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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can play a simple game of Korfball in mixed teams of eight.

Key learning points

  1. Move: pivoting with the ball helps you find space and better passing angles to accurately reach a teammate.
  2. Move: running into space to catch the ball, shakes off a defender so you can shoot or pass to an unmarked teammate.
  3. Think: knowing that only four players from each team are allowed in each half supports tactical decision making.
  4. Feel: a confident person maintains a positive outlook, viewing setbacks as learning experiences.
  5. Connect: effective communication enables the switching of attackers to defenders every second goal, ensuring inclusion.

Keywords

  • Korf - a word that means "basket" in Dutch, the game was first developed in the Netherlands in 1902

  • Gender rules - males can only guard males and females can only guard females as the game is designed to be inclusive and promote equal participation

  • Pivoting - a movement technique that allows a player to rotate on one foot while keeping the other foot grounded

Common misconception

Pupils forget that after 2 goals are scored they swap positions.

After 2 goals are scored in Korfball, the attackers then swap and become the defenders and the defenders swap and become attackers (on both teams).

Teacher tip

Korfball has some similarities to netball so start by playing netball rules and gradually layering in the korfball rules, such as, only 1 player to guard another. Netball/ basketball posts can be used if your school does not have Korfball posts.

Equipment

4 (or more) Korfball/netball posts, 1 korball per 4 pupils. 3 sets of 8 bibs.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
In Korfball, when you have the ball, what are you not allowed to do?

pass it
Correct answer: run with it
shoot it

Q2.
What type of players make up a Korfball team?

only males
only females
Correct answer: both males and females

Q3.
Korfball is like netball. How do you score a point in korfball?

a try
Correct answer: in the hoop
a run

Q4.
Korfball is like netball. How long does a full game last?

Correct answer: 60 minutes
45 minutes
30 minutes

4 Questions

Q1.
In Korfball if you have the ball in your hand, what are you allowed to do?

take 3 steps
Correct answer: pivot
dribble the ball

Q2.
How many females should be on a full korfball team?

it doesn't matter
Correct answer: 4
8

Q3.
When can you shoot?

when you're marked
when you're defending
Correct answer: when you're unmarked

Q4.
When do the attackers and defenders swap positions?

after 1 goal
Correct answer: after 2 goals
after 3 goals

To help you plan your 11 physical education lesson on: Korfball rules and how to introduce them, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...