Tchoukball Rules: Defense

The players on the team are usually classified into:

• The four wings (W), who because of their positions by the sides of each frame are the team’s main shotmakers.
• The two center-frames (CF), who anchor the defense on their respective sides and are also expected to be shooters of last resort.
• The center-center (CC), who is responsible for directing large-scale tactics.

Strategy: positions during defense
On defense, the two wings and center-frame will line up on the edge of the forbidden zone if the ball is moved onto their half of the court. The defenders from the other half of the court will back them up as the second zone of defense, in case a rebound gets past the first three defenders. The center-frame on the opposite court makes up the third zone, responsible for grabbing any extra-long shots that escape even the second zone.

The third zone also plays an important part in the transition game: if the team defends successfully and gains possession, the third-zone players are in position to take a downcourt pass toward the opposite frame.

Technique: Defensive
First-zone players are mostly concerned with low shots that land just outside the forbidden zone. They have to be prepared to hit their knees and get their hands low under the ball as it comes in:

If the defender can get a hand on the ball but not catch it, he or she will at least try to knock the ball upwards for a teammate to catch. Perhaps the toughest part of defense is staying mentally alert; as long as the ball is moving, the defender has to be moving too. Tchoukball training includes a lot of practice at rapid changes in direction.