Three-Team Three-Post Korfball

A small-sided korfball game with three coed teams and three posts set up in a triangle: each team defends its own basket and may attack either of the other two. The basic korfball rules stay in place, with no dribbling and no defended shots, and the game builds getting open and reading play.

How to play

1. Set up 3 korfball posts in a triangle about 50 ft apart. Form 3 coed teams of 6 to 8 in different colored pinnies; each defends its own post.
2. Review the rules (2 min): no dribbling or running with the ball, pass within 3 seconds, and no defended shots.
3. Warm-up keep-away (3 min): each team tries to make 10 passes in a row without dribbling in its own area while the other two teams try to intercept.
4. Game (5 min per period): the ball starts in the center of the triangle. The team with the ball may attack either opposing post. A team that gives up a basket inbounds from its own post.
5. Each basket is worth 1 point, but if the attacking team passed to both a girl and a boy before the shot, it is worth 2, which encourages everyone to take part.
6. Play 3 periods with 1 minute of rest, when each team decides which opposing post to target.

Rules

• No contact: defend the ball and the player without touching.
• You may not grab the ball out of an opponent's hands.
• Defended shots do not count: if a defender is close, facing you, with an arm up, you must pass.
• If a basket is disputed, the third team decides.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair has a 6 ft zone where they cannot be guarded and shoots at a lower basket if one is available.
• Shyness: the 2-point pass rule helps the student get the ball; they can also take the inbound pass after baskets.
• Lower skill: use a lighter ball and allow shots with a defender at arm's length.

Learning goals

• Get open to receive without dribbling or running with the ball.
• Choose which basket to attack based on where the other teams are.
• Apply the defended-shot rule and play without contact.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Korfball posts: 3
• soft balls: 2
• pinnies: 24

Teacher tip

With three teams, students often forget to defend their own post; after the first period, ask two players to stay near it. Check that the posts are stable.

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