Top KORF Teams and Players to Watch in 2025

How to Play KORF — Rules, Positions, and StrategiesKorfball (often written KORF in shorthand) is a mixed-gender team sport that combines elements of basketball, netball, and goalball. It emphasizes cooperation, spatial awareness, and balanced participation between male and female players. This article explains the rules, player positions and responsibilities, basic and advanced strategies, training tips, and how to get started playing korfball.

What is korfball?

Korfball is played by two teams of eight players each: four men and four women. The objective is to score by throwing a ball through a korf — a cylindrical basket mounted on a pole, 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) above the ground. Play is non-contact, and players cannot dribble; instead, they pass and move to create scoring opportunities. The sport values teamwork and equal involvement of both genders.

Court, equipment, and basic setup

• Court dimensions: A standard indoor korfball court is 20 m × 40 m. Outdoor courts may vary but follow similar proportions.
• The korf: Two korfs are placed at opposite ends of the court, centered on the goal line and 3.5 m high.
• Ball: A size 5 ball (similar to a soccer ball in size) is typically used for adults; the ball must be easily gripped for passing and shooting.
• Teams: 8 players (4 men, 4 women) per team on court; substitutions are allowed during stoppages.
• Game length: A typical match has two halves of 25 minutes each for adult competitions, but youth or recreational games may use different timings.

Basic rules

• Scoring: A goal is scored when the ball is thrown through the korf from above. A goal counts as one point.
• Possession and passing: Players may take up to three steps while holding the ball and may pivot but cannot dribble. They must pass to maintain possession.
• Defending: Defenders must mark players of the same gender (men mark men, women mark women). Marking is usually tight but must remain non-contact.
• Shooting: Shooting is allowed from any position but must be done without stepping into the defender’s protected space or committing an offensive foul.
• Offside/zone rules: The court is divided into two zones — attack and defense. Each team has two men and two women in each zone during play. After every two goals, teams switch zones (attack/defense roles rotate). Players may only score when they are in the attacking zone.
• Contact and fouls: Physical contact is restricted. Blocking, tackling, or striking an opponent is penalized. If a foul occurs, possession may be returned or a free pass awarded.
• Free pass: Awarded for minor infringements; the player takes an unopposed pass from the spot of the foul.
• Penalty shot: For more serious fouls that prevent a clear scoring opportunity, the offended team may be awarded a penalty shot from close range.
• Substitutions: Made during stoppages with the referee’s permission.

Player positions and responsibilities

Korfball has no fixed positional names like “point guard” or “striker” in other sports, but roles and responsibilities fall into attacking and defending zones.

• Attackers (in the attacking zone): Two men and two women whose main tasks are

  • Creating space and passing options
  • Setting screens (without contact) to free teammates
  • Shooting and following up rebounds
  • Maintaining ball circulation to draw defenders and open gaps

• Defenders (in the defending zone): Two men and two women focused on

  • Marking opposing players of the same gender
  • Blocking shots and intercepting passes
  • Communicating to switch marks when necessary
  • Forcing attackers into less favorable shooting positions

• Roaming/transition roles: When the play switches zones, players must adapt quickly. Players who are strong at both offense and defense often become playmakers during transitions.

Basic tactics and team structure

• Passing game: Short, sharp passes reduce the chance of interceptions. Use lead passes to move the ball ahead of a teammate and create momentum.
• Position rotation: Continuous movement and rotation within the attacking zone can confuse defenders and create temporary advantages.
• Give-and-go: A simple but effective play where a player passes and immediately moves to receive a return pass in a better shooting position.
• Creating space: Use angled runs and screens to separate defenders from attackers. Because contact is limited, visual deception and timing are vital.
• Balanced gender pairing: Since marking is by gender, strong gender-balanced pairings can isolate weaker defenders and create mismatches.

Advanced strategies

• Zone offense vs. man-to-man: Teams can deploy plays that exploit static defenders by moving the ball quickly to one side and then switching to the other, forcing defenders to overcommit.
• Cross-court switching: Quick cross-court passes and switches of position can open up the center for high-percentage shots.
• Pick-and-roll variants: Though direct contact is not allowed, legal obstructions and tactical positioning can simulate picks to free a shooter.
• Fast breaks: When turning over possession, move quickly into the attacking zone before defenders reorganize. Quick outlet passes and fast wing entries are key.
• Defensive traps: Coordinate two defenders to pressure the ball-carrier and force hurried passes or mistakes, while ensuring marking responsibilities remain covered.

Set plays and examples

• Wing isolation: Isolate a skilled shooter on the wing with supportive passing lanes; use off-ball movement to clear space.
• Center feed: Work the ball into the center near the korf for high-percentage shots or quick lay-ins (rebound follow-ups).
• Overload: Temporarily overload one side of the court to create a numerical advantage, then switch the ball quickly to the opposite side for an open shot.

Training drills

• Passing under pressure: Small-sided drills where players must complete a set number of passes against defenders.
• Shooting circuits: Repetition from different angles and distances, including catch-and-shoot and moving-shot scenarios.
• 2v2 zone drills: Practice attacks and defenses within the attacking/defending zones to improve rotations and marking.
• Transition sprints: Simulate turnovers and practice fast-break finishing with emphasis on quick decision-making.

Fouls, penalties, and officiating

• Common fouls: Holding, pushing, hitting the ball out of an opponent’s hands, charging into a player.
• Referees: Typically two referees oversee the match, calling fouls, managing substitutions, and enforcing zone switch rules.
• Penalties: Depending on severity, referees may award free passes, penalty shots, or even time suspensions for repeated violent conduct.

Getting involved and where to play

• Local clubs: Many countries have korfball federations and clubs offering training for all levels.
• Schools and universities: Korfball is popular in some school and collegiate competitions; join or form a team.
• Social games: Recreational korfball is a great way to learn the basics in a friendly environment.

Final tips for players and coaches

• Communication: Constant verbal and visual cues between teammates improve marking and passing choices.
• Fitness and agility: Short bursts and quick changes of direction are more valuable than long-distance endurance.
• Practice mixed play: Since korfball depends on equal gender participation, practice mixed drills and roles frequently.
• Observe and adapt: Study stronger teams’ movement patterns and adapt their best practices to your squad.

Korfball rewards teamwork, spatial awareness, and disciplined execution. Whether you’re starting a club, coaching beginners, or refining competitive tactics, focus on movement, passing accuracy, and smart marking to build a successful korfball team.