Philosophy of Korfball

First and foremost, korfball is a team sport. Individual class is essential but there is no room for individual play; running with the ball or dribbling is not allowed. A player that receives the ball while running must stop and pass the ball to another player.

Korfball is a mixed sport. Men and women play side by side. But while women are equal in the tactics of the game, while playing it's man to man only. One man may guard one man and one woman may guard one woman.

Third, korfball is a tactical game. Each party tries to win by scoring more goals using tactical skills of the team as a whole. The rules follow this principle and prevent physical strength from dominating the game. That means that physical contact is undesired. Blocking, tackling and holding your opponent are not allowed in korfball. The ball may not be kicked or hit with the fist.

Another rule that makes this a largely tactical game is that a player may not attempt to score when defended. That occurs when the defender is closer to the basket and is facing their opponent, at arm's length, and is attempting to block the ball.