Four backcourt players: The new tactics revolutionize handball!

Four backcourt players: The new tactics revolutionize handball!

Handball is a lively sport that is constantly changing and is also evolving in tactical matters. A current example of this is the handball players from TSG Eddersheim, who showed off an exciting variation in a regional league game against HSG Gedern/Nidda: the use of four backcourt players and the absence of a pivot player. This tactic, which the coaches in the Main-Taunus district, such as FNP report, has been intensively discussed for several years, but has not yet been widely implemented.

The use of four backcourt players has many advantages. On the one hand, the 1-on-1 duels are increased, which significantly increases the dynamics of the game. No space is lost and the passes become shorter and safer. The backcourt players also have a closer position to the goal, which increases the chances of scoring from the second row. These advantages are the focus of the discussion and seem to be coming to the fore especially at the 2025 World Cup, in which Italy is also taking part.

Coach opinions and tactics

The opinions of the trainers from the Main-Taunus district are very different. Daniel Wernig from TSG Münster finds the system interesting, but emphasizes that it requires well-trained backcourt players and pivots, while Tobias Schimmelbauer from HSG Breckenheim Wallau/Massenheim sees the system as promising for the future because he has already partially trained it. Another coach, Niklas Weißbrod from TSG Eddersheim, has been using this system consistently for two years and sees clear advantages in the depth of the plays and the faster passing routes.

Sandro Göbel from HSG Hochheim/Wicker has had good experiences, especially against offensive defenses. He sees the variant with four backcourt players as a strong weapon to overcome such defensive strategies. The quick switch between the backcourt and the circle player plays an important role, as Handballtraining describes.

Training and exercise approaches

This tactic can be supported in training with targeted exercises. For example, you can work in 2-on-2 situations with offensive coverage and transitions from the backcourt. The backcourt player plays a crucial role here and provides creative solutions. Another example shows how quick play and cooperation with district players can create scoring opportunities. Timing and precise routes are the be-all and end-all here.

An interesting approach is that the exercises give backcourt players a better feel for the circle position and timely release. The pace of play must be high and the quality of the pass plays a crucial role. This form of training not only promotes individual skills, but also improves team dynamics.

How these tactical variants will develop further remains to be seen. The fact is that the game of handball remains exciting, especially when it comes to tactical innovations, and the coaches in the Main-Taunus district approach the matter with fresh ideas. So you could say that there is a good hand in the future of handball.