Four characteristics of performing offensive handball elements

1 - The offense players should perform most elements in the "offensive stance" (OS)
When in possession, the ball should be raised slightly above the level of the head immediately after catching; it should be carried in the same position, while the body should be slightly flexed, with arms above the head. The angles in the elbow and under the arm should be at least 90°, the elbow should be moved away from the body, and the palm with the ball should be as open as possible, turned upwards and outwards. This way, the hand carrying the ball is always ready for an immediate shot, long pass, penetration, or dribbling. There are several reasons for playing in the offensive stance, but their common denominator is "less turnovers and more threatening game". Why play in the OS?1- The player is always ready to pass in any direction, to any teammate, even if a long pass is required.2- The player has the option throughout the three seconds to either shoot or pass to any teammate; thus, the ball is constantly "in play".3- It is easier to avoid fouls by the defenders, not allowing them to interrupt a sequence of dangerous offense activities4- Less passes are intercepted than when passing by shoving the ball, as it is harder for the opponent to anticipate our intents.5- We are immediately ready to shoot, especially if the ball is passed directly to the OS; the hand only needs to be raised a bit further.6- Throws, shots and passes are more precise if the ball is carried above the head than with regular swings were the arm makes a circular motion etc.7- Shot realization, especially from the 6m line, is much better from the OS; it is more difficult for the goalkeeper to predict our intent.8- Playing in the OS keeps us from bouncing the ball, which makes our game more threatening, with less exposure to fouls and interceptions.9- When the ball is held in the OS, the swing is more dangerous and the defense is easier to penetrate, as the defenders have to exert more pressure. 10- Playing in the OS enables and motivates creativity and wit, e.g. with long passes etc.11- In the OS, the same swing is used for shooting and passing. Therefore, only one technique of throwing the ball is required. 12- The beginners find it much easier to play with the ball above their heads; this also improves their throwing technique.
Good players increasingly play in the OS, but most of them are still wasting time by unnecessary circular motions and swings, which precludes them from taking advantage of the numerous benefits of playing with the ball constantly at the level of the head. Catching the ball immediately, directly "upwards", not to the chest or even under the belt, is of key importance! This enables us to take advantage of the benefits of the OS for the entire three seconds. When training the players to play in the OS, catching the ball "upwards" has to be paid most attention to. The OS also enables an immediate pass, without having to raise the ball, if a teammate is in a good position for a shot. Again, the ball is not shoved or passed from under the wrist; it is thrown. The ball only needs to be caught with a move of the wrist and by opening the palm, and it is ready for another short pass.
2- Handball should be played with running strides, in sprint
Three long running strides (steps) make our game faster, enable powerful drives or approach runs and make us more dangerous! This is constantly proven by top-class players (Rutenka, Karabatič, Spellerberg etc.). Running strides are faster than sliding steps, small jumps or switching steps which seem to be particularly popular with girls; such movement results in passing the ball around the defense zone without any drive towards the goal. If the ball is received in motion, on the right foot and into the OS, and the player makes three steps L-R-L, the ball doesn't have to be bounced at all, since in case the other players are active as well, the player in possession of the ball can shoot or pass after the first, second or the third step. Shooting or passing after the first step, even if it is a jump-shot or a jump-pass, is the most dangerous, as the defenders are not ready to properly guard the offense player. Preferably, the three strides should end on the take-off foot, as in this case the player can shoot or pass while in the air, thus gaining a "fourth step". Therefore, the player should learn to receive the ball while on the right foot; this can be regulated by a short step or a switch step while the ball is in the air and flying towards the receiving player.
A slow approach run is not as dangerous as the sprint one. The more successful the player's drive, dribbling, or shooting, the more dangerous the player! However, the approach run should not be started too early; the run should start when visual contact is made with the player in possession that the pass is expected from. At the same time, the player to receive the ball should estimate whether he or she will be able to drive to the line or shoot before the defender, thereby determining the best place to receive the ball, to shoot or to pass without stopping just inches away from the defender. Three successive runs of the offense players are very rarely seen; the third one usually receives the ball while standing in place, instead of while in full sprint motion. The slower player can easily make up for the lack of speed by playing in the OS with long running strides.
3- The offense player in possession of the ball should face the goal as often as possible, instead of standing sideways
This will enable the player to constantly monitor the position of other players. It will facilitate and improve passing and driving/breaking to both sides, as well as shooting in different ways. The offense player that is facing the goal is also more stable and firm in duels with the defenders. When playing with the body facing the goal, the player should only turn his/her upper body in the hips, while the feet should constantly face the goal. This is particularly important when moving to the left (for right-handed players); when playing in the right sideway position, the player looses the sight of the right side of the field, is unable to shoot, and more prone to committing an offensive foul than when facing the goal.
4- The ball should be passed around in the level of the chest or higher
The path of the ball in the offense should be flat, in the level of the chest, without upward, downward, forward and backward fluctuations. While running, the player should keep the hands at the level of the chest, where the ball is most easily caught. After catching the ball "upwards", the ball is above the head; however, at the pass, the hand is stretched towards the teammate and the ball is again at the level of the chest. When catching the ball, it should not be lowered and circular motion should by all means be avoided. Even a convincing fake-pass only requires a movement of the shoulder; there is no need to swing all the way and raise the arm again! The ball should only be lowered under the level of the belt at bounce-passes and at lower shots.
How should a pass to the teammate be aimed? To the level of the chest; into the swing from the right side; within the reach of arms from the left side; definitely away from the defender, to help the teammate avoid his marker.
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