Team Handball 1v1 Defense: Take Away the Throwing Arm
One-on-one duels where the defender learns to shade slightly toward the attacker's throwing arm to force them to their weak side. Students work on the basic defensive stance, lateral shuffling and defending without fouling.
How to play
- Setup (2 min): on each half court, three 5-m-wide lanes marked with cones in front of the goal, with one pair per lane and another pair waiting; a goalie in each goal.
- Basic stance (2 min): the defender, knees bent and arms up, shades half a body toward the attacker's throwing arm; the teacher shows the stance against a right-hander and a left-hander.
- Shuffling without the ball (3 min): the attacker moves around the lane and the defender follows with lateral steps, without crossing their feet.
- 1v1 with the ball (5 min): the attacker starts at 9 m and tries to shoot within 5 seconds; a shot with the strong arm is worth 2 points, a goal after being forced to the weak side is worth 1, and no shot is 1 point for the defender.
- Rotation: switch roles after every duel; every four duels the waiting pair comes in.
- Wrap-up (4 min): 2v2 in a double lane, aiming for the same defensive position.
Rules
- The defender only plays the ball or steps in front; no hitting the shooter's arm.
- Always shoot at the goal, never at the defender.
- Each pair stays in its own lane to avoid collisions.
- Switch goalies every 4 minutes.
Variations
Easier
The attacker walks and the defender only shadows without stealing.
Standard
A 5-second 1v1 with points based on the throwing arm.
Harder
The attacker may dribble and fake, and the lane widens to 7 m.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: plays goalie or attacks with limited movement and shoots from a standstill.
- Autism or shyness: pair with a trusted partner and keep the same partner throughout.
- Lower skill level: narrow the lane to 3 m so defending is easier.
Learning goals
- Take a basic defensive stance shaded toward the throwing arm.
- Shuffle sideways without crossing the feet.
- Defend without fouling and with respect for the attacker.
Equipment for a class of 25
- team handball: 6
- goals: 2
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
Remind defenders to ask the attacker if they're right- or left-handed before each duel. The usual mistake is standing straight in front: mark a line on the floor so students see the shift.
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