New handball series in English!
First of all I would like to welcome you on the series of articles about the things related with theory of handball. I strongly believe that theory is nothing without practice so I will try to mix that with real world examples and exercises.
There are numbers of books and publications which I do not want to compete with. This series will not be a complete course, but few useful information and starting point to further exploration. Handball is not a game with a finite number of possibilities. It is changing like any other sport. Articles from 90’s do not have to be actual for todays handball. Please, think about that and always try to find your own way to train and play matches. Then handball is the most beautiful. Then handball is an art.
I decided to choose English just to be sure the articles will reach the bigger group of handball passionate. Feel free to translate that.
Left & Right Backcourt Players
Characteristics
Few things to explain. When I write the characteristics, I focus on the average/median players and actual trends. I will talk about the skills I think that are the most important. When I say that it is good to have side backcourt player with a good jump shot it does not mean that smart 170 cm player will not handle to play on that position. If you have that idea, check that – maybe it will be the best for your tactic and players. As I said try to find your way. It is just small introduction.
Attack
Side back player will be the tall player with the best 9-meter jump-shot. That skill will be used to create a danger from distance and cause the defender to come out. That will lead to create space for 1st line players (wingers, pivot). That is important for side backcourt player to have also different kind of shots in repertoire (like fast shot from the run). We always want that kind of player to be able to play 1 vs 1. When defender try to eliminate distance shot, backcourt player should try also to play 1 vs 1 and try to win position and space. It is very important especially when the side player switch to center and play perpendicular to defense. In general left and right backcourt player should always play perpendicular to defense area. We should care about that especially on the sides where many players have tendency to play perpendicular to the end-line of the court not to the defense zone. It is also worth to consider if your backcourt players will play more by crossing (changing positions) – which is the feature of ‘Spanish’ strategy or by attacking more 1 vs 1 in their areas – feature of ‘Scandinavian’ and ‘German’ strategy. That will determine required skills and tasks for players.
Defense
When it comes to defense left and right backcourt players should be able to play at least as 2nd defender. The trend is there is less and less left and right backcourt players who do not play in defense. If they have skills to play in the center – even better. It make easier for the coach to complete defense – making small amount of changes. Additionally, having backcourt players in defense let your team to make 2nd wave fastbreaks with complete team. Crucial skill will be defending 1 vs 1. At the side of the court when there is no pivot the area will be attacked with many 1 vs 1 attacks. The ability to defend the area will be main responsibility of 2nd defender. It does not mean that opponent need to be stopped inside 2-3 meters area. It means that defender should not lose position in that place. If defender catch opponent and hold him to another space (where we have another defenders) it is also fine. Another skills would be speed in movement and anticipation. That is useful because 2nd defender play more often by balancing between (around) 6-10 meter depending on where the ball is.
Players to observe: Mikkel Hansen, Dika Mem.
Some basic excercises
Shot
Shooting from outer area
LB (RB) attack to 9 m and move back.
Defender run to bollard.
Ball goes to playmaker (2) -> back player (3) -> playmaker (2).
Playmaker (2) pass the ball to back player who shot from side area.
Defender try to intercept the ball.
Shot from inner area.
LB (RB) attack between bollards and pass to wing player.
Go back avoiding the bollard. Get the pass from wing player and make the shot.
Defence
Playmaker try to pass to back player who try to find free space.
Defender moving up and down eliminating the pass.
Back player (attack) try to find space between bollards.
Defender try to block area without using hands.
After few attempt – pass to playmaker.
Defender run and block playmaker who shot from distance.
Back (attack) player goes back avoiding the bollard.
Back (attack) player get the ball from wing player and play 1 vs 1 with the defender.
Defender try to secure the area between bollards.
Decision making
Back player attack and move to the cener of the court.
Take the ball from wing player and decide to play 1 vs 1 (if the defender is higher) or make the shot (jump or running) depends on defender behaviour.
Player change the position, get the ball from back player from other side and then decide to shot or pass to wing player.