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WHAT IS KORFBALL?
Korfball is a dynamic mixed team sport, originally from Holland. It has been described as a mixture of Handball, Netball & Basketball. The pitch is divided into 2 halves with a basket (korf) in each division- the idea being to score as many goals as you can! It's great fun and very easy to pick up. It's mainly played inside in winter, when there are league matches, but also outside in summer, with all-day fun tournaments. Being mixed, korfball is a very friendly sport, great for anyone looking to meet new people, and is also ideal for couples looking to do an activity together.
Korfball is played by two teams of 8 (4 men, 4 women) on a rectangular pitch 40m by 20m, divided into two halves. There is a goalpost in each half with the basket at the top at the top of the 3.5m pole (1.5ft higher than a netball post) and no backboard. The ball is similar to a football. The two zones, defence and attack, are occupied by two men and two women from each team.
Action consists almost entirely of passing the ball by hand from person to person. There is no running or dribbling with the ball, although the rules on footwork are not as strict as netball (which many netball players find a relief when they take up korfball!). Attackers try to lose their defenders in order to create a shooting chance, because they are not allowed to shoot if the defender is within arms' length and nearer to the post. Players may only mark a player of the same sex. Apart from playing within one half of the field there are no set positions and players need to have all round skills since whenever two goals are scored in the match the players change zones (ie those who were attacking now become defenders and vice versa).
Many people particularly enjoy that aspect of the game, because they are not stuck in the same playing position for the whole match.
Sounds interesting? Then come along!
Watch some korfball action on video (opens in new window)
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