Handball

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, handball became one of the game's most important skills. Players were generally told never to handball in the backline and only to handball to get themselves out of trouble. In today's modern game, handball is a major attacking weapon as players run the ball from defence into attack. It is a skill that needs to be practised regularly and by watching great handball exponents such as Michael Voss you can improve your game.

When a player handballs, he must hold the ball in the palm of one hand and strike with the clenched fist of his other hand. The ball cannot be struck with an open hand nor may it be thrown in the air and hit with a fist.

Throwing the ball is also illegal. If the ball is not handballed correctly a free kick is awarded to the nearest opponent.

The days of a player using handball only when he was tackled or was hard-pressed have gone. The quick-fire handball has now become the greatest attacking weapon in any side's armory.

Main Teaching Points

1. The ball must be gripped firmly with the platform hand and hit with a clenched fist.
Players should have their eyes on the ball.
2. The punching fist is formed by placing the thumb outside, not inside the fingers.
3. The stance is nearly side on to allow the punching arm to swing through freely.
Knees should be slightly bent to maintain balance.
For a right-handed handball, the left foot is forward, and vice versa for a left-handed handball.
Punching arm also slightly bent.
After contact is made with the ball, the fist remains on the platform hand - "catch the fist".

Uses of Handball

Floater
The floater is used in a game when a quick handball is required. It can be set up in the hands quickly.

Rocket
The rocket is ideal for long and accurate handpasses, and is easiest to catch in the hands.

Overspin
The overspin is used to place the ball out in front of a teammate so that it runs along the ground.

General Coaching Hints

For Beginners
Concentrate on the basics only and punch the ball where it is most comfortable (usually under the crossroads of the seam). Beginners should also watch the ball.

For Advanced
More expert players should look at the target while handballing and should progress to using the 'rocket' and 'overspin' handballs. They should become competent with both left and right hands.

Types of Handball

Floater
The ball is hit at the crossroads, i.e. where the seams cross at the back of the ball. Once hit, the ball floats with no particular spin.

Rocket
The ball is hit just above the crossroads. Note that the ball is set up at an upwards angle in the platform hand. The ball will spin like a drop punt - backwards end over end.

Overspin
The ball is hit upwards just below the crossroads. The ball will spin forward - end over end. The ball should be held closer to the ground and the player does not always have to "catch the fist".

Tip: At first, practise should be over short distances. Emphasise that for a right-handed handball, the left leg must be forward. When receiving the handball - fingers pointed towards the ball, thumbs behind the ball and focus on the seam.

Fixing Faults

Common faults in beginners include:

• Throwing the ball up off the platform hand before punching it.
• Dropping the platform hand away on impact.
• Punching the ball with the wrist area.
• Punching arm is too stiff and rigid - relax!

One method to keep the platform hand from leaving the ball is to have the coach hold the platform hand until the ball is hit from it.

The same effect can be achieved by resting the player’s platform hand on a partner’s back.

Another technique, "Catch your fist", is also useful. The player should grab his punching fist with his platform hand after hitting the ball. This stops you throwing the ball up and ensures you punch directly to your target and not across your body.

Tip: By setting up a simple handball target you can improve your accuracy. Try drawing a circled area on a brick wall (using chalk), starting with a small circle for a bullseye and moving out to larger circles.

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