Handball: defending

Feinting transforms handball from a pure power game into an art form. The ability to convince defenders you're going one way while actually going another creates space, draws fouls, and generates high-quality shooting opportunities. Elite players use deception in every phase of attack.

Basic Feint Types

Foundation movements for deception:

Direction feint: Step one way, explode the other direction.

Shot fake: Begin shooting motion, then pass or drive.

Pass fake: Look to pass, then attack or shoot.

Body feint: Drop shoulder or shift weight to unbalance defender.

Breakthrough Moves

One-on-one techniques:

Double feint: Two consecutive direction changes.

Stop and go: Sudden deceleration then explosive acceleration.

Spin move: Pivot through contact to create shooting angle.

Step-back: Create separation for a jump shot.

Selling the Fake

Eyes: Look where you want defenders to think you're going.

Body commitment: Partial movements must look real.

Speed variation: Slow to fast transitions catch defenders off-guard.

Timing: Execute when defender is least balanced or most committed.

Combining Skills

Feint to pass: Draw defenders then find open teammates.

Feint to shoot: Create space for a clean look at goal.

Feint to draw foul: Defenders reaching often commit fouls.

Team combinations: Coordinate feints with screens and cuts.

Key Coaching Points

  • Effective feints require conviction - sell the fake
  • Practice feints at match speed, not slowly
  • Combine feints with explosive finishing moves
  • Read defender's balance and timing before executing
  • Develop multiple feint options to remain unpredictable

Drills for Feinting Development

VIEW ALL FEINTING DRILLS

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1200+ handball drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
defending DRILLS
View All
Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
defending SESSIONS
View All
defending ANSWERS
View All

defending fast breaks | Sportp...

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

If you are playing a team that mainly has tall players?

If you are playing a team that mainly has tall players and they are goodshooting from out of the box area that is they shoot from the nine meterarea, what is the best way of defending them given that your team hasrelatively shorter players. Volcanoes Uganda- submmitted via email

Sportplan Team Coach, United Kingdom

please exercises for 17 years boy defending?

please exercises for 17 years boy defending handball 3+2+1 sistem

Archived User Coach

I am looking to introduce handball into the KS4 curriculum,?

I am looking to introduce handball into the KS4 curriculum, has anyone got any advice as to where to start?

Archived User Coach

when do i use 6%3A0,5%3A1,3%3A2%3A1,man to man defence systems

when do i use 6%3A0,5%3A1,3%3A2%3A1,man to man defence systems

Archived User Coach

What are some good exercises for coordination aimed at 12 to 15 year old children?

exercises of coordination 12to 15 years old

Archived User Coach

What is the playmaker's role in handball?

What is the playmaker's role in handball?Which shots does playmakers make?

Can Deniz Coach, Turkey

what the refree take decision?

what Decision will take Refree when the goal scorer run straight through center line when the goal keeper throw ball hit his body and disturbed for center stand player who is ready for continue after goal on his post?

Dinesh Deuja Coach, Nepal

components of the plan

I want to know precisely the components of the plan for season

SARI SL-MHAIRAT Coach, Jordan

Is it good to have a back defence in handball?

Defense Is it good to have a back defense in handball? Asked using Sportplan on Mobile

Nicholas Ngatia Coach, Kenya

HANDBALL

what is are the differences between the set play and open play

Gilton Simfukwe Coach, United Kingdom

choosing the first team

i have difficulites in choosing the players in terms of having all e 6players to be able to shoot or i pick 3 complete defenders only who cannot shoot nd three attackers who shoots only

Tawanda Rimayi Coach, Zimbabwe

Preparing for a tournament

Hello coaches, I need to know what kind of exercises to focus on in my plan with a team that has a week long tournament coming up in two weeks.thank you

Ndahura Aaron Coach, Uganda

Playing

How to play the 6:0 Defense

Orotin Remie Jimmy Coach, Uganda

Pivot blocking?

Hey guys, I need to find some drills. I dont know how to say that english, but for example: attacking pivot blocks defending half back, than attacking half back can go next to him and defending winger.

Jakub Malantuk Coach, Czech Republic

Defense 6:0 | Sportplan

How to play the 6:0 Defense

Orotin Remie Jimmy Coach, Uganda

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1200+ handball drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

Handball POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of handball coaches plus 1200+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT