Handball: Pivot Receives Back to Goal and Turns

Specific tasks for the pivot (line player): win position between two defenders, receive with the back to the goal and turn toward the open side to shoot. Groups of four rotate roles, then the skill is used in a 3v3 in the central area.

How to play

1. Explain the pivot stance: legs wide, arms showing the passing lane and back sealing the defender (3 min).
2. Groups of four: one passer, one pivot and two passive defenders; the pivot moves between them and calls for the ball with the free hand (6 min).
3. The pivot receives, feels the defender with the back and turns away from the contact to shoot (6 min).
4. Defenders go semi-active and may only touch the ball, not the pivot (5 min).
5. 3v3 in the central strip: a pivot goal counts double; rotate roles every two attacks (5 min).

Rules

• Contact is allowed with the torso only; no holding, pushing with the hands or hitting arms.
• If the pivot receives and cannot turn, pass back within three seconds.
• Everyone plays pivot, passer and defender.
• Shots are always taken outside the 6 m area.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: is the fixed passer and calls out which side the pivot should turn to.
• Hearing impairment: the pivot calls for the ball with an open hand and the passer answers with an agreed gesture.
• Students who avoid contact: start as passers and step in as pivot when they feel ready.

Learning goals

• Take and hold a useful pivot position between defenders.
• Choose the turning side based on the defender's contact.
• Follow contact rules and look after teammates' safety.

Equipment for a class of 25

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

Teacher tip

Group students of similar size and weight for back-to-body work. Remind them that torso contact is legal, but a defender's hands may not push.

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