Korfball: Rules, Gameplay, and Strategy
Korfball: Game Essentials
Korfball is played with two teams of eight players (four male and four female), in a 40×20 feet area (indoor or outdoor) divided into two 20×20 feet halves by a midfield line. A basket, or korf, is placed at each end of the field at a height of 3.5m. The korf measures 25cm in height and 29-41cm in diameter. The game uses a size 5 ball, weighing between 425g and 475g.
Gameplay and Structure
Teams are divided into two sections (attack and defense) with a 30-second break at the 15-minute mark. There are two halves in a game. Timeouts are allowed, and players can only resume play after the referee’s signal.
Attack and Defense
- Attackers: Four players are designated as attackers and are restricted to the half of the court containing the opposing team’s korf. Their objective is to score by throwing the ball through the korf.
- Defenders: The other four players are defenders, limited to their defensive half, aiming to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
- Role Switching: After two goals are scored, attackers and defenders switch roles and halves of the court.
Teamwork and Movement
Attackers move dynamically, combining speed, direction changes, and teamwork. Precision passing and collaboration are crucial. In defense, players can mark opponents individually, but when passing the ball, it must be to a teammate of the same gender.
Substitutions
Four substitutions are allowed per team in official competitions. The substituted player cannot re-enter the game.
Scoring and Objectives
Scoring: Each successful basket (korf) is worth one point. The first team to score two more points than the opponent wins the zone (rezoning). The objective is to score the maximum number of points while preventing the opposing team from scoring.
Key Game Rules
Attacking
Attackers must pass the ball among themselves until one player attempts a shot. Players cannot move while holding the ball. The aim is to create an open shot (desmarcatge) through passing and movement without the ball. Defenders try to block shots by positioning themselves between the attacker and the korf.
Defending
Defenders must prevent attackers from shooting. Contact is allowed, but pushing, grabbing, or obstructing opponents is prohibited. An attacker who shoots while being closely guarded (defender conbra) commits an offensive foul, resulting in a turnover.
Passing
The ball must be passed between attackers; running with the ball is not allowed. Defenders can intercept passes in the air or as the ball leaves the player’s hands.
Ball Handling
- Players can catch a falling ball while in the air.
- Players can tap the ball in the air to control it.
- Players cannot guide the ball towards the korf before picking it up.
Physical Contact
Physical contact is permitted, but pushing, grabbing, and obstructing opponents are fouls.
Fouls and Penalties
Infringements
- Taking the ball from another player’s hands.
- Moving with the ball in hand (traveling).
- Intentionally releasing the ball after physical contact to avoid a foul.
- Obstructing an opponent’s movement.
- Hitting the ball with a fist.
- Intentionally or unintentionally touching the ball with the legs or feet, affecting the game.
- Playing the ball outside the court boundaries.
Penalties
Penalties are awarded for fouls that impede scoring opportunities or repeated minor infringements.
Types of Penalties
- Obstruction: Preventing a clear scoring opportunity, especially against a player of the opposite sex.
- Repeated Fouls: Accumulating multiple fouls.
Penalty Execution
A penalty is a free shot taken from a penalty spot 2.5m from the korf. Any attacking player can take the penalty. All other players must remain at least 2.5m away from the ball and the korf until the shot is taken. The game clock stops during a penalty.
Game Fouls
Fouls are categorized as minor (restart) or serious (free pass).
Restart
For minor fouls, the game restarts at the point of the infraction.
Free Pass
For serious misconduct, an indirect free pass is awarded from the penalty spot. An attacking player must take the free pass within four seconds of the referee’s signal. All players must be 2.5m away from the penalty spot.
Special Situations
- If the referee signals a foul against the defending team and doesn’t allow the advantage, a free pass is awarded.
- After a whistle, during the 4-second restart period, the referee can penalize any illegal obstruction of a potential shot. If a defender creates a new obstruction, it may be penalized as a penalty.
- If an attacker commits a foul, the game restarts with a minor foul.