What Makes Korfball Positions Unique?

If you're new to korfball, forget fixed positions. In this sport, you're either an attacker or a defender – but that changes at half-time. At grassroots clubs in Woking, new players often ask where to stand. The answer: you'll be moving constantly. The game is played by two teams of eight, four men and four women. Each team has four attackers and four defenders. Attackers try to score in the korf; defenders try to stop them. But roles swap at half-time, and even within a half, players rotate responsibilities. That's why korfball is so inclusive – you don't need to be the tallest or fastest to make a difference.

The Two Main Roles: Attackers and Defenders

In any half, your team has four attackers and four defenders. Attackers work together to create shooting chances. Defenders mark the opposing attackers – and you must mark a player of the same gender. So a male defender marks a male attacker, a female defender marks a female attacker. This keeps contests fair and tactical.

As an attacker, you move the ball quickly, find space, and shoot from distance or close to the post. As a defender, you intercept passes, block shots, and disrupt rhythm. But these aren't permanent labels. In Woking's community leagues, you'll often see players who start as defenders become attackers in the second half – and vice versa. That variety keeps the game fresh and builds all-round skills.

How Players Switch Ends and Swap Roles

Switching happens at half-time. Teams change ends, and attack/defence roles reverse. If you were an attacker, you become a defender. This forces everyone to learn both sides – no early specialisation. You have to be a complete player.

Even within a half, the four attackers rotate. There are no fixed "wings" or "centres" like netball. You might hear "post player", "feeder", "shooter", or "rebounder". These describe what you're doing at that moment, not a permanent position. The post player stays close to the korf; the feeder operates behind the post; the other two spread the defence and take long shots. Defenders must track their assigned attacker and anticipate passes. In Woking's grassroots sessions, coaches run drills so everyone tries each role. You quickly learn how they connect.

What Attackers Actually Do (and Why Size Isn't Everything)

New players sometimes worry they're too short to attack. That's a myth. Shooting from distance is as valuable as close range. A smaller player can be a fantastic feeder or a quick mover. The korf is 3.5 metres high – lower than a basketball hoop – so even players under 1.7 metres can score with good technique. Timing, positioning, and teamwork matter most.

Attackers need to:

• Move constantly to create passing angles.
• Use fake shots and quick passes to unbalance defenders.
• Communicate – call for the ball and switch positions fluidly.
• Shoot accurately from close range and from 6-7 metres out.

At Woking's community sessions, you'll see players of all shapes and sizes thriving. The best attackers read the game best – not the tallest.

What Defenders Need to Master

Defence is an art. You can only mark a player of the same gender, and you cannot touch the ball while it's in an attacker's hands. So you rely on anticipation, footwork, and communication.

Defenders must:

• Stay between their attacker and the korf.
• Anticipate passes and intercept them.
• Block shots legally – get a hand up after the shot is released.
• Switch marking assignments when attackers swap positions.

In Woking, new players often find defence harder than attack because it requires constant focus. But once you read the game, it becomes a puzzle you enjoy solving.

Why Teamwork Beats Size – and How Woking's Community Proves It

Korfball is the ultimate team sport. You switch roles, you mark same-gender opponents, and the court is shared by all eight players. You cannot rely on individual brilliance. A tall player might dominate rebounds, but a smaller, smarter team can outpass and outmove them. The sport was invented to be inclusive – it's one of the few mixed-gender team sports at the highest level.

In Woking, grassroots korfball grows because it welcomes everyone. Whether you're 16 or 60, whether you've played basketball or never touched a ball, you'll find a role. Local clubs and community centres run beginner sessions focused on fun, fitness, and basics. The players who succeed are those who communicate, support teammates, and embrace the constant switching.

So if you're new, don't worry about height or speed. Focus on the flow: attack, defend, switch, repeat. Every time you switch ends, you get a fresh start. Come along to a session in Woking and see for yourself.