Handball, a dynamic and fast-paced sport, demands a combination of agility, strength, and precision. One of the most crucial skills in the game is shooting, where players aim to score by sending the ball past the goalkeeper. This article delves into the key aspects of handball shooting techniques, ensuring players can master this essential skill.

The Vertical Jump Shot: Elevating Your Game

The vertical jump shot, a cornerstone of handball shooting techniques, allows players to shoot over defenders, thereby increasing their chances of scoring. This technique is particularly useful when faced with a wall of defenders, making it harder for the goalkeeper to predict the ball’s trajectory.

Technique and Execution:

1. Starting Position: Begin with a firm grip on the ball, fingers spread out, and the ball resting on the palm. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, ensuring a stable base.
2. Approach: Take a few quick steps towards the goal, building momentum. This approach is crucial as it helps in generating the necessary power for the shot.
3. Jump: Spring upwards using the power from your legs. The non-shooting arm should be extended for balance, while the eyes remain focused on the target.
4. Release: At the peak of the jump, release the ball with a swift wrist action, aiming for the desired spot in the goal. The wrist’s flick is vital for the ball’s speed and direction.

Benefits:

• Overcomes tall or jumping defenders, making it harder for them to block the shot.
• Provides a better view of the goal, allowing for more accurate targeting.
• Increases unpredictability of the shot, keeping the goalkeeper on their toes.

Advanced Tips:

• Varying the height of the jump can confuse defenders and goalkeepers.
• Practicing with different ball grips can lead to different shot trajectories.
• Incorporating feints before the jump can create space and time for the shot.

The Standing Shot: Precision Without the Leap

The standing shot in handball is a fundamental technique, especially when there’s limited space or time to execute a jump shot. It’s a skill that requires precision, power, and quick decision-making. Stine Oftedal, a renowned handball player, has demonstrated the effectiveness of this technique, particularly the standing hip throw over the wrong leg.

Technique and Execution:

1. Starting Position: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, ensuring a stable base. The ball should be held firmly with fingers spread out, resting on the palm.
2. Body Alignment: Your body should be aligned with the target, ensuring that the energy from the torso and arm is directed towards the goal.
3. Torso Rotation: Rotate your hips and shoulders towards the goal. This rotation is crucial for generating the necessary power for the shot.
4. Release: With a swift motion, release the ball, ensuring your wrist snaps towards the target. The power comes from the rotation of the torso and the extension of the arm.

Benefits:

• Ideal for situations where there’s limited space to jump or run.
• Quick execution can catch the goalkeeper off guard.
• Allows for precise targeting, especially when aiming for the corners.

Advanced Tips:

• The standing hip throw over the wrong leg, as demonstrated by Stine Oftedal, adds an element of surprise to the shot.
• Varying the release point can change the ball’s trajectory, making it more unpredictable.
• Practicing this shot under pressure can prepare players for in-game scenarios where quick decision-making is essential.

The Sidearm Shot: Adding Angle to Your Arsenal

The sidearm shot, often overlooked but highly effective, offers players an alternative angle of attack. This technique is especially useful when trying to bypass a defender’s block or when aiming for the far corners of the goal.

Technique and Execution:

1. Starting Position: Hold the ball at waist level, with your shooting arm extended to the side.
2. Approach: Approach the goal at a slight angle. This angle is crucial as it determines the trajectory of the shot.
3. Rotation: As you prepare to shoot, rotate your hips and shoulders towards the goal. This rotation generates the necessary power for the shot.
4. Release: Release the ball with a swift sideways motion of your arm, ensuring your wrist snaps towards the target.

Benefits:

• Bypasses defenders who are positioned centrally.
• Offers a different angle of attack, making it harder for goalkeepers to predict.
• Ideal for situations where a vertical jump shot is not feasible.

Advanced Tips:

• The sidearm shot can be combined with a jump, adding an element of surprise.
• Varying the release point can change the ball’s trajectory, making it more unpredictable.
• Practicing this shot from different angles will increase its effectiveness during matches.

Body Positioning: The Foundation of a Perfect Shot

The way a player positions their body during a shot can significantly influence the shot’s accuracy and power. Proper body alignment ensures that the energy generated from the legs and torso is efficiently transferred to the ball.

Key Aspects:

1. Stance: Maintain a slightly bent knee position, ensuring stability. This stance acts as a spring, ready to release energy.
2. Torso Rotation: Rotate the upper body to generate power. The rotation should initiate from the hips, with the shoulders following in a whip-like motion.
3. Arm Position: The shooting arm should be at a 90-degree angle, while the non-shooting arm aids in balance and direction. The elbow’s position can influence the ball’s height and speed.
4. Follow Through: Ensure a complete arm extension during the shot, guiding the ball’s trajectory. A proper follow-through ensures that the ball travels in the intended direction.

Benefits:

• Enhances shot power by utilizing the body’s full potential.
• Increases accuracy by ensuring proper alignment of the body parts.
• Reduces the risk of injuries by promoting efficient movement patterns.

Advanced Tips:

• Flexibility exercises can improve torso rotation, leading to more powerful shots.
• Strength training, especially for the core and legs, can enhance stability and power.
• Regular practice of shooting from different body positions can prepare players for in-game scenarios.