European Handball- A Variation of Ultimate Frisbee

Equipment: 2 tennis balls, cones, pennies, 2 blue mats.

Safety:  Proper clothing and footwear (not baggy, clean shoes, shoes tied, no jewelry). Make sure you have a clean and clear playing area, boundaries are visibly marked with cones, and activity performed away from obstacles.  Pennies worn properly.  Emphasizing 3 foot radius between players at all times.

Playing Area:  Gymnasium floor.

Tactical Focus:  Maintaining Possession (Offensive- level 1)

·         Players start by spreading out on the court and calling for the ball

·         Player with ball can take up to three steps, then throws tennis ball to teammate.

·         Teammate catches ball and proceeds to repeat first step

Regain Possession (Defensive- level 2)

·         Opposing teammate catches ball and is now on offense. Penny team is now on defense.

·         Penny players move around court to block passes by opposing team to regain possession

·         Penny team can regain possession by catching ball in the air or by interfering with the pass, whereby the ball hits the floor

`                               Create Space (Offensive- level 3)

·         Triangular positioning on court

·          Find the open space and be ready to receive ball

·         Support ball carrier by vocalizing for possession

Defend Space (Defensive- level 4)

·         Man/woman on man/woman defense (cover your person)

·         Look for opportunities to intercept/block pass

·         Maintain 3 foot radius from ball carrier

Attack the Goal (Offensive- level 5)

·         Last player to receive pass is to throw the ball at either mat or backboard to earn 1pt

·         Eyes forward (toward target), shift weight from back to front and release ball

                               

Variations: Maximum of 3 steps while maintaining possession. Every player must touch tennis ball before team can score by throwing tennis ball at blue mat. Has to be a distinct pass instead on a hand off.  (Triangle scheme works well). Rotate to the next variation with backboard. (Decrease/increase playing area, ball size)

Tactical Awareness:

·         How were you traveling around with the tennis ball? Were you staying open?

·         What was the best position to have your body in to maintain possession of the ball?

·         What was the best way to pass the ball?  Overhand?  Underhand? Did your passes change when you changed courts?

·         How easy was it to throw the tennis ball at your target?

Adaptations:

·         Reduce the size of the playing area

·         Bigger balls, change target size

·         Change 3 step rule/3 ft radius rule

Group Conclusion: Whip! In a circle around center of court.