Rules refresher and the counter-attack

1Why this matters

In handball the easiest goals are scored in the few seconds after a team wins the ball. At that moment the other team's players are still in attacking positions, far from their own goal, and their goalkeeper may face a shooter alone. A team that turns defence into attack quickly can score several of these goals a game. This fast break is called the counter-attack.

2Rules refresher

Figure 1. The handball court. Blue shading: the goal areas. Dashed line: the 9 m free-throw line. Diagram: Ganzaa.

In attack, teams line up with two wings near the side lines, three backs (left, centre and right) around the 9 m line, and a pivot who works among the defenders on the 6 m line.

3The three waves of a counter-attack

A counter-attack is described in waves, from the fastest and most dangerous to the slowest:

1. First wave. As soon as the ball is won, the fastest players, usually the wings, sprint towards the other goal. The goalkeeper or a defender throws a long pass to them. With no defender back, the chance of scoring is very high.
2. Second wave. If the first wave is stopped, the rest of the team arrives with quick passes, aiming to outnumber the defenders who are still getting back, for example three attackers against two defenders.
3. Third wave. By now most defenders are back. The attackers use rehearsed moves, such as crossing runs between backs, before the defence is fully organised.

After the third wave the team settles into its normal positional attack.

Figure 2. First wave. Red wins the ball; the goalkeeper throws long (dashed arrow) to a sprinting wing, while blue players race back. Diagram: Ganzaa.

4What makes a counter-attack work

• Speed of the switch. The wings start running the moment the goalkeeper saves or a defender intercepts, not after.
• A good first pass. Long, flat and ahead of the runner, so she can catch it without stopping.
• Width. Runners spread across the court, so one defender cannot cover two of them.
• A calm finish. Running in alone, take the ball towards the 6 m line and shoot, or jump in the air and shoot before landing, watching the goalkeeper's position.

Worked example

Umutoni, the goalkeeper, catches a shot. Her right wing, Keza, is already sprinting. Two opponents are near the halfway line; the others are still near Umutoni's goal area.

Decision. Umutoni throws long, immediately, into the space ahead of Keza. Keza catches in stride, takes her three steps, and shoots with only the goalkeeper to beat. Waiting even two seconds would let the defenders get back.

5Counter-attack drills with little equipment

• Two against one to goal. A goalkeeper throws to one of two runners; one defender starts on the halfway line. The attackers must shoot within five passes.
• Waves. Three lines at one end. On the whistle, three players run the length of the court passing, shoot, and then become defenders for the next three.
• Long-pass targets. Mark a 2 m square with cones or stones near the far 9 m line. Goalkeepers throw to a partner running into the square.

Safety. Keep the run-off areas beyond the side and goal lines clear of benches and bags, because counter-attackers arrive at full speed. Contact from behind on a player who is running in on a counter-attack is dangerous and is punished severely, often with a red card.

Practice

Solution. Travelling. Only three steps are allowed while holding the ball. The ball goes to the opponents as a free throw.

Solution. They are often the fastest players, and in defence they stand wide and furthest forward, so they have the shortest reaction and a clear running lane.

Solution. Second wave. Pass quickly to keep the extra attacker free, and shoot from close range before the other defenders arrive.

Solution. A 7-metre throw for the attacking team, and a severe punishment for the defender: contact from behind on a counter-attack is often a red card.