How do you play korfball?
Pitch
The game is played on a rectangular pitch split into two square halves. Each half is known as a division. Korfball is played both indoors and outdoors, with standard indoor pitches being 20m x 40m and outdoor pitches 30m x 60m. Each division has a post which is set in one third from the back line. It is one of the few sports where you can score from behind the basket ("korf"). The korf is 3.5m from the ground and there is no backboard.Teams
A korfball team is made up from 8 players, four boys and four girls. The team is split into two divisions comprised of two boys and two girls. At the start of the game, each team designates one of its divisions as attackers and the other as defenders. After two goals are scored the roles swap with attackers becoming defenders and vice versa, they also swap halves. It is usual to have two substitute players in the team.Moving
No player can run with the ball. If a player has possession of the ball while moving, they are allowed two steps before having to come to a stop or pass it off to someone else. A player can pivot on one foot, even after one step.Attacking
The aim of the attackers is to gain sufficient space from their defender to shoot the ball through their korf. An attacking player can shoot from anywhere in their own half as long as they aren't defended. All goals are worth one point, whether shot from the halfway line or 1m away.Defending
The aim of the defenders is to stop the attackers scoring a goal, re-gain possession of the ball and get it back into their attackers division. An attacker is 'defended' when the defender is satisfying three conditions:- Closer to the korf than the attacker and is facing his/her opponent
- Within arm's length of the attacker
- Actively attempting to block the ball.
Restarts, free passes and penalties
When a rule is broken a restart is usually awarded, which is taken from the point of offence, much like a free kick in football. If a major offence is committed against the attack, such as contact, a free pass is awarded 2.5m in front of the post. No other player may be within 2.5m of the player taking the free pass. The free pass taker cannot take a direct shot at the korf.A penalty is awarded when an attacker is denied the opportunity of scoring a goal through an offence committed by the defence. A classic example might be a defender contacting an attacker whilst they are shooting. A penalty shot is taken directly from 2.5m in front of the post. No other players can be within 2.5m of the post or the penalty taker. No one can come into that distance until the ball has left the taker's hands.