Korfball Defending and Rebounding at the Post
Small-sided 2-on-2 korfball situations around the post where students practice defending without contact, recognizing a defended shot, and winning rebounding position. It builds positioning between attacker and basket, anticipation, and communication with a partner.
How to play
- Form groups of 8 per post: two pairs play, and two pairs wait behind a line of cones 6 yards away and rotate in.
- Demonstration (2 min): the defender stands between the attacker and the post, an arm's length away, facing them with one hand up; that makes the shot defended.
- 1 on 1 (5 min): the attacker tries to get open to catch and shoot; if the defender holds position for 5 seconds, they win the point.
- Rebounding (4 min): after each shot, the defender turns and puts their back to the attacker to win the spot under the basket, without pushing.
- 2 on 2 (7 min): 20-second possessions; defenders score for each defended shot or rebound won, attackers for each basket; a new pair rotates in after every possession.
- Wrap-up (2 min): each pair shares the signal they used to call switches.
Rules
- No contact, grabbing, or pushing.
- A shot with the defender an arm's length away, facing the shooter with a hand up, does not count.
- No dribbling or running with the ball.
- Safety: win rebounding position by positioning, never by crashing in on the run.
Variations
Easier
Give the attacker 30 seconds and don't let the defender raise a hand.
Standard
20-second 2-on-2 possessions with the defended-shot rule and a rebound battle.
Harder
Add a floater who plays with the offense and forces defensive switches.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student defends inside a marked area by the post and their attacker may only shoot from outside it.
- Hearing impairment: signal rotations by raising a cone and let pairs agree on gestures.
- Lower fitness: use 15-second possessions and longer rests between turns.
Learning goals
- Position between the attacker and the basket while following the no-contact rule.
- Recognize when a shot is defended.
- Win rebounding position through good positioning.
Equipment for a class of 25
- korfball posts: 3
- balls: 3
- pinnies: 12
- cones: 15
Teacher tip
Many students think defending means touching; praise every clean stop out loud. Keep waiting pairs behind the cone line so they stay out of the post area.
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