Korfball is a game for everyone. Men and women of all ages can
play. Korfball
is played on every continent, with the exception of the Antarctic. Korfball
can be played indoors as well as outdoors. And you don't need expensive
equipment to play the game.
The first thing you need is a pitch (court), divided into two halves
called zones. Add two korfball posts (3.5m, shorter for the young), two baskets, one ball and two teams of eight
players: two men and two women
of each team in each zone (attack and defence). With one referee the game
is ready to start.
Korfball: the aim of the game.
The game is fairly simple. You score when you throw the ball through the
other team's basket. After two goals the teams change zones: the defenders
become attackers and attackers defenders. At half-time the teams change ends.
As long as you keep its philosophy in mind, all rules turn out to be
straightforward. What, then, is its philosophy?
First and foremost, korfball is a team sport. Individual class is essential
but there is no room for individual play. Belonging to a team means teamwork;
running with the ball or dribbling is not allowed. If you receive the ball
while running, stop and pass, preferably to a member of your team!
Second, korfball is a mixed sport. Men and women play side by
side.
But while women are equal in the tactics of the game, while playing it's
man to man only. One man may guard one man and one woman may guard one woman. So it's not two against one and a woman may not defend a man nor
may a man defend a woman.
Third, korfball is a tactical game. Each team tries to win by scoring
more goals using tactical skills of the team as a whole. The rules follow
this concept and prevent physical strength from dominating the game. That
means that physical contact is undesired. Blocking, tackling and holding
your opponent are not allowed in korfball. The same goes for kicking the
ball or hitting it with your fists. Remember, skills are important, not muscles. And while we're at
it, keep your hands of the korfball post: scoring
is difficult enough without someone pushing the post.
Now what else makes this game different? First, each team must have
four women and four men. Single sex teams are not allowed. Second, it is not
allowed to score when defended. That occurs when the defender is closer
to the basket and is facing his/her opponent, and is at arm's length, and
is attempting to block the ball.
IKF Promotional Korfball Video
If you want to watch the game you should look at video first. IKF Promotial
Korfball Video includes footage from the 1999 World Championships in Australia.
