, Manitoba: Manitoba Team Handball Federation.
British Handball Association. Teaching team handball—Coaching manual I. Milton Keynes,
England: British Handball Association.
Canadian Team Handball Federation. 1986. Canadian Team Handball Federation coaching
manual level I. Vanier, Ontario: Canadian Team Handball Federation.
Dwight, M.P., and K. McRae. 1980. This is team handball. Colorado Springs: U.S. Team
Handball Federation.
Dwight, M.P., ed. 1991. Team handball Special Olympics volunteer coach training school
manual. Washington, DC: Special Olympics International.
Garcia Cuesta, J. 1980. Team handball technique—Coaching & methods committee. Colorado
Springs: U.S. Team Handball Federation.
Hamil, B.M., and J.D. LaPoint. 1994. Team handball: Skills, strategies and training.
Dubuque, IA: Eddie Bowers.
Hattig, F., and P. Hattig. 1979. Handball. Germany: International Handball Federation
and Falken Verlag.
International Handball Federation. 1983. Handball: Sport for all. Basel, Switzerland: Inter-
national Handball Federation.
International Handball Federation. 1987. Handball: Sport for all—technique and method.
Basel, Switzerland: International Handball Federation.
International Handball Federation. August 1, 1993. International Handball Federation rules
of the game. Basel, Switzerland: Beckmann Druck.
Johnson, C., and G. Macdonald. 1990. Team handball: An instructional package for coaches,
teachers and recreation leaders. New Westminster, British Columbia: Douglas College.
Marczinka, Z. 1993. Playing handball: A comprehensive study of the game. Budapest,
Hungary: Trio Budapest.
Muhlethaler, U., and P. Raez, eds. 1977. Handball-A.B.C. Basel, Switzerland: International
Handball Federation.
Neil, G.I. 1976. Modern team handball—Beginner to expert. Montreal, Quebec: McGill University.
U.S. Team Handball Federation. 1981. Mini-manual for referees. Short Hills, New Jersey:
U.S. Team Handball Federation.
157
This page intentionally left blank.
Suggested Readings • 159
A bout the authors

Reita Clanton and Mary Phyl Dwight began playing team
handball more than 20 years ago. From 1974 to 1984
they were members of the U.S. Women’s National Team.
During that time they played in over 100 international
games, two world championships, and five U.S. Olympic
Festivals. They reached the pinnacle of their playing
careers in 1984 as members of the women’s Olympic FPO
101.5%
team, which finished in fourth place. 12p6 x 13p1
Clanton has coached four U.S. Olympic Festival
teams, three of them gold medal teams. Since 1987
she has been the team handball codirector, as well as a
clinician and coach, for Special Olympics International.
She is the assistant coach for women’s team handball
in the 1996 Olympics and head coach of the women’s
Team 2000. She also conducts team handball clinics Reita Clanton
throughout the United States.
Clanton’s playing and coaching experience goes beyond team handball, though. She has
coached winning basketball programs at the high school, junior college, and university level,
and she played on the varsity basketball and volleyball teams at Auburn University. Her bas-
ketball uniform number was later retired.
Clanton earned her bachelor’s degree in health and human performance from Auburn Uni-
versity. A resident of Decatur, Georgia, she enjoys singing, playing guitar, reading, and staying
physically fit.
Dwight is the women’s development coach for the U.S. Team Handball Federation. In 1995
she was the team leader for the USA Women’s Pan-American Games Team, which won a gold
medal. She has also coached two U.S. Olympic Festival teams and has been the team handball
director for Special Olympics International since 1987.
Like Clanton, she conducts clinics for players of all ages.
Among Dwight’s other sporting experiences are stints
as head volleyball and softball coach at the university
level. As a varsity athlete at Southwest Missouri State
University (SMSU), she was captain of her basketball,
volleyball, and track teams and competed in softball and
FPO cross-country as well. She was elected to the school’s
100%
12p7 x 13p Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981.
Majoring in physical education, Dwight earned her
bachelor’s degree from SMSU and her master’s degree
from Kansas State University. She has taught physi-
cal education at the high school and college level. Her
hobbies include cross-training, boating, and camping.
Mary Phyl Dwight She lives in Raytown, Missouri.
159
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Steps to Success Activity Series
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The Premier Publisher for Sports & Fitness 1-800-747-4457. Customers outside the U.S. place
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number/address shown in the front of this book.
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Preface • i

Mary Phyl Dwight

Clanton, Reita E., 1952-

Copyright © 1997 by Human Kinetics, Inc.

Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6

United States: Human Kinetics

Canada: Human Kinetics

Europe: Human Kinetics

Australia: Human Kinetics

New Zealand: Human Kinetics

Step 1 Passing and Catching: The Essence of the Game 9

T HE STEPS TO SUCCESS STAIRCASE

Goalie Dribbling player

Relative body positions Shooting

BC BC = Any backcourt LB LB = Left backcourt

CB CB = Center backcourt RB RB = Right backcourt

CR CR = Circle runner LW LW = Left wing

Playing the Game

Preparing Your Body for Success

Left backcourt Center backcourt

Figure 2 Offense preparing to attack a defensive wall.

Team Handball Today

The Playing Court

Figure 3 The team handball court. Clanton

Table 1 Main Court Lines and Restrictions

4-meter line—Goalie cannot go beyond this point on a 7-meter throw.

a. Menʼs leather (size 3) b. Womenʼs leather (size 2)

Table 2 Team Handballs: Size and Weight

Menʼs leather (size 3) Metric U.S. equivalent

Goal front-view Goal side-view

Preparation Execution Follow-Through

Preparation Execution Follow-Through

Catching the Ball How to Catch Above the Waist

Preparation Execution Follow-Through

Preparation Execution Follow-Through

Preparation Execution Follow-Through

passing and catching success stoppers

passing and catching

Success Goal = 20 of 25 balls caught To Increase Difficulty

2. Hand Tug of War

Success Goal = 6 of 10 wins for each To Increase Difficulty

3. Ball Handling and Catching Drills

Success Goal = To Increase Difficulty

Success Goal = To Increase Difficulty

Success Goal = 20 of 25 overhand passes To Increase Difficulty

a. Overhand Clanton

Success Goal = 45 of 50 balls accurately To Increase Difficulty

7. Running Partner Passing

Full court partner passing

Success Goal = 10 of 12 overhand passes To Increase Difficulty

Success Goal = Your team scores a mini-

passing and catching success summary

runners is side stepping. Wings, depending on the

Why Are Piston Movement

Preparation Execution Follow-Through

Preparation Execution Follow-Through

piston movement and side-stepping success stoppers

piston movement and side stepping

• Three-step attack ____