Handball Fundamentals: Drills and Techniques
Handball Fundamentals: Drills and Techniques
Grip
Hilt – This involves handling the ball with one hand, using the distal phalanges of the five open fingers and the palm in a slightly concave shape.
Remarks: The fingers should cover the largest possible surface of the ball. They must exert pressure to keep it secure. The pressure exerted by the thumb is crucial.
Front Grip – Always use both hands, parallel and slightly concave, facing forward. One-handed reception is also commonly used by athletes.
Passes
Passes move the ball between players. Types include:
- Over the Shoulder: Forward or oblique, amended or pumped.
- Pronation Passes: Side and back.
- Behind the Head Passes: Lateral and diagonal.
- Behind the Body Passes: Lateral and diagonal.
- Back Pass: At head height with wrist extension.
- Bouncing Pass: The ball bounces once before reaching the partner.
Pitching
Pitching is always directed toward the goal. Most are “shoulder pitches”, following these steps:
- The palm faces forward.
- The elbow is slightly above the shoulder line.
- The ball is brought behind the head.
- It’s pushed forward with a humerus rotation.
Pitch types include:
- With Support: One or both feet are in contact with the ground.
- Suspended: No foot contact during the pitch.
- With Fall: The pitcher falls after releasing the ball (common among pivots).
- Bearing: The ball rolls after release (common among tips and pivots).
Dribbling
Dribbling involves hitting the ball on the ground with one hand while moving or stationary.
Drills: Fundamentals of Handball
Grip
Exercise 1: Single Grip
Description: Players start with a ball in hand. The task is to hold the ball correctly, using the fingers and palm.
Variations: Pass the ball between hands without dropping it; use two balls.
Exercise 2: Double Grip
Description: Players face each other, arms outstretched, holding the same ball. The task is to pull the ball.
Variations: Arms outstretched in front of the abdomen; experiment with different arm positions.
Passes/Reception
Exercise 1: Wall Pass (Over Shoulder)
Description: Players face a wall. The task is to throw and catch the ball.
Variations: Use both hands; perform a chopped pass (ball hits the ground after the wall); aim for targets on the wall.
Exercise 2: Partner Pass (Over Shoulder)
Description: Players face each other, about four meters apart. The task is to pass and catch the ball.
Variations: Pass with the right and left hand; perform a bouncing pass; increase the distance; target specific areas for the pass.