Korfball Officiating: Calling the Defended Shot
Students learn to call the defended shot, korfball's signature decision, first in frozen scenarios and then in coed 4v4 one-post games. It builds officiating judgment and getting open for a shot.
How to play
- Explain the four conditions for a defended shot: the defender is closer to the post than the attacker, facing them, within arm's length and trying to block the ball. If all are met, the shot doesn't count and the ball goes to the other team (3 min).
- Frozen scenarios: attacker and defender move and freeze on the signal; a referee calls 'defended' or 'free' with the arm signal. The teacher confirms and roles rotate every 30 seconds (5 min).
- Two half courts with a post; each has two coed teams of 4, a referee and two observers who mark whether each call was right (2 min).
- Three 4-minute rounds; each basket is worth one point (12 min).
- After each round, the referee and observers rotate with incoming players (included in the time above).
- Wrap-up: observers report each referee's accuracy and the class reviews the toughest call (3 min).
Rules
- No dribbling or running with the ball; pass or shoot.
- Defend only one player of the same gender, one-on-one.
- The referee whistles and extends an arm toward the defender when the shot is defended.
- Safety: no slapping the ball out of hands, pushing or hanging on the post.
Variations
Easier
Only two conditions for a defended shot (closer to the post and within arm's length).
Standard
All four conditions, observers and a coed 4v4 game.
Harder
Play with two zones and switch roles every two baskets.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: referees or observes; in play, may shoot unguarded from a fixed spot.
- Deaf or hard of hearing: the referee pairs the whistle with the signal and a raised pinnie.
- Advanced players: as attackers, may only shoot after a pass fake or a breakaway cut.
Learning goals
- Identify when a shot is defended using its four conditions.
- Signal the call with the correct referee signal.
- Get open to create free shooting positions.
Equipment for a class of 25
- korfball posts: 2
- balls: 2
- pinnies: 16
- whistles: 2
- observation checklists: 8
Teacher tip
The frozen scenarios are the most valuable part: don't cut them short. If you have no korfball posts, a low hoop with no backboard works.
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