HOME Handball Answers Handball COACHING Q&A

defending fast breaks

hi to all, i'm searching for exercises or concepts to defend fast breaks. we have to play against a team which is very strong in running forward with more players receiving a Long pass from the goalkeeper directly.

lutz-steffen Coach, Germany

1 answer

ANSWERS

Roland KopCoach, Netherlands

Defending fast breaks

Make sure to attack very well. A fats break after a goal goes a little bit slower than a direct fast break after a bad shot at the goal.
In EVERY SITUATION during your attack there will be one player who is not really involved in the attack. The roll of `defensive` attacker changes with every pass of your own team. If all players are aware of having a defensive roll when attacking, then this player can run back to defend just before the moment the attackers make a goal shot. Keep in mind that your opponent has `attacking` defenders on its side to sprint for the break. This is mostly the player closest to your `defensive` attacker.
Have your goalkeeper a bit further away from his own goal so he can put a bit of pressure on the long pass of your opponents.
Perhaps a pivot can hinder the long pass of the goalkeeper or attack the first player in possession.
Make sure all your players sprint back immediately when the goalshot is going to take place. Run along with a player to the center of your defense hindering a reception of the ball.
Hinder dribbling players and `push` them to a side of the court.
When there will be a goalshot make it as difficult as possible within the rules of handball.