3/16/21

 

KORFBALL THEORY

(This text is an adaption of texts written by Jan Tamboer)

 

Whether a player is a professional or an amateur, is young or old, rich, or poor, male, or female, black, or white, does not matter when describing the characteristics that make korfball, KORFBALL!

When describing these characteristics, the characteristics of the participants is not in question, however the reason why these participants enjoy and play the game is. In other words, the characteristics of the activity (called ‘korfball’) is all that matters.  The fundamental characteristics of korfball are / will be determined by the IKF and are performed in international competitions.

First, the word “korfball” can also be used in a less strict and wider sense, for example each activity, where the objective is to throw a ball. Example: ‘Monkey in the middle’. There are also plenty of “korfball-like” forms of play. Moreover, one can think of all kinds of games especially where shooting, passing, running intercepting the ball is the main focus. During a training session these may be valuable activities. The objective to play these activities during P.E. lessons in school may not have the objective to prepare to play competitive korfball. None of this is problematic. Outside the organized competitions there are many more ways to play. In the Netherlands there is a group that provides korfball training with a method called ‘Teaching Games for Understanding’ (TGfU). In their games they play game-like but they change very often the key features of korfball. Another example is the 1 against 1 game  (ONDO North Sea Tournament). There is also a discussion started about Female Korfball. The question is whether this is this korfball?

In addition, by using the starting point of KORFBALL as an institutionalized competitive sport, it is not excluded that some adjustments are sometimes desirable or necessary. Young children, for example, play 4 against 4 nowadays, with a larger korf, with a lower post, on a smaller pitch. These adjustments still maintain the key characteristics of the game korfball. Another example of adaptions in which the key elements of korfball are preserved is Beachkorfball. The starting point of korfball as an institutionalized competitive sport does not exclude the fact that adjustments can be made or that korfball can be played in different ways. Korfball as an institutionalized competitive sport is not a static affair, but constantly changing. What was meant exactly when, as mentioned above, that key elements of korfball- despite adjustments- have been preserved? What are those key elements? What is in other words, the logical structure of the game of korfball? This is the core question of our Erasmus course.

 

KORFBALL LANGUAGE

Korfball is a practical matter. It is all about making actions, doing, it is not about words, but rather about actions.  The game is the reason that coaches and players and referees use many words to discuss the sport. The korfball activity itself concerns both training sessions and matches. What exactly is achieved there and how is that verbally expressed?  The people who are directly involved, know what they are talking about and seem to be the experts concerning korfball language. Such questioning would indeed provide much valuable data.

On the other hand, does not mean that their language is always clear, coherent, consistent, and uniform. [1]In addition, the korfball language of coaches for example, can differ greatly and often, although the same terms are used, they mean something completely different. That korfball language is not at all uniform. Not rarely do they contradict themselves, use identical terms in ever-changing meanings, and make use of an inscrutable secret language.

Coherence and consistency within the korfball language are not possible without a certain theory, in which a vision of korfball is described. Such a theory can be referred to with the term ‘korfball theory’. Korfball Theory is not the same as the sum of scientific disciplines such as sport physiology, biomechanics, and sport psychology. Korfball theory takes its starting point of reasoning in the korfball activity itself and attempts to put its key characteristics into words. It focuses an analysis of the fundamentals, the logical structure of the game of korfball. After describing these fundamentals, the data from scientific disciplines can be judged on their value and meaning.

KORFBALL THEORY

We need to describe the key characteristics, in other words the fundamentals of korfball. The important objective in our Erasmus course is as mentioned to contribute to a greater coherency and consistency within the korfball language. This intended consistency in the use of language is different than advocating a rigid uniformity. It is all about primarily to clarify the fundamental or basic concepts and their correlation.

A meaningful and useful interpretation of concepts like ‘stamina’ or ‘team building’ or ‘technique’ can only be given when it is related to the key features of korfball itself. Without knowing these key features such concepts mean little or nothing. The fact that korfball is a team sport, is correct and not insignificant. At least as important however, is the fact that korfball players are constantly running, turning, jumping and always need to be focused. However, this also says little about the true characteristics of korfball. As with team building, one should not consider these actions in isolation and separately. Running during a korfball game is not the same as what athletes do on a track, and concentration during a korfball match is unlike concentration required by an exam. For example, a coach tells players that they are not ‘concentrating’, or they have ‘fear to failure’ or they have not a good ‘technique’. These remarks do not work. We call these terms non-contextual terms. Non- contextual terms stimulate subjectivity. This has a negative effect on the exchange of knowledge and therefore on the development of korfball.

With these examples and we would be able to add many more, we try to get the point across that the heart of the matter is always the same: without a vision of the fundamentals of korfball, the danger exists that all kinds of terms and concepts create a meaning of their own. Furthermore, these terms like ‘concentrating ‘, ‘confidence’, ‘mental toughness’, ‘resilience’, ‘aerobic power’[2] lack the framework from which their meaning can be understood and evaluated.

 

AN ACTION THEORETICAl VISION ON THE GAME OF KORFBALL

What are those key characteristics of korfball. That question is easier asked than answered. Different answers to that question are possible, depending on the chosen point of view.

Therefor to be able to analyse korfball, it is necessary to discuss the viewpoint that is taken up. To put it in another way, from what vision are the key characteristics of korfball verbally expressed and discussed.

ACTION LANGUAGE

In this article korfball is approached and described from an action theoretical vision. We must clear that later. For now, it is enough to just say that we primarily see people as action making human beings, and that also korfball is a form of action. This point of view generates language, with which the actions are being described into words, the action language, this ties directly into what may be found in everyday practice. Some examples: Attacking; Defending; Shooting; Scoring; Passing; Running as accelerating and decelerating to get a free position; Assisting Rebounding; Playing 4-0;  Squeezing towards the ball.

These examples are rather arbitrary an incoherent but can still make somewhat clearer what is meant by action language. Action language is language with the use of verbs, they do not primarily say something about bodily movements, such as contractions of muscles or displacements of arms and legs but describe a certain way how people cope with their environment (context). Winking is an action and blinking is a bodily movement. If somebody winks, he/ she winks at another person. This involves a relationship with someone else. Blinking your eyes is meaningless, is not intentional.

 The above-mentioned list of verbs show that much of the korfball language consists of action language and that the choice of an action theoretical vision makes sense. It shows that several cases it pertains to actions of individual korfball player and in other cases to that of a team. Sometimes it concerns the way the ball is played and sometimes it concerns taking up certain positions. In other cases, it concerns aspects to control the tempo of the game. In other words, there is a certain order and structure within the action go over later.

To adequately be able to understand the korfball language, having just an action theoretical point of view will not suffice. A further restriction is necessary. If this restriction is not created, most verbs from the above examples would be completely incomprehensible or could also relate to other situations, and thus get a meaning that was not intended. Words such as defending and attacking can also refer to war situations enc. Language and therefor action language is only the meaningful when it is placed within a certain context.

KORFBALL CHARACTERISTICS (key features)

Just as in field hockey, basketball, and football, KORFBALL is a form of acting in the context of a game. These activities have some common features which characterize them as a 'game'. Each game is characterized by (1) a goal, (2) means to achieve that goal, (3) rules (or 'laws of the game') and (4) the voluntary acceptance of these rules. These characteristics are inextricably linked. ln short, playing a game comes down to voluntarily attempting to overcome unnecessary obstacles ('deliberately act difficult').

(1) The goal of a game is also called the purpose of the game. This goal belongs to the definition of a game, is intrinsic, and it is not to be confused with all kinds of extrinsic objectives (such as 'health promotion' or ‘making money’)

The goal of korfball is, while using the means in accordance with the laws of the game, to score at least one goal more than the opposing team. This can also be referred to as 'winning'. Those who do not pursue this goal are doing something different than participating in a korfball game. The suggestion that 'wanting to win' would be contrary to fun in the korfball game, is based on a misunderstanding. ln addition, 'wanting to win' should not be confused with the outside interests which may be related to this. The goal of the game is also not linked to a certain 'style of play' and applies as much to a one-time korfball match as to matches played in a league'

(2) The goal of the game can only be realized by using those means, which are in accordance with the rules. When considering these 'means' of korfball one can initially think of a ball, two teams and a playing field. However, these 'means' only then get meaning when they induce and invite certain actions (always in relation to purpose and laws of the game). What are those actions and how can those actions be described adequately and systematically? We will explain this later.

What is the role of 'movement' in korfball and how can we understand this from an action theoretical viewpoint? The main purpose of this text, to describe the game of korfball in action language, deals primarily with the 'means' of korfball, thus the way the goal of the game, in accordance with the rules, can be pursued.

(3) The main role of the rules (or 'laws') of the game is that they function as obstacles on the road leading to the goal of the game. The most efficient ways to achieve that goal are thus prohibited. This applies to the fundamental laws of the game.

The most important fundamental rules in korfball, are: 

-           Korfball is a team-sport. Korfball should first be defined at team level.

-          To score is shooting the ball through a korf.

-          Winner is the team that scores more goals that the other team.

-          Two men and two women cooperate against an opponent of also two man and two women in a zone, on equal base. 

-          Interaction sport with team players and opponents. Communication is base of the game.

-          The ball must be played with the hands.  

-          Solo play is prohibited.  Teamplay is encouraged.

-          The game is played around (360 degrees), the korfball post.

                 

The performance of a korfball match is based on above characteristics (key features) and is independent of external factors such as culture and subjective beliefs. No matter who you are and where you were born, from a philosophical point of view everyone plays the same game. The “WHAT of Korfball” is the same for every player and coach. We call this the universal reference. IKF needs this universal reference to educate coaches. A coach curriculum should base on the characteristics of the korfball sport and not on someone’s opinion or past experiences. [3]

Many other rules are directly in line with this or are an extension of it. Laws of the game are not laws of nature. They are in principle changeable. However, changing a fundamental law would have the consequence that the same itself is transformed into a different game (Female korfball). Laws of the game are not only changeable, but one can also violate them and then be held accountable. The 'means' of korfball, in particular the actions players (must) perform, are led by the laws of the game, and without those laws of the game these means cannot be adequately understood.

(4) Voluntary acceptance of the laws of the game is a prerequisite to play a game, including the game of korfball. What this exactly entails will be discussed during the course. The meaning of the term 'game' should not be confused with that of the term 'play'. 'Game' refers to a certain activity, 'play' to a certain attitude. A playful attitude is not automatically connected to a particular activity.  lt is prevalent in 'game' situations, but also in numerous other situations, A playful attitude is usually associated with the concept of 'freedom'. 0n the one hand, in the sense of voluntariness, and on the other hand, in the sense of trying out new opportunities, evoking surprise, and seeking out boundaries. ln addition, a characteristic of this attitude is that an activity is carried out exclusively because of the satisfaction one experiences in the activity itself.

Korfball remains a 'game', whether it is played with a playful attitude. The game of korfball offers many opportunities to play it in a playful way. This is in principle not depended on the level of the players. ln regards to pedagogical aspects; it is important that especially in youth football this playful attitude is considered.

 

 

 

KORFBALL IS MOVEMENT

Only by executing certain actions can the goal of the game be pursued. This applies to each game. In korfball certain movements are necessary. What does that mean? What exactly is the difference between ‘acting’ and ‘moving”? And how can the role that movement plays in korfball be described satisfactory, from an action theoretical point of view? To answer these questions, it is first necessary to make a distinction between two viewpoints about human movements. Human movement can be understood and described in terms of ‘bodily movements’ and that of ‘move-actions’. Both concepts on movement are founded on different views concerning the human body. When one sees the human body as a ‘thing’ or ’instrument’, a ‘musculoskeletal movement apparatus’, then the body is disconnected from the environment (context) and considered in isolation. [4]The term ‘bodily movement’ in that case concerns a concept of movement that connects with that view. Human movement in that case is described in terms of displacements of body parts (whether observable from outside).  To be able to characterize such a movement as a ‘flexing of the arm, a ‘leg extension’ or ‘torso rotation’ one does not require information about the context in which this movement take place. Therefore, these bodily movements are in principle defined independently of the environment. The relationship with the context is, to put it another way, considered an extrinsic relationship (for example, in the sense of ‘cause’ and ‘effect’).

When in the world of sports, one is guided by this view on human movement, then one refers to the concept of ‘technique’ as the ideal typical way of displacement of body parts. The term ‘conditioning’ (or ‘fitness’) the refers to the various structures and processes in the body, which the execution of bodily movements is based on, and may (partly) explain the nature of it. ‘Technique’ (in the sense just mentioned) and ‘conditioning / fitness’ are traditionally seen as the ‘physical’ aspects of korfball. In addition, as is usually said, korfball also has a ‘psychological’ or ‘mental ’aspect.

When considering human movement in the sense of ‘bodily movements’, and one uses the view to develop the starting point for a korfball theory, then it is nearly inevitable that a distinction will be made between the ‘physical’ and ‘mental’ aspects and one has to endorse a dualistic view on human beings. This applicable movement concept is based on a rather narrow view on the human body. When one considers the human body as an instrument, then human movement can only be described in terms of ‘bodily movements[5]. And to be able to call it an ‘action’ to this one more thing needs to be added, that apparently is ‘mental’ in nature. In short, when one takes the departure point of reasoning in ‘bodily movements’, then ‘actions’ in the heart of the matter are understood as bodily movements, to which still something, for example an ’intention’ must be added. The acceptance of a dualistic view of human beings is then hard to avoid.

From an action theoretical point of view, human movement is conceived and described in terms of ‘move-actions’. And these ‘actions’ also are not bodily to which still something needs to add to. This concept is founded a different broader (that is ‘relational’) vision on the human body, whereby is not necessary to distinguish between ‘physical’ and ‘mental’ factors.

The fact that human beings are ‘bodily’ being’s, does not primarily mean that they are ‘things’[6] or ‘instrument’s, to which eventually a controlling ‘mind’ must be added. It merely means that human beings are inextricably connected with their environment. In this relational view, human being and the environment are not considered in isolation. Human beings are intentional being, which means that they always are directed at and have a certain involvement with environment. The other side of this environment constantly has a certain meaning for them. This inextricable relationship between humans and the environment is verbalized with the term ‘relation of meaning’ (or in-order-to-relationship’).  [7] The realization of relations of meaning, then, is what we denote as 'acting'. That human beings are 'bodily' beings, means that in the heart of the matter they are acting beings. Acting is the way people show that they are inextricably connected to their environment. Action language is language in the form of verbs, they do not really say something about bodily movements, but they say more about the ways in which human beings can cope with their specific context. These ways can differ immensely. One way of acting is unlike another. How this acting can be characterized further is dependent on the specific way people are directed at and involved with their environment, their primary intentionality. This is different for speech actions and expressive actions compared to move-actions. Move-actions have to do with a displacing way of dealing with the environment. These actions one can distinguish based on three characteristics: (1) the intentionality is primarily displacing directed, (2) the environment/ context is referred to in for displacing relevant terms (3) the mode of displacement is specified in terms of time-spatial relationships.

Korfball is a game, and different than for example chess, korfball is a movement game. To describe in action language the way the goal of the game can be pursued, it is necessary to consider human movement in the first place in the sense of 'move-actions’. This certainly does not mean that the role of 'bodily movements' cannot be paid attention to. About the relationship between move-actions and bodily movements, it can first be said that there is no unequivocal connection between both. Here the principle of the functional variability comes in play. This means that the same move-action can be executed with different bodily movements. A move-action is not characterized by a fixed 'technique' (in the sense). However, the variable relationship between move-actions and bodily movements shall not be considered as an absolute. On the one hand bodily movements, as well as related issues such as muscle strength, agility, and endurance, create certain limits to the execution of move-actions, on the other hand, the language of bodily movements can give a further characterization of how, with which 'technique' a move-action can (or must) be performed.

The latter point plays an important role in form-oriented sports, like gymnastics and figure skating. The rules for these sports essentially cover the execution method of bodily movements. The functional variability of move-actions is in these types of sports contained by the criteria of a jury. Korfball is a result-oriented form of sport, and the rules cover to a much lesser extent the execution of certain bodily movements. Attention for 'technique', in the sense of an ideal typical execution method of bodily movements, is in result-oriented sports particularly important from the point of view of efficiency and performance improvement. ln comparison to individual sports like swimming or speed skating, the game of korfball, is however overly complex and has a high degree of unpredictability.

Therefore, 'technique' in korfball should foremost be described in action language (in the sense of) recognizing the intention.[8] ln this case there is no ideal typical method of displacement of body parts. This does not mean that, especially for beginners, global guidelines cannot be given about the further characterization of certain move-actions in terms of bodily movements. The view to consider the body as 'thing' or 'instrument’ can, as said before, not be a starting point to understand human action. However, people can be confronted with the conditional nature of that 'instrument’ when an action can 'no longer' or' not yet' be successfully executed. Not being able to perform certain bodily movements can be a constraint in carrying out everyday move-actions. We are talking in this case of 'lower' limits. These are particularly interesting for doctors and physical therapists. The 'upper limits' create restrictions one encounters as soon as one pursues an exceptional performance. ln sports, this is important when it comes to fitness improvement when attempting to raise the 'upper limits'. From an action theoretical point of view, human beings are primarily understood as acting beings. With this their 'thing being' is not denied but viewed as 'conditional' with which they are confronted in situations where they hit their limits.

KORFBALL ACTIONS (objective universal reference)

To achieve the goal of the korfball game, in accordance with the laws of the game, certain actions must be executed. The heart of these korfball actions are move-actions. Korfball however, is not just a matter of moving. Other kind of actions also play a role.

Move-actions are only then korfball actions when the characteristics (the key features) are seen in relation to the goal of the game and the rules. In a general sense move-actions in korfball are always of dealing in a displacing with the ball, the playing field, the teammates, and the opponents. These ways of dealing may be described in more detail in terms of time-spatial relationships (position, direction, tempo, timing, and moment) and are ultimately focused on, in accordance with the laws of the game, displacing the ball in the korf. When describing these specific korfball actions, it is a fact about further elaborations and specifications of these general characteristics. How can these korfball actions be structured in a logical and systematic way?[9]

Korfball is a team sport and only as a team one can realize the goal of the game. Therefore, the starting point of reasoning is taken in the actions which must be performed at the team level. This is determined by whether a team in in possession of the ball. Because both teams cannot be in in possession of the ball at the same time, the game of korfball has a dual structure, whereby all korfball actions are structured into two main and opposite categories: attacking and defending. Ball possession can also change over in korfball, causing a team having to transition from attacking to defending (or vice versa). At the team level, so-called team functions, attacking, defending, and transitioning are logical indications of korfball actions, based on whether a team in possession of the ball is.

Attacking is an umbrella term for a range of move-actions (team tasks), which can only be executed when a team has possession of the ball, and these actions are directed at displacing the ball in the korf, according to the laws of the game. Within this team function two team tasks can be defined: building-up and scoring.

When building up the attacking actions are aimed at creating opportunities to be able to score. In the game, this usually involves a combination of passes, assists. To be able to contribute to this, individual players must execute certain move-actions, (korfball actions) such as passing, catching, shooting, rebounding, positioning, duelling, playing patterns, rotating, etc.

For scoring, the ultimate team task, the players can execute move-actions: the distance (long) shot, the V-shot (veering-off), the running-in shot, the penalty shot; the short shot (free pass shot).

Building up and scoring are two team tasks, and each of which has different move-actions that need to be executed. The general characteristics of korfball actions always relate to this but are specific for building up and scoring.

Defending is the logical counterpart of attacking. The term covers those move-actions, which should be carried out if the other team is in possession of the ball. Within this team a further distinction can be made between the team tasks disturbing the build-up and preventing goals against (as logical counter actions of building up and scoring).

Only from a certain team function or team task do the korfball actions of individual players get meaning. At this individual level, a further distinction can be made between move-actions with, without ball contact. The concept of technique has bearing on the first category (ball contact) and says something about the level of which an individual player can execute them.  The extent to which such a player is thus able to recognize the ‘in-order-to…’ of the ball. Viewed from the logical structure of korfball, it is important not to isolate technique, but always view technique in relation to a certain team function or team task. Moreover, korfball technique is a matter of level differences, and not an all or nothing issue. Technique is relative: ‘better’ or ‘worse’.

The intentionality of korfball actions is primarily directed (that is displacing the ball into the korf. Korfball actions are always move-actions. However, they are never exclusively move-actions. As acting beings, korfball players are always in other ways, than just in a displacing way involved with their environment. These other kinds of actions support the move-actions and can be identified by the team game insight and communication. [10]

Just like technique, the term insight says something about the actions of individual korfball players. And these actions only get meaning in the context of certain team function or team task. Individual korfball players must not only be able to pass, to assist, to shoot, or to lock down in the 1 to 1, but also must be able to read korfball situations in the sense of perceiving, recognizing, interpreting, anticipating the plays, so that such move-actions are executed at the right time and in the right place. Game insight can thus be defined as the extent to which an individual player is able to perceive and recognize opportunities to perform move-actions related to a particular team function or team task, both for himself, his teammates, and the opponents. This concern, (but not exclusively) the move-actions without the ball. It especially deals with being able to perceive and recognize (including anticipating, considering, and assessing) the time-spatial relationships.

Communication[11] (in the context of korfball) is basic feature. By the law of korfball players must cooperate and so to communicate to execute the team functions and team tasks. Communication can simply be characterized as game insight at the team level. It concerns all those communicative actions that be aimed to coordinate the move-actions of the individual korfball players with each other. Players will need to get a feel for each other, understand each other and coach each other, always related to a certain function of team task. Communicative features can on the one hand be shown in the form of the way the move-actions are performed, and on the other hand, can be done in the form of certain communicative actions verbally and non-verbally.

The logical structure of korfball is independent of the level of the game is played at. However, when the level is higher, then this holds consequences for the way the various move-actions must be executed. Korfball players then are increasingly confronted with their conditionalities in the sense of upper limits. What are those conditionalities? What are the characteristics of korfball fitness? The answer cannot be found in a physiological textbook. Those textbooks are not written in action language. Only[B1]  when taking the logical structure of korfball, and thus the language of korfball actions as the starting point, can it become clear on what conditionalities a demand is placed, as the level of the game increases. This is manifested especially concerning the time-spatial relationships. The higher the level, the smaller the spaces between attacker and defender and thus the timing should be very precise. There is less time to act. Players will therefore have to perform move-actions more often, accelerate, and decelerate and they must also be able to sustain this higher intensity for the duration of the match. Concepts such as recovery capacity, explosive ability and explosive capacity can then connect to the domain of the physiology. They refer to conditionalities, particularly around strength, speed, and endurance, where in korfball matches, a high demand is placed on.

The korfball theory developed in this text has consequences for the how and what of the training activities. One uniform training method cannot logical be derived from korfball theory. However, the training activity will also have to be described in action language and its core concerns learning and practicing the same move-actions and other actions, which players are asked to execute in a match. In the form of some basic principles and general guidelines this is spelled out and explained. Within these differences in emphasis will always be possible.



[1] The problem with korfball is that even though we look at the same match, we sometimes say the same thing , but often mean something different Everything is arbitrary, because non-contextual words are used like “confidence, mental toughness, resilience, aerobic power, stamina”.

[2] These are physiological and psychological terms. They are often used in non-contextual language

[3] Football coach Verheijen: : ‘’A coach who has won 5 titles with his team is seen as the right person to teach others how to coach football. His opinion and experience are used as an integral part of the curriculum. Coaches learn to subjectively apply someone else’s subjective opinions and past experiences.”

[4]Physiotherapists see mostly the body as an instrument.

[5] Action theory does not deny that players deal with fitness and mental problems. Action theory describes these problem in contextual korfball language.

[6] Mulder, neurologist: “A Human being is not a thing. I will indicate that the motor behaviour of man can only be understood by seeing the relationship with his environment, with the tasks and problems he has to solve.”

[7]Mulder, neurologist: “When I want to cross the street it becomes clear that these are not separate physical and mental processes. It is a complex interweaving of perception- decision-making and motor processes.”

[8] Th assist should be from high to high to reach the shooter. The defenders affect the form of the function of assisting and shooting.

[9] See: The IKF Guide to Coaching Korfball

[10] Communication precedes game insight. Tactics as a mean to improve communication

[11] One of the tasks of the korfball coach ais analysing how players communicate, decisions make, and execute, with the teammates, during the match, to win the match


 [B1]

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