Table of Contents
What is Korfball?
Korfball is a dynamic, mixed-gender team sport that originated in the Netherlands in the early 1900s. In each team, there are four males and four females. The game aims to score points by throwing a ball into a basket-like goal called a Korf.
It is a fast-paced, non-contact sport that requires a combination of physical agility, teamwork, and strategy. To move the ball down the court, players must pass it to a partner rather than running with it. We played it in a rectangle court divided into two halves, with the teams switching sides after each goal.
Being a mixed sport, both male and female players are on the court at the same time. Korfball game is a great team sport for anyone, regardless of age or gender. It is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, with regular national and international competitions.
History of Korfball
In 1901, a Dutch instructor called Nico Broekhuysen developed it. He went to Sweden to study the ringboll game. Two teams of four men and four females played ringboll, with the area split into three zones and the goal being to position the ball in a metal ring.
There are 69 nations where it is played, including the United States, China, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Australia, New Zealand, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Ukraine, Greece, Serbia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, and others.
Dutch korfball team H. K.C. ALO from The Hague, Netherlands, is the longest still-active korfball club that has never merged with another organization. They established ALO on February 1st, 1906.
The World Games have featured korfball competitions since 1985. Since 1978, there have been four IKF World Korfball Championships.
Objective
Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to learn about the objectives of it? Here are five vital things to remember.
Score more goals than the opposing team:
The primary objective of the Korfball game is to score more goals than the other team. Each score is worth one point, and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Work together as a team:
Korfball game emphasizes teamwork over individual performance. Players must work together to move the ball to the court, create scoring opportunities, and defend against the opposing team.
Use both hands:
The Korfball game is unique in that players must use both hands to pass, catch, and shoot the ball. It allows everyone on the team to contribute and levels the playing field.
Be strategic:
It is a game of strategy and tactics. Players must be able to read the game, anticipate their opponent’s moves, and adjust their play accordingly. It makes an exciting and dynamic game that keeps players on their toes.
Have fun!:
At the end of the day, the most vital objective of it is to have fun! Whether you’re playing competitively or just for fun, the Korfball game is a great way to get active, make new friends, and enjoy the thrill of the game.
Governing body
The International Korfball Federation (IKF governed korfball). They established it in 1933 and were in charge of marketing and developing the sport globally.
The group establishes sports rules and regulations, arranges international competitions and finals, and provides coaching and official training and support.
Currently, the IKF has 69 partner countries. The organization supports countries in five different continents: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. It provides them with financial, material, and structural assistance to help them achieve their goals.
They commit the organization to grow the sport and make it a fun and inclusive activity for people of all ages and ethnicities.
Players
It has evenly represented male and female players on the squads. It is a sport where both genders compete equally, from world-class athletes to toddlers on the playground.
Teams of eight players (four males and four females) compete in the regular game. They put the Korf in from the far end of the playing field, allowing for 360-degree shots. Players take on either offensive or defensive duties.
Types of equipment
The Netherlands is the origin of the Korfball game, a mixed-gender team sport. The sport requires minimal equipment, and players do not wear protective gear. Here are the types of equipment used in it:
- Korf: The Korf is a metal basket on a pole without a net and is the most vital piece of equipment in a Korfball game. The Korf has a diameter of 41cm and a height of 11 inches.
- Ball: We played it with a leather or rubber ball. The ball of the Korfball game is similar in size and weight to a basketball, with a diameter of 68-70 cm.
- Court: Korfball court is a divided rectangular. The arena measures 10 meters broad by 20 meters long.
- Posts: They attached it to each post at the end of the court Korfs.
- Whistle: The referee blows a whistle to start and end the game and to signal fouls and other violations.
- Timer: The timer tracks the game’s duration.
- Scoreboard: A scoreboard tracks the score.
- Uniform: Players are required to wear a uniform consisting of a shirt or jersey and shorts or a skirt. The squad’s group or union usually chooses the hue of the uniform.
Rules & Regulations
Korfball game is a team activity involving men and women that started in the Netherlands. Check the Korfball rules:
Playing Surface and Field
- The playing area, according to Korfball rules, includes the field of play, its border area, the benches area, the substitution spots, and the jury table.
- According to the Korfball rules, you will need an indoor court measuring 20m x 40m and an outdoor court measuring 30m x 60m.
- According to the Korfball rules, you must be sure the floor is even, dust-free, and non-slippery, and the free height is at least 7 meters.
Boundary Marking
- Clear and visible lines, 3.0-5.0 cm wide, mark out the boundary lines of the field of play, which consist of the end lines, sidelines, and centerline, according to Korfball rules.
Penalty zone and spot
- The marking crew marked a line in front of each post, measuring 15.0 cm by 5.0 cm, according to Korfball rules.
- Korfball rules dictate that a player must shoot the ball from the penalty spot, which is 2.5 meters in front of the post, and the circle drawn 2.5 meters away from both the post and penalty spot serves as the restricted area for defending players. Moreover, the distance from the outline to the post, which is 6.67 meters, is also specified by the Korfball rules.
Border Zone
- According to Korfball rules, it is necessary to keep the border area at least 1 m wide around the field of play, free from obstacles.
- According to Korfball rules, place two benches on each side of the jury table, outside the border area and near one of the sidelines.
- To comply with Korfball rules, it is necessary to demarcate the floor area outside the border between each team’s bench and the jury table by either drawing a rectangle measuring 90 cm by 60 cm or a circle with a diameter of 90 cm.
Additional Rules
- According to the Korfball rules, you can only play it with your hands.
- The opposition player within arm’s length prohibits players from taking a shot.
- According to Korfball rules, you can’t shoot from a defended position.
- In the situation of jumping, running, or trying to move away quickly, you cannot hold the post.
- In Korfball rules, the teams switch sides after every second goal, meaning the attackers become defenders and vice versa.
- A referee may award either a re-start, a free pass, or a penalty if either team violates any of these Korfball rules.
- Each match consists of 35 minutes of two halves with 10 minutes break.
- It declares the team with the most points the winner, and if the teams have equal points, it declares it a draw according to the Korfball rules.
How to Play?
It is a team activity involving men and women that started in the Netherlands. We played it with two teams of eight players, four male and four female players on each team.
In the game, you score goals by throwing a ball into a basket-like structure called a Korf. According to the Korfball rules, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play Korfball:
Toss:
The game begins with a toss to confirm which side should begin the game.
Players:
Gather a group of eight players and divide them into two teams of four males and four females.
Set up the court:
According to the Korfball rules, players typically play a rectangular Korfball court that measures 20m x 40m indoors and 30m x 60m outdoors. It divided the court into two halves and placed a Korf on opposite ends of each half.
Start the game:
The game begins with a toss-up, where the referee throws the ball into the air, and one player from each team tries to catch it. The team that catches the ball gets the first possession.
Move the ball:
Players on the team in possession of the ball must pass the ball to other teammates in their half of the court. The players must bounce or pass the ball before taking more than two steps while holding it.
Score a goal:
The players aim to score goals by throwing the ball into the opposing team’s Korf. We scored a goal when the ball passed through the Korf without touching the rim or the backboard.
Defend:
The team without possession of the ball must defend their Korf and try to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Players can use their bodies to block shots but cannot physically tackle or push other players.
Switch sides:
After one team scores a goal, the teams switch sides, and the other team gets possession of the ball to start the next round.
Play until the end:
It played the game in two halves, each lasting 30 minutes, with a 10-minute break in between. The team with the most goals at the end of the second half wins the game. If both teams have the same score at the end of regulation time, it results in a draw.
Korfball Olympics
It showcased Korfball during the Olympic Games in Amsterdam in 1928. This tournament took place in Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium. It appeared at the Antwerp Olympic Games in 1920. It displayed the sport during the event.
In the criteria of the Olympics, it doesn’t meet one of the Olympic sports criteria. The criteria state that a sport must have 75 national federations and four continents for the men (40/3 for the women). It only has 54 members.
The International Korfball Federation (IKF) attempted to have it accepted as an Olympic sport. However, these attempts have failed. To get the sport included in the Olympic program in the future, the IKF is presently trying to promote it and grow its popularity.
The World Games featured it. A multi-sport competition is the World Games. In the 1985 World Games, the Korfball game made its debut. Since then, it has become an annual occurrence at the World Games.
Beach Korfball
If you have watched or played basketball before, you can quickly learn how to play beach Korfball. In beach Korfball games, teams consist of two males and two females, and players can only defend against members of their same gender.
It plays in two halves of six minutes. We played beach Korfball on a 20m x 10m sand court. The sport of beach Korfball uses a smaller and lighter ball than a men’s basketball but is larger and heavier than a volleyball.
In the Korfball game, players have a pivot foot and can take approximately 1.5 steps, similar to basketball. The game has minimal contact and does not allow screens or direct handoffs. The rule prohibited players from hitting the ball from their opponent’s grasp or using double teams.
In Korfball games, players typically use a basketball-style shooting technique, although some use a two-hand technique for faster and further shooting distances.
International Tournaments
- World Korfball Championship – Every four years, teams from all over the world compete in this tournament.
- World Games – Since 1981, the International World Games Association has hosted a national teams tournament every four years.
- European Korfball Championship – Every two years, this is the largest tournament in Europe.
- Asia-Oceania Korfball Championship – They hold the major Asian and Oceanian tournaments every two years.
- IKF Pan-American Korfball Championship – The major American Korfball tournament. It takes place every two years in the IKF Pan-American Korfball Championship.
- World Beach Korfball Championship – They hold the most vital beach korfball tournament every two years.
- Korfball Europa Cup – This is an annual club competition in Europe.
- Korfball continental Championships – This is four continental competitions between the European and Asian-Oceanian, African, and America.
Last Words
In a nutshell, Korfball game is a cool and fun game that combines elements of basketball, netball, and handball. You can actively engage in the sport, utilizing your skills and abilities to succeed.
Regardless of skill level or experience, anyone can play the Korfball game. Consider trying the Korfball game if you want a new and exciting sport. As you defend your basket, you might fall in love with the fast-paced action and the thrill of scoring a goal.
Overall, Korfball game is a sport that’s all about having fun and working together with your teammates. So gather some friends and give it a shot!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. I hope you found it interesting and helpful. If you have any questions, comment in the box and keep following Sports Dribble on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more information. Thanks again for your time and interest!
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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