Handball Notes, Quizzes & Revision

Passing is delivering the ball to a teammate during play in a handball game.

Passing the ball helps in:

1. Speeding up the game.

2. Creating scoring chances.

3. Breaking tight defense.

4. Releasing pressure during play.

5. Expressing creative abilities during play.

Qualities of a good pass

A good pass should be;

1. Accurate so that a player has no problem catching the ball.

2. Fast and timely to exploit the play chance promptly.

3. Useful- A pass should be directed to that player whose position may disadvantage the opponent.

Types of passes

The three common types of passes are jump pass, side pass and flick pass.

1. Jump pass

A jump pass is where a player leaps into the air and throws the ball to a teammate before landing. It is completed at the peak of the jump with the player in control releasing the ball to a teammate.

2. Side pass/wrist pass

A side pass is the most common way of passing the ball across the width of the court. This movement is called ball circulation.

3. Flick pass

A flick is an action made using the passing arm which quickly propels the ball forward. The release action of the ball is terminated with a forward wrist action.

Reception is the act of receiving the ball with one or both hands. The catch may vary from high level to medium or low level.

Side pass drills

1. Side pass curve

2. Down court drill

Footwork in handball

Footwork rules

1. A player is permitted to take a maximum of 3 steps with ball.

2. One step is considered when:

• A player is standing with both feet on the ground lifts one foot and puts it down

• A player who is stepping on the ground with one foot catches the ball and then touches the ground with one foot.

• A player after a jump steps on the ground with one foot and hops on the same foot or touches the ground with the other foot.

• A player after steps on the ground with both feet simultaneously and then lifts one foot from one place to another.

Handball is one of the most dynamic games that allow players to move freely within the court. It is characterized by running, passing, shooting, blocking, tackling, jumping and landing.

During play a player may:

1. Land on both feet.

2. Land on one foot.

It is recommended that a player lands on both feet to be able to execute other player actions requiring a change of direction and speed.

Principles of good landing

1. Landing on the balls of the feet.

2. Knees should be slightly bent to cushion the shock on the impact of landing.

3. This is also referred to as knee deep landing.

Dodging and marking in handball

Dodging is a technique whereby a player uses body actions that mislead the defending player. It enables the attacking player to go past the defender and score goals with ease. Dodging can be done with or without a ball. Some playing actions that may be performed with the ball are feigning a start, a pass or a shot.

Marking is a defensive action that limits the chances of attacking players gaining possession of the ball.

Qualities of a good marker

1. Observant: The marking player needs to pay attention to the attackers who are likely to gain possession of the ball and drive forward.

2. Good positioning: Ability to position himself or herself appropriately between the attacking player and their defending goal.

3. Quick time reaction: This helps the marking player respond to unexpected tactical actions by the attacking player.

4. Resilience and persistence: The marking player should never give up on playing a defensive role.

5. Communication : Good marking is a product of communicating with team mates to develop a suitable plan or approach to counter the playing action of the attacking team.

6. Courageous : A good marker should be courageous to with stand non­-avoidable contacts that may occur during one on one tackling situations.

7. Peripheral vision: A player who is marking needs to see what is happening around d him or her and not just focus on the player being marked alone.

Body feign

Body feigns are performed by using the trunk and legs. They involve a shift of balance and weight. This can be done with or without the ball. Body feigns are used to free the player from an opponent and to get a better position for receiving or passing the ball.

Dribbling in Hand ball

Dribbling is a technique in hand ball where the player bounces the ball the ground once or repeatedly.

Types of dribbling techniques

1. High dribble

2. Low dribble