Korfball is a team sport, it’s a mixed sport and it’s a tactical game. It’s played on a rectangular shaped pitch, split into two zones by a half way line that players cannot cross. These two zones are an attacking zone and a defending zone. Each zone has a 3.5 metre high post with a plastic or rattan basket at the top (called a korf) which is placed inside the back line. 
 

The aim is for each team to score as many korfs as possible in order to win. Each team must have 4 female and 4 male players. This team is split into the two zones, 2 females and 2 males in each. One section starts the game in attack, the other in defence and everyone changes ends after 2 goals are scored.

A match lasts 60 minutes with a half-time.  

What are the basic rules? You are not allowed to run with the ball, you are not allowed to dribble the ball and no deliberate contact is allowed.  As it is a mixed team sport, boys must mark boys and girls must mark girls.

Is it similar to netball or basketball? Aside from there being a ball and a basket, it is totally different. Each team must have 4 males and 4 females. Different skills are required. For example, you can only take a shot at the basket if you manage to break away from your player and make space. If your opponent is defending you, ie must have arm raised and be within arms length, the attacker cannot shoot and must pass the ball.

Why the funny name? It was invented by a dutch schoolmaster over 100 years ago to encourage boys and girls to play together as a team. It was first played in Holland in 1902 and spread across the world shortly afterwards – Australia, Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Japan, USA, Portugal, Spain are a handful of the countries that play today.