Basic Skills Key teaching points Handball Clench striking

Basic Skills Key teaching points

Handball • Clench “striking hand” with thumb OUTSIDE • The ball must sit FLAT on the other hand, pointing at the target • Stance is basically side-on, enable the hitting arm to swing through unimpeded • Feet should be slightly apart with one foot slightly forward of the other – this is the left foot for right hand strikers and vice versa • Fist brought through with arm slightly bent • Fist stops on the platform hand once the ball is struck

Picking Up Ball • Keep your eye on the ball at all times • Run towards the ball slightly to one side • Bend at the knees and waist and place closer hand under the ball • The other hand goes on top of the ball to provide better grip • Be ready to kick or handpass as soon as straightening up

Bouncing • The ball is held slightly on top by the bouncing hand • Ball is pushed down with one hand, hitting the ground at about 45 degrees • Ball should strike the ground far enough in front of the player as (s)he runs forward • On wet days, the bounce should be replaced by the player bending down and touching the ball on the ground

Kicking • Face the target with the ball held in front of the thigh of the kicking leg • Fingers should be spread evenly along each side of the ball with thumbs extending to the lacing • Guide the ball to your foot with one hand, with the bottom point hitting the lower laces of the boot • Point your toes towards the target • Watch the ball hit your foot • Follow straight through to the target, landing on the kicking foot • The ball should spin backwards, end over end

Chest Marking • Eyes need to be focused on the ball throughout its flight • Body needs to be in direct line of the flight • Move towards the ball – don’t wait for it • The fingers and hands are extended towards the ball with the palms facing upwards • Elbows tucked into the side • The ball is taken on the hands and arms and guided into the chest, hugging it tightly to avoid spilling the mark

Hand or overhead mark • Eyes need to be focused on the ball throughout its flight • Body needs to be in direct line of the flight • Move towards the ball – don’t wait for it • The fingers are outstretched with thumbs creating a barrier behind the ball • The arms should be fully extended to make it difficult for the opponent to spoil the mark