Korfball Shoot or Pass: Reading the Defender
A korfball game in 3-on-2 situations near the post where the attacker with the ball must decide whether to shoot, because they are not defended, or pass to an open teammate. Students work on decision-making, reading the defender's distance, and the defended-shot rule.
How to play
- Place three korfball posts on the court, each with a 5 m (16 ft) circle marked with cones, and form groups of eight per post: three attackers, two defenders in pinnies, and three waiting to rotate in.
- Review the school rule: a shot is defended, and not allowed, if the defender is closer to the post than the shooter, facing them, within an arm's length, and trying to block the ball.
- Phase 1, 6 minutes: the teacher or a student gives a signal and a defender sets up at different distances from the shooter; the shooter decides and calls out "Shot!" or "Pass!" before acting.
- Phase 2, 12 minutes: live 3-on-2 in the circle with 20-second possessions. A goal after a good decision is worth 2; a defended shot is a foul and the ball goes to the defense.
- Rotate all eight every 2 possessions: waiting players come in as attackers, attackers move to defense, and defenders rest.
Rules
- No contact: defenders block with their arms, never grabbing or pushing.
- No running or dribbling with the ball; pivot on one foot.
- A defended shot is a foul and a change of possession.
Variations
Easier
Play 3-on-1 with a single defender who always starts near the post.
Standard
3-on-2 in the circle with 20-second possessions and a double-point goal after a good decision.
Harder
4-on-3 with 15-second possessions, and every teammate must get at least one pass.
Adaptations
- A student who uses a wheelchair can be a fixed shooter in a zone with no direct defender, where they only need to decide between shooting and passing.
- For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, the shooter shows the decision with a gesture: arm up for a shot, arm out for a pass.
- For less skilled students, lower the basket or allow a bank shot if the post has a backboard.
Learning goals
- Recognize when a shot is defended.
- Choose between shooting and passing based on the defender's position.
- Apply the defended-shot rule in live game situations.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Korfball posts: 3
- Balls: 3
- Pinnies: 9
- Cones: 18
Teacher tip
Many students shoot on impulse; calling out the decision forces them to look at the defender.
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