Korfball made simple 7e edition 2015

translation by Johan Oosterling

Introduction

Korfball as a top level sport is a dynamic sport, in a regular competition, a match is characterised by a lot of variation of complex interactions between players (fellow players and opponents) and actions in which the ball and korf are the core equipment used (These are the undeniable means of playing korfball). With these interactions and actions, game intentions are realised, by way of the players:

In attacking team functions: (S) Scoring; (B) Building up to score, this involves moving to get free and passing to score and staying in possession of the ball after a shot.

In defending team functions, the logical counterpart of attacking : (P), Preventing scoring, this is hindering, interfering the game of the attackers, forcing mistakes from attackers, preventing shots and gaining possession of the ball by intercepting.

In order to teach Korfball, it is necessary that players recognise, understand and then learn to execute the game's intentions, the basic play patterns and the associated core actions of teamwork and counterplaying.

In this book we will give an insight in how with the help of games and simple exercise material, korfball can be learned by beginners. This learning can be done in formal sessions (led by a coach) but also in more 'informal settings' such as on the street or on playing fields (without a coach).

 

Experiencing precedes making explicit

 

In an informal environment, children learn by experimenting with the actions associated with korfball. Children learn independently or autonomously with chosen games based on korfball.

When children play korfball and practice on their own initiative, there will most likely be intrinsic motivation. They play because they like to play!

The informal learning environment offers space for experimenting which often comes with surprising learning results compared to the results of the consciously chosen exercises during organised training with the direction of a coach.

It is very important that clubs and schools make korfball equipment available on accessible fields and, for example, in playgrounds or parks in residential areas.

 

The IKF and KNKV are experimenting with 'new' korfball game forms. Many of these korfball game forms are briefly described in this edition.

These new korfball game forms provide players with the addition or omission of (game) rules the opportunity to develop their korfball actions.

In these korfball games, actions are given their effective and efficient form. If korfball actions are to be practiced, a korfball learning environment is needed. A korfball learning environment is characterised by the fact that korfball intentions are realised by communicative actions around a korfball post. The basic exercises always consist of the core actions such as shooting, passing, catching and running, (communication by teamwork). In korfball passing is: Playing the ball to a teammate into a free position, catching the ball is receiving the ball to shoot or to rebound the shot and thus remaining in possession after a missed shot.

The specific communication actions are at the heart of korfball and therefore it must be continuously played and practiced in a recognisable korfball learning environment.

 

The organisation of the exercises focuses on the game intentions of korfball. By game intentions we mean Scoring, Building up to score, Preventing scoring and intentions derived from this. The game intentions will return in themes as training intentions. The order of the themes is deliberately chosen. In this way, the learning path of korfball becomes to improve the level of the players through experience. There is a real focus on the quality of exercise material instead of quantity.

 

If the coach can’t think of enough variations in his/ her chosen exercises then there is only one good solution: 'Just play a game'.