Handball

WHY USE IT

This practice will help players to understand the principles of all invasion games, such as soccer.

SET UP

Mark out an area suitable for your players. The game should be played by eight to 12 players. Each team has a target player situated at the end of the area they are attacking. This player should be rotated regularly.

HOW TO PLAY

Players can only use their hands and, when they have possession, they cannot move with the ball. Teams win a point by getting the ball to their target player. That player then gives the ball to the opposition, who try to do the same thing. Further rules can be introduced, such as: the ball can’t touch the floor; or, players can move when they have the ball, but, if they are tagged by an opponent, they lose possession of it. The game can then be progressed so that players use their feet rather than their hands.

COACHING POINTS

• The players are supported in their understanding of how to support a team-mate who has the ball by being in a place where they can get the ball to you, but not being too close to them.
• It also helps them understand that, to get the ball forward, they need to have players supporting ahead of it.