Korfball is a Dutch game that has a lot in common with basketball. It is a team game played with eight players on each side. You score points by throwing the ball through the opponent’s basket. It is a team sport in which communication and positioning are very important. In this blog, we briefly explain how korfball came about and how you play it, and maybe it’s something for you.
Origins of korfball
The history of the sport goes back to 1902, when the game was invented by Dutch schoolteacher Nico Broekhuysen. His inspiration came from a Swedish game, and he decided to create his own version of it, which is how korfball came about. Today the game is played all over the world and is present in South America, North America, Asia, Africa and Europe. Tournaments are also organized nowadays; the two most successful countries in korfball are the Netherlands and Belgium.
Objective of the game
The objective of korfball is to score more goals than the opponent and win the game. Players do this by working as a team: they pass the ball to each other to get into a good position from which they can throw the ball into the opponent’s basket. Because it is a team game, teamwork and communication are required to be a successful team.
Players and equipment
Eight players together form a korfball team, so in total you play with 16 players. The court is 20m x 40m, or 30m x 60m if you play outdoors. Both baskets must be mounted on a 3.5 m post. In terms of equipment, you need very little. You need a good ball and good korfball shoes to prevent injuries.
Scoring
The scoring system in korfball is simple, and that contributes to the fast pace of the game. A goal is scored when the ball is thrown through the opponent’s basket. Both teams therefore constantly try to work the ball upfield to put themselves in an attacking position to shoot.
Winning the game
A korfball match is won when one team scores more goals than the opponent. If the scores are tied at the end of the game, the game is declared a tie. In tournament cup matches where a winner is required, it can be decided by a shoot-out, in which the team that scores the most goals is declared the winner.
