Korfball was originated in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) in 1902.  It was created by a Dutch school teacher called Nico Broëkhuysen, inspired by a game he had participated in during a summer course in Nääs, Sweden.  

This game prompted him to go back to Amsterdam and devise a new game, which he named "Korfball", after the dutch word for basket, "Korf".

Korfball is a fast, dynamic sport.  2 mixed teams of boys and girls (men and women) compete against each other to score a basket at opposing ends of the court.  A team consists of 4 boys and 4 girls.  Players cannot run with the ball, contact each other or dribble the ball.  They must get free from their personal defender in order to shoot the ball because that defender is actively trying to defend their shot.  This means they are close to the player and actively trying to block the shot.

The Korfball pitch is divided into 2 halves known as "sections", one section is the "attack", the other is "defence".  Each side has 2 boys and 2 girls in attack and 2 boys and 2 girls in defence.  The attacking section has to try and work the ball around the section by passing the ball and losing their defender.  They are trying to shoot the ball into the basket (was made of wicker but since 2006/7 made of a synthetic plastic, about 1 foot in depth fixed on top of a metal pole) whilst their opponents are trying to hinder them.  If they lose the ball, the opposing team will then try and work the ball to the other end of the court, where the other halves of their team's are waiting to compete against each other, in the reversed roles.  Each 2 goals that are scored, the section's swap ends of the pitch and swap jobs, so every player gets the chance to attack and defend.

Boys and girls (men and women) compete on the same pitch.  Boys cannot hinder or defend girls and girls cannot hinder or defend boys which adds a fascinating twist to traditional sports.  The level of team work and tactics is accentuated to use this rule to your advantage.  Remember though that once you beat your defender there might be another one waiting for you!!

Korfball is a unique sport often described as similar to basketball and netball, but it overcomes the limitations of these sports.  It is far more diverse in tactics and game play than netball as each player can do any job, the only limitations on movement are that you must stay in your own half and shots can be defended, meaning a much faster paced, much more tactically demanding sport as you strive to keep away from your defender.

Because you can defend a persons shot, the height advantage of basketball is removed since if you take a defended shot, you lose the ball.  Also with no dribbling, team work is absolutely essential.
This sport is fantastic for people of all ages, its fun, keeps you active and fit, and is a great way for people of all ages to socialise in a fun, family orientated enviroment.

                   

             The Netherlands (orange) vs Belgium, World Games 2005