If you are new to korfball, we will teach you the rules during your first training sessions. Read on for how to play korfball and how korfball started.
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Korfball origins and historyKorfball was invented in 1902 by Dutch PE teacher Nico Broekhuysen. Korf is Dutch for basket. It is an adaptation of the Swedish game, ringboll, which itself shares lineage with both basketball and netball. It is the only mixed-sex team sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee. It has been in the Olympics twice – 1920 and 1928 – and is an approved sports for inclusion in future Games! Initially only popular in the Netherlands and Belgium, it drew criticism from social conservatives for promoting loose morals (but it’s not the only reason we love the sport).
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How to play korfball
The korfball pitch
The game is played on a rectangular pitch split into two square halves(known as divisions).
Each division has a post which is set one-third from the back line. It is one of the few sports where you can score from behind the basket (the “korf”). The korf is 3.5m from the ground and there is no backboard.
Korfball can be played indoors or outdoors. Standard indoor pitches being 20m x 40m and outdoor pitches 30m x 60m.
Each division has a post which is set one-third from the back line. It is one of the few sports where you can score from behind the basket (the “korf”). The korf is 3.5m from the ground and there is no backboard.
Korfball can be played indoors or outdoors. Standard indoor pitches being 20m x 40m and outdoor pitches 30m x 60m.
Teams and players
A korfball team has 8 players, four boys and four girls. The team is split into 2 divisions comprised of 2 boys and 2 girls.
At the start of the game, each team designates one of the divisions as attackers and the other as defenders. After 2 goals are scored, the players change ends with the attackers becoming defenders and the defenders becoming attackers. Two substitutes are allowed in the team.
At the start of the game, each team designates one of the divisions as attackers and the other as defenders. After 2 goals are scored, the players change ends with the attackers becoming defenders and the defenders becoming attackers. Two substitutes are allowed in the team.
Moving
Players can't run with the ball.
If a player receives the ball while moving, they are allowed two steps before either coming to a stop or passing it to someone else.
A player can pivot on one foot, even after one step.
If a player receives the ball while moving, they are allowed two steps before either coming to a stop or passing it to someone else.
A player can pivot on one foot, even after one step.
Attacking
The aim of the attackers is to gain sufficient space from their defender to shoot the ball through their korf. An attacking player can shoot from anywhere in their own half as long as they aren’t defended. All goals are worth one point, whether shot from the halfway line or 1m away.
Defending
Defenders aim to
An attacker is ‘defended’ when the defender is:
If an attacker shoots, even scores, whilst defended, the shot will not count and possession is awarded to the defence at the spot where the shot was taken from.
- stop the attackers scoring a goal
- regain possession of the ball
- get it back into their attacking division
An attacker is ‘defended’ when the defender is:
- closer to the korf than the attacker
- is facing their opponent, within arm’s length of the attacker
- actively attempting to block the ball.
If an attacker shoots, even scores, whilst defended, the shot will not count and possession is awarded to the defence at the spot where the shot was taken from.
Restarts, free passes and penalties
When a rule is broken a restart is usually awarded, which is taken from the point of offence, much like a free kick in football. If a major offence is committed against the attack, such as contact, a free pass is awarded 2.5m in front of the post. No other player may be within 2.5m of the player taking the free pass. The free pass taker cannot take a direct shot at the korf.
A penalty is awarded when an attacker is denied the opportunity of scoring a goal through an offence committed by the defence. A classic example might be a defender contacting an attacker whilst they are shooting. A penalty shot is taken directly from 2.5m in front of the post. No other players can be within 2.5m of the post or the penalty taker. No one can come into that distance until the ball has left the taker’s hands.
A penalty is awarded when an attacker is denied the opportunity of scoring a goal through an offence committed by the defence. A classic example might be a defender contacting an attacker whilst they are shooting. A penalty shot is taken directly from 2.5m in front of the post. No other players can be within 2.5m of the post or the penalty taker. No one can come into that distance until the ball has left the taker’s hands.
Other rules
With the exception of free passes and restarts, there is no time limit on how long an attacker can hold the ball. Once a player has possession of the ball no other player can physically take the ball from them. Contact is not allowed although is tolerated in certain conditions.
Tactics
Like any team sport, tactics are very important. There are defensive tactics like "front defence" and "rebound defence". There are attacking formations such as 4-0, 3-1 and 2-2.
We'll go over these with you in-depth at training sessions.
We'll go over these with you in-depth at training sessions.