Handball Fundamentals: Mastering Key Skills and Strategies

Handball Fundamentals: Mastering Key Techniques

It is impossible to play handball without mastering the pass.

Passing Techniques

Types of Passes

• Front Pass: Executed by passing the ball from head height, with arms extended forward.
• Lateral Pass: The ball is passed from chest level, moving from the center outwards.
• Picado (Bounce) Pass: Thrown towards the ground so the ball bounces and reaches a teammate.
• Dejada (Drop) Pass: Involves placing the ball in the palm of the hand and passing it to a teammate.
• Suspension Pass: Executed while airborne, typically just before a jump shot.

Throwing (Lanzamiento) Techniques

There are several types of throws in handball:

Types of Throws

• Support Throw: This throw is executed with one or both feet on the ground.
• Suspension Throw: This powerful throw is performed in the air after a jump, before landing.
• Hip Throw: A throw where the hand holding the ball is placed at hip height.
• In-Flight/Drop Shot: Executed when the player receiving the ball is within the six-meter line.
• Rectified Shot: A shot often seen from the wing positions.

Dribbling and Feints

Dribbling (El Bote)

Dribbling involves controlling the ball while moving. There are two basic ways:

• High Dribble: Used by players who are far from the defense.
• Low Dribble: Used to prevent the defense from stealing the ball in situations where feints are necessary while dribbling.

Feints (Las Fintas)

Players use feints to unbalance their defense, making them think they are moving in one direction.

Player Organization and Positions

Understanding player roles is crucial for team strategy:

• Wings (Extremos): Positioned on the sidelines.
• Pivot (Pivote): Plays in the center of the attack, often engaging with the opposing team's defense.

Defensive Strategies

Types of Defense

• Individual Defense: Each defender marks an attacking player. This is often the first system taught.
• Zone Defense: This defensive system is based on each defender covering a specific area of the court.
• Mixed Defense: In this system, one player defends individually, while the other teammates defend in a zone.

Offensive Strategies

The attack aims to outwit the opponent defending you. Passing the ball to a teammate who is near you is fundamental.

Offensive Maneuvers

• Crosses: The player with the ball passes it to a teammate, who then returns the pass after crossing in front of the first player.
• Blocks: These are actions executed between two players, aiming to create an opening for one of them.
• Counter-attack: This is the most effective offensive system to score a goal. It is typically executed after stealing the ball from the attacking team.