Team Handball: Chain Penetrations 3-on-3 on One Side
An attack on one side of the court with a wing, a back and a center back against three defenders on the 6-meter line: each attacker drives toward goal, draws their defender and passes to the next, who repeats the action. Students work on chain penetrations, drawing defenders and passing on the move.
How to play
- Setup (2 min): on each half court, the attacking side marked off with cones in the middle, a goalie and groups of 6: three attackers and three defenders on the 6-meter line.
- Unopposed (3 min): the center back drives into the gap and passes to the back, who drives and passes to the wing, who shoots; then reverse it, from wing to center back.
- Passive defense (4 min): defenders step out to the ball carrier without stealing; the attacker must pass just as their defender steps out, never before.
- Live 3-on-3 (5 min): the offense has 20 seconds to shoot; a goal after at least two penetrations is 2 points, any other goal is 1 point, a steal or save is 1 point for the defense.
- Rotation: every three attacks, switch roles and rotate positions; halfway through, attack the other side.
- Wrap-up (6 min): 4-on-4 with a pivot, who gets the ball if two defenders step out on the ball carrier at once.
Rules
- Attackers drive straight at the goal, not parallel to the line.
- Defenders step out with body and arms; no grabbing or pushing.
- No attacker steps into the 6-meter area without the ball.
- If two players collide, stop the play and restart.
Variations
Easier
Play 3-on-2 and defenders may only step out without stealing.
Standard
3-on-3 on one side with 20 seconds and points for two penetrations.
Harder
The defense may help and the offense has only 12 seconds.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: plays center back in a fixed zone who starts the chain with a pass, or plays goalie.
- Hearing impairment: the offense agrees on a visual signal to start the chain.
- Lower skill level: allow one dribble before each pass and have the defender step out less aggressively.
Learning goals
- Drive toward goal to draw the defender.
- Pass at the exact moment the defender steps out.
- Link team actions until a clear shot opens up.
Equipment for a class of 25
- team handball: 6
- goals: 2
- cones: 10
- pinnies: 12
Teacher tip
The most common mistake is driving sideways without threatening the goal: mark the gap with cones. Freeze the play to show the exact moment to pass.
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