Best Examples of Player Positioning Strategies in Handball

Real examples of player positioning strategies in handball on offense

Let’s start on the attacking side of the ball, where positioning can turn an average backcourt into a nightmare to defend. Here are some of the best examples of player positioning strategies in handball when your team has possession.

Classic 3–3 backcourt shape with wide wings

Picture a standard 6-on-6 attack:

• Left wing and right wing stretched almost to the sideline, toes near the 6‑meter line.
• Three backs (left back, center back, right back) forming a shallow arc around 25–30 feet from goal.
• One pivot working along the 6‑meter line.

This shape creates width and depth. A real example of smart positioning here is how the wings stay wide even when they’re not touching the ball. Their job is to pull the defense apart horizontally, opening gaps for the backs and pivot.

When the center back drives to one side, the opposite wing stays glued to the sideline. That wing might not even get a pass on that action, but their positioning forces the outside defender to respect the threat of a wing shot, which opens a channel between defenders for the back or pivot.

Pivot sealing the gap between defenders

One of the clearest examples of player positioning strategies in handball is how the pivot (circle runner) works between defenders.

A strong pivot doesn’t just stand on the 6‑meter line waiting for a pass. Instead, they:

• Slide into the space between the two central defenders.
• Turn their back to the goal and “seal” one defender with their body.
• Hold that position just long enough for a backcourt player to attack the gap.

In a real game scenario, the center back attacks the space next to the pivot. Because the pivot is sealing a defender, the attacker forces a decision: either the defender steps out and leaves the pivot open, or stays home and gives the back a shooting lane. This is a textbook example of how one player’s positioning creates a chain reaction in the defense.

Overload on one side to free the weak-side wing

Modern offenses love overloads. One of the best examples of player positioning strategies in handball is the deliberate overload on one side of the court.

Here’s how it looks:

• The pivot shifts to the left half of the court.
• The left back and center back also favor that side.
• The right back drifts slightly toward the middle.
• The right wing stays very wide and slightly deeper than usual.

The ball circulates left, left, left, drawing four or even five defenders toward the overloaded side. Then, suddenly, the ball is whipped across to the right back, who immediately finds the right wing on the move.

The wing’s earlier positioning—staying wide and a bit deeper—buys time. The defender now has to sprint out to cover a fast wing with a good angle to the goal. This is a great example of how patient, disciplined positioning leads to a high‑percentage shot without needing a superstar one‑on‑one move.

7v6 attack: extra attacker, extra spacing decisions

Since rule changes made 7v6 attacks more common, one modern example of player positioning strategies in handball involves pulling the goalkeeper and adding a seventh field player.

In a 7v6 setup:

• Teams often use two pivots on the 6‑meter line.
• The backs spread slightly wider to keep passing lanes open.
• Wings stay disciplined to avoid crowding the middle.

A real example from recent international play: teams use a double-pivot alignment, one pivot between the central defenders and another between a central and outside defender. The extra pivot forces the defense to compress around the 6‑meter line. That gives backs more room to shoot from distance or attack closeouts.

This strategy only works if everyone respects their spacing. If the extra attacker drifts too close to the ball, the defense can collapse and still cover everyone. When players hold their positions, the defense is constantly late, chasing the ball instead of anticipating.

Defensive examples of player positioning strategies in handball

Now let’s flip the script. The best defenses aren’t just “aggressive.” They’re organized around very specific positioning rules. These real examples of player positioning strategies in handball on defense show how small shifts can shut down even strong offenses.

6–0 defense: flat wall with smart depth

A classic 6–0 defense puts six defenders on or just above the 6‑meter line. That sounds simple, but the details of positioning matter.

In a well-run 6–0:

• Central defenders stand slightly deeper, almost on top of the 6‑meter line.
• Outside defenders stand a step higher, ready to close down wings.
• Everyone shifts laterally as a unit with the ball.

A strong example of positioning strategy here is how the central defenders step out only when the back is in a real shooting position. They don’t chase every fake. They time their movement so they’re close enough to block or disturb the shot, but not so far out that the pivot can easily slip behind them.

This is a good example of how “depth” (how far from the goal you stand) is as important as “width” in defensive positioning.

5–1 defense: disturbing the playmaker

The 5–1 defense puts one defender in front of the main line to pressure the center back or playmaker.

In a typical 5–1:

• One defender (the “front” defender) plays around 20–25 feet from the goal.
• The remaining five form a compact line near the 6‑meter.
• The front defender’s positioning changes with the ball: closer to the center back, more lateral vs. side backs.

A real example of player positioning strategies in handball here is the way the front defender shades toward the strong shooter. If the left back is the main threat, the front defender starts slightly left of center, cutting off easy passes and forcing the attack to play to the weaker side.

This positioning doesn’t always create steals, but it disrupts rhythm. Offenses are forced into longer passes and tougher angles, which gives the back line time to react.

3–2–1 defense: staggered lines and trap zones

The 3–2–1 is more aggressive and requires very clear positioning rules.

In this setup:

• Three defenders form the back line near the 6‑meter.
• Two defenders stand higher, around the 9‑meter line, usually between wing and back.
• One defender (the “point”) plays even higher, harassing the center back.

A strong example of this strategy is how the two middle defenders on the 9‑meter line position themselves slightly inside the backs. They invite the pass to the wing, then jump out aggressively as soon as the pass is made, often with help from the back-line defender behind them.

This creates a trap zone near the sideline. The positioning is designed to funnel the ball into a spot where the offense has fewer options and less space. It’s a great example of how defensive positioning can steer the attack exactly where the defense wants it.

Situational examples of player positioning strategies in handball

Beyond standard formations, the best examples of player positioning strategies in handball come from specific game situations: fast breaks, man-up, and endgame scenarios.

Fast break lanes: middle runner and wide runners

On a fast break, good teams don’t just sprint forward randomly. Their positioning is organized into lanes.

A common pattern:

• One player (often a back) sprints straight down the middle.
• Wings sprint wide along the sidelines.
• A trailing back stays about 10–15 feet behind the middle runner as a second wave option.

A clear example: the middle runner drives hard toward the 6‑meter line, forcing the lone retreating defender to commit. If the defender stays central, the ball goes wide to the wing for an easy finish. If the defender jumps to the wing, the middle runner keeps the ball and attacks the gap.

The key is that the wing’s wide positioning stretches the defender’s decision-making. Without that wide runner, the defender can stay central and defend both the ball and a pass more easily.

Man-up (6v5) attack: pivot and backcourt spacing

When your team is up a player (for example, after a 2‑minute suspension), positioning becomes even more important.

A strong example of player positioning strategies in handball during 6v5:

• The pivot stands between two defenders, usually central.
• The backs spread slightly wider than normal.
• Wings stay patient and wide, ready for skip passes.

Instead of rushing shots, the attack uses the pivot’s position to create 2‑on‑1 situations on one side. The pivot’s body position—hip turned toward the ball, sealing a defender—makes it very hard for the defense to cover both the pivot and the outside back.

You’ll often see a back attack the outside shoulder of the defender next to the pivot. If the defender slides toward the back, the pivot is open. If the defender stays with the pivot, the back gets a clear angle to shoot or pass to the wing.

Endgame: protecting or chasing a lead

Late in games, positioning strategies often shift.

When protecting a lead, defenses may:

• Drop into a compact 6–0, with everyone slightly deeper than usual.
• Ask wings to stay closer to the center to prevent breakthroughs.

This is a real example of how teams trade some pressure on the ball for better control of the 6‑meter line. The positioning says: “We’ll give you long shots, not easy breakthroughs.”

When chasing a lead, offenses may:

• Use 7v6 more often, with two pivots.
• Push the wings very high, almost at 9 meters, to create more passing angles.

These are practical examples of player positioning strategies in handball that change based on the scoreboard, not just a coach’s favorite system.

How to teach these examples of player positioning strategies in handball

If you’re a coach or captain, you don’t need to throw the entire playbook at your players at once. Instead, pick a few clear examples of player positioning strategies in handball and build from there.

A simple teaching plan:

• Start with the basic 3–3 offensive shape and a single pivot rule: “Always find a gap between defenders and seal someone.”
• Add fast-break lanes: middle runner, wide runners, trailing option.
• Introduce one defensive system (often 6–0) and focus on lateral movement as a unit.

Use short, focused drills where players freeze on your whistle and check their spacing: Are the wings wide enough? Is the pivot between defenders? Are central defenders on the right depth line?

For conditioning and injury prevention while teaching these high-movement systems, it’s worth paying attention to sports science guidance on warm‑ups and joint health. Resources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Mayo Clinic (Mayo Clinic sports medicine) offer evidence-based advice on safe training loads and recovery, which helps keep players healthy enough to actually practice these strategies.

If you work with younger players, you might also find guidance from youth sports and physical education resources, such as materials from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (Health.gov) or university coaching education programs like those found on Harvard.edu and other .edu sites.

FAQ: examples of player positioning strategies in handball

What are some simple examples of player positioning strategies in handball for beginners?

For beginners, start with a basic offensive setup: three backs in an arc, two wings wide near the sidelines, and one pivot on the 6‑meter line. On defense, a flat 6–0 with everyone near the 6‑meter line is a good example of a simple, stable positioning strategy.

Can you give an example of how a pivot should position on offense?

A useful example of pivot positioning is standing between the two central defenders with your back to the goal, hips turned slightly toward the ball. As the backcourt player attacks, the pivot seals one defender with their body, creating either a passing lane to the pivot or a driving lane for the back.

What are good examples of defensive positioning against strong backcourt shooters?

Two strong examples include a 5–1 defense, where a front defender pressures the center back and strong shooter, and a deeper 6–0, where central defenders step out only when the shooter is in real range. In both cases, the defenders’ depth and lateral spacing are organized to contest long shots without giving up easy passes to the pivot.

How do fast-break positioning strategies differ from set offense?

In fast breaks, players focus on lanes instead of set spots: one runner in the middle, wings sprinting wide, and a trailing back as a second wave. In set offense, positioning is more structured, with specific roles for backs, wings, and pivot along the 9‑meter and 6‑meter lines.

Are there modern examples of player positioning strategies in handball that use the goalkeeper differently?

Yes. A modern example is the 7v6 attack, where the goalkeeper is substituted for an extra field player. Teams use two pivots and wider backs to stretch the defense. This approach demands very disciplined positioning, because any mistake can lead to a long-range empty‑net goal for the opponent.