Team Handball: 7-on-6 Attack with an Empty Net
A team handball drill where the attacking team pulls its goalkeeper for an extra court player to attack 7-on-6, with the risk of the other team scoring into an empty net. Students work on attacking with an extra player, ball movement, and deciding when to take a risk.
How to play
- Teams of 7 in pinnies, with one special-color pinnie for the extra player; one goal has a goalkeeper and the other is empty (2 min).
- Explain (2 min): the extra player enters through the substitution zone wearing the special pinnie; with seven, every spot is filled and one attacker will be open somewhere.
- 7-on-6 attack (2 x 7 min): the offense has 40 seconds, and a goal is 2 points. If the defense steals, it may shoot at the empty net from its own half for 2 points. After each attack, the extra player goes back out.
- Switch roles every 7 minutes; a timekeeper from the spare team counts down the last 10 seconds.
- Debrief (3 min): on which side did the open player show up, and how many empty-net goals were scored?
Rules
- The extra player may only enter and leave through the substitution zone.
- Nobody may step into the empty goal's area; shots are taken from outside it.
- Defenders may not push or hold a player in a jump shot.
Variations
Easier
6-on-5 attack with no empty-net risk.
Standard
7-on-6 with the empty-net risk.
Harder
The offense decides when to bring on the extra player and must pull him or her the moment it loses the ball.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: serves as timekeeper or as the extra player at the circle, with little movement.
- Autism: is shown with cones the exact spot he or she will take in the 7-on-6.
- Lower fitness: defends in the middle of the defense, the spot that moves least.
Learning goals
- Attack with an extra player by finding the open teammate.
- Weigh the risk of leaving the net empty.
- Defend while outnumbered by closing the middle.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Team handballs: 4
- Goals: 2
- Pinnies: 15
- Cones: 10
- Whistle: 1
- Stopwatch: 1
Teacher tip
Attackers tend to run with the ball instead of passing: stress that the ball travels faster than any player. Make sure the extra player's substitution is orderly to avoid collisions on the sideline.
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