Handball: The 5-1 Front Defender Cuts Passing Lanes

A defensive task focused on the front defender in the 5-1 defense: harass the center back, cut passes between back-court players and force steals. The five defenders on the 6 m line adjust to the front defender's work.

How to play

1. Explain the front defender's job: stand at 9–10 m, between the center back and the back with the ball, and close the passing lane (4 min).
2. 3v1 around 9 m: three back-court attackers pass and the front defender tries to intercept; switch every 45 seconds (6 min).
3. Add the five defenders on the 6 m line, who shift to cover the space left by the front defender (6 min).
4. Live 6v6: count steals and passes the front defender forces backward (6 min).
5. Each front defender reviews their steal sheet with the group and shares which position worked best (3 min).

Rules

• The front defender steals the ball on the pass, never by hitting the arm.
• No jersey grabbing or pushing from behind.
• A front defender turn lasts 45 seconds to avoid exhaustion.
• Every student takes a turn as front defender.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays front defender in a small cone-marked area against a single passer.
• Visual impairment: uses a ball with a bell and works in the 3v1 with ground passes.
• Asthma or low fitness: 30-second turns and active rest as scorekeeper.

Learning goals

• Anticipate the pass trajectory to intercept it.
• Understand how the front defender and the line of five work together.
• Defend with intensity while following contact rules.

Equipment for a class of 25

• handballs: 6
• pinnies: 14
• cones: 10
• worksheets: 6

Teacher tip

Pick fast, bold students as the first front defenders so others can see the model. If the attack gets stuck, point out that bounce passes often beat the front defender.

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