Team Handball: Switching from 3-3 to 6-0 Defense

A 6-on-6 game with goalkeepers where the defense switches between an open 3-3 and a flat 6-0 on its captain's call. Students practice reading the opposing offense, coordinated defensive slides and communication.

How to play

1. Make teams of 6 plus a goalkeeper; extras wait as subs. On the whiteboard, show the 3-3 (three on the 6 m line, three up at 9 m) and the 6-0 (all six along 6 m) (4 min).
2. Place cones on the 9 m (30 ft) line as a reference for the higher defenders.
3. Phase 1: the offense moves the ball and the defense switches systems every time you blow the whistle; two turns per team (6 min).
4. Phase 2: full game; the defensive captain shouts "three" or "six" based on how the other team attacks (10 min).
5. A goal from beyond 9 m against the 6-0 is worth 2; others, 1. Subs enter through the substitution area.
6. Wrap-up: each team explains when each defense worked (4 min).

Rules

• Only the goalkeeper enters the 6 m (20 ft) goal area.
• Defend with your torso and bent arms; no grabbing or pushing.
• Only the captain calls the switch, loud enough for the whole court.
• In phase 1, shots stay below the goalkeeper's shoulders.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: act as defensive captain from the sideline or play goalkeeper with a foam ball.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: the captain holds up three or six fingers with the call.
• Lower fitness: defend in the 6-0, which involves less running, and rest during subs.

Learning goals

• Adapt the defensive system to the offense.
• Coordinate defensive slides with teammates.
• Make and communicate tactical calls as captain.

Equipment for a class of 25

• team handballs: 4
• goals: 2
• pinnies: 14
• cones: 8
• whiteboard: 1

Teacher tip

In the 3-3 the high defenders tend to stand still: have them step out on the ball and drop back. Use the right ball size to protect the goalkeeper.

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