Team Handball: 5+1 Defense on the Top Shooter

A 6v6 team handball game where five defenders line up along the goal area and the sixth closely guards the other team's best shooter. Students work on combination defense, anticipation, and how to attack when a key player is shut down.

How to play

1. Teams of 6 plus a goalkeeper; each team secretly picks its top shooter, who wears a different pinnie (2 min).
2. Set-up (3 min): five defenders form a line at 6 m (about 20 ft) and shift toward the ball; the sixth stays on the shooter and steps between him or her and the ball.
3. Game (2 x 6 min): a goal by the marked shooter is worth 3 points and everyone else's 1; if the marker keeps the shooter from receiving for a whole attack, the defense earns 1 point.
4. Switch markers and shooters each half; the spare team comes on.
5. Debrief (3 min): what did the offense do to free the shooter, and what gap did the five-player line leave?

Rules

• The marker may only get in the way; holding or pushing gives a 7-meter throw.
• No defender may step into the goal area.
• When blocking a shot, arms go up and stay still, with no swiping.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays a central spot in the five-player line, which moves little.
• Hearing impairment: you start the marking by raising your arm.
• Lower fitness: does not play the marker, the position that runs the most.

Learning goals

• Use a combination defense with man-to-man marking and a zone line.
• Deny the shooter the ball by stepping into the passing lane.
• Find attacking solutions when a player is closely marked.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Team handballs: 3
• Goals: 2
• Pinnies: 14
• Cones: 10
• Whistle: 1

Teacher tip

Pick shooters who really are threats so the defense makes sense. Rotate the marker every 3 minutes, since it is exhausting.

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