Handball: Cross or Fake Cross Read in 2v2

The center back and the left or right back practice the cross and its variation, the fake cross, by reading the defender: if the defender switches, the attacker fakes the cross and keeps going the same way. Played as 2v2 with a log of correct decisions.

How to play

1. Demonstrate the cross: the center back draws toward the side back, who cuts behind and receives on the run (4 min).
2. In pairs without defense: five crosses and five fake crosses on each side (5 min).
3. 2v2 with defenders secretly deciding whether to switch or not; attackers must read it (7 min).
4. An observer logs each decision on the sheet: correct, unclear or wrong (5 min).
5. Group discussion: which defender cues showed a switch and how to sell the fake better (4 min).

Rules

• The cross is made behind the ball carrier, never in front.
• Defense without holding or pushing; only positioning and arms.
• Each attack ends in a shot or a turnover within ten seconds.
• Rotate from attacker to defender to observer every four attacks.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: practices the cross without defense with a partner guiding by voice.
• Autism: is told in advance what will happen in each round and starts as observer.
• Lower-limb injury: acts as observer and analyzes defender cues.

Learning goals

• Perform the cross and fake cross with correct path and timing.
• Read the defender's intentions to choose the action.
• Use observation data to improve decision-making.

Equipment for a class of 25

• handballs: 8
• pinnies: 14
• cones: 12
• worksheets: 8

Teacher tip

The usual mistake is crossing too close to the defender; mark a 3 m (10 ft) lane with cones. The key to the fake cross is turning the shoulders as if to pass.

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