TCHOUKBALL,

TCHOUKBALL,

a sport on the rise

Handbook for tchoukball promotion in UAE Contents

1. Introducing Tchoukball

History of the Game

Summary of the Game

The Tchoukball Charter

2.Tchoukball Resources

Equipment

Rules of the Game

The Spirit of the Game

Refereeing

Scoring

Coaching

Basic Practices

3. Additional Information

Websites

Contact details

Section 1: Introducing Tchoukball

History of the Game

Dr Hermann Brandt was an eminent Swiss biologist. It was through his work in practical application of scientific knowledge in the sphere of physical activities, that the idea of Tchoukball had its foundation. After writing the book 'From Physical Education to Sport Through Biology', Dr Brandt presented his now famous paper 'A Scientific Criticism of Team Games'. This won him the coveted award of the 'Thulin Prize', presented at the University of Lisbon on August 16th 1970.

The practical expression of his ideas, stemming from his critical study of existing games, is the game we have come to know as TCHOUKBALL. It derives its name from the sound the ball makes as it rebounds from the net. Dr Brandt felt this would be universally acceptable. He died in November, 1972, but not before he saw some of his high hopes realised.

Most games can be traced to humble beginnings and periods of slow development before becoming established as a national and international sport. Tchoukball is no exception. It has taken time and patience to convince people that this unique game is truly a A Sport for All, but now all the signs indicate that the message is getting across. With the advent of the internet and the efficiency of communications via email, tchoukball is spreading across the world at a rapid rate.

From the beginning the game has appealed to an extraordinarily wide and diverse spectrum of people, clubs, organisations, public services and educational establishments. The major impact was initially in schools. In retrospect this was first at the Primary level. As colleges and universities across the world introduced the game into teaching courses it became more widely accepted in the Secondary Sector. It is from there that the greatest progress has come, for as young people who were taught the game in schools leave, they are setting up their own clubs and getting involved in the running of the game with their appropriate national bodies.

Tchoukball has been introduced and is played in many countries across the world including: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, Kenya, Pakistan, France, India, Italy, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the U.S.A.

Summary of the Game

Tchoukball is played with two 'frames'. These frames, as they are called, measure 1 meter square and are situated at both ends of the court. A line runs 3 metres from the centre of the bottom of the frame around in a semi-circle. This area is known as the 'forbidden zone' or more familiarly, the 'D'. The court size varies greatly depending on the ages of the players; a full size international standard court is 40m by 20m in size. One of the main things about Tchoukball that surprises people is that players can attack and defend at both ends.

On each side there are 12 players named for any one game, 9 players and 3 substitutes. Although there are specialised positions in attack and defence, players are allowed to do either. Players fall into three categories; 'shooters' who's main aim is to score points, 'inners' or 'end pivets' whose role is mainly defensive, and a 'centre pivet', who spend most of their time in the centre of the court to distribute play from one end to the other.

Put quite simply, the object of the game is to throw, or 'shoot' the ball at the frame, so that it lands over the line of the D. The oppositions job is to catch the ball, and then 'shoot' it. This sequence continues until a point is scored.

Everything works in 3s. You have 3 seconds with the ball, 3 steps with the ball, and 3 passes with the ball before it has to be thrown at the frame. Tchoukball is a non-contact sport. There is no tackling involved and the only time play switches from one team to the other is when the ball is shot into the frame by the attacking team and caught by the defense.

To shoot the ball at the frame you have to jump from outside the safety zone, and release it before you land.

When the ball is shot by a team into the frame, the opposing team has to defend around the line. Typically (as shown here on the left) they will be on their knees to catch the ball. The two other players behind the defence are known as 'second line defenders'. They are defenders from the other end of the court who are there in case the ball is deflected upwards and behind the 'front line' of defence.

In order to score a point the player that has shot the ball into the frame must ensure that the ball lands outside of the 'D'. If it lands inside, it is a point to the defending team. Play will then restart from behind the frame the point was scored at.

The Tchoukball Charter

1.The game excludes any striving after prestige, whether personal or collective.

A.On a personal level:

The attitude of the player implies respect of every other player, whether on one's own side or in the other team, whether stronger or weaker than one's self.

The game being open to players of all degrees of competency, one inevitably meets players of every possible category. The respect and consideration due to one and all oblige each player to adapt his own conduct (technical or tactical) to the circumstances of the moment.

B.On a collective level:

A result, no matter what, involves no-ones reputation, and above all, allows for no sectarianism. From victory, one can derive pleasure and even joy, but never the satisfaction of vainglory. The joy of winning is an encouragement, whereas arrogance in victory carries the seed of a struggle for prestige which we condemn as giving rise to inter-human conflict of every kind and degree.

2.The game requires all-out dedication; first of all when keeping a constant watch on the movements of the ball, secondly when observing objectively and sympathetically the other player. Self-renunciation is subjective participation in the event. It results in a melting of personalities in the reciprocal confrontation of reactions within the game.

That is to say:

A).A sense of the collective achievements of the team: it welds together the players of a team; it teaches esteem, appreciation of the others value; it creates a feeling of oneness in the common effort of a small group.

B).The assimilation of the attitudes of the so-called adverse group, towards whom one must oppose opportunistic play, free of any kind of hostile undercurrents.

C).The major concern of each player must be to strive after beauty of play.

Universal experience in sport can be summed up by the expression: elegant playing attracts elegant playing.

This mental attitude is the pivot of the social action of Tchoukball: it encourages one to aim for perfection and always to avoid any negative action towards the adversary. It is a rule for social conduct at all times; a physical component of behaviour, the basis of the social personality.

The aim is therefore the avoidance of conflicts, with one aim in view: the notion of fair play being outmoded, we are not talking of concessions to be made to the adversary, but rather of an activity in common, linking the teams together, where the beauty of play from one side leads to and develops beauty of play from the other side.

2. The game is a social exercise through physical activity. It is pooling of means of action, the better players accepting the responsibility for teaching the less adept; therefore there is no real championship, but a race of competency. Where one says, let the best man win, it should mean that being the best man can be achieved through adequate preparation. This being so, it is appropriate that the results should reward the trouble the players have taken, individually and in the common effort.

Within these limits, a victory can and should bring normal satisfaction and meet with respect from the adversary. Victory should stimulate in the adversary the desire to do as well, and not a feeling of belittlement or arrogant domination. The winners should strive to give this impression. Healthy satisfaction on the part of the winners is a way of holding out their hands to the losers, to incite them to continue to train properly.

For these reasons, the notion of champion should give way to the simpler, better adapted one of winner. Playing to improve ones performance is the impulse that every player should imply and develop: it is towards this goal that every Tchoukball organisation must tend, from the smallest friendly encounter to their most important confrontation at the summit.

Let us foster a spirit of fair play within a competitive atmosphere to develop the game and individuals within it. Why to promote tchoukball?

When we are asked what the possibilities are with our sport, we always reply the same: ENDLESS. Tchoukball is still a minority sport, but with the right backing, it could play a major role in the sporting lives of thousands of people. Consider the following frequently asked questions:

What is different about Tchoukball to many other sporting opportunities?

The key difference between Tchoukball and other sports (for example, football) is ethics. In current sports, role-model players fake fouls and do generally whatever they can to give their team the advantage. This is unethical and is not looked upon favourably by the majority of observers. It is also written in the 'Tchoukball Charter' that advertising and sponsorship from Alcohol and Tobacco companies are not permitted. With tchoukball, you can be safe in the knowledge that your organisation's brand name is associated with an ethical and friendly sport.

Will tchoukball appeal to anyone?

Yes. Unlike for example, rugby and basketball, tchoukball players don't need to be tall, short, light or heavy to play in their positions. Our game's motto is 'A Sport For All', and it literally is that. Our players come in all shapes and sizes for one simple reason: play only passes from one team to another when a team tries to score. There are no interceptions, no tackles, and no physical contact between players. Yet the beauty of this sport is that it can remain fast and spectacular at the same time; an international standard player attempting to score will run into the frame at high speed jump up to 3 metres lengthways and 1.5 metres high and throw the ball at up to 100 kilometres per hour at a defence positioned 3 metres away! Even at this level, there are very few injuries.

What groups of people will I be most likely to appeal to?

Any you like! Tchoukball can appeal to players from 7-70 years old of both sexes, many ethnic groups, cultures and backgrounds so your organisation's target audience is unlikely not to be represented.

EQUIPMENT

Two tchoukball frames. They are highly tensioned with interwoven threads, strong hooks to retain tension, and an innovatively designed base to them to ensure the structure is as solid and safe as possible.

At least one tchoukball. Tchoukballs come in two sizes, a larger ball for mens games, and a smaller ball for ladies games. In mixed tchoukball games, the smaller ball is used.

Kneepads will be required to protect the knees. Many players also purchase smaller kneepads to protect elbows as well. Kneepads vary in strength, level of protection, and coverage of the body.

Rules of the Game

THE RULES OF TCHOUKBALLOF THE INTERNATIONAL TCHOUKBALL FEDERATION (FITB)

Foreword

The present document precisely defines the rules of Tchoukball applicable in all official meetings, national and international. This new version of the rules follows from the FITB technical and refereeing committee meeting held in Neuchtel (Switzerland) on the 31st of July 1987. The decisions taken and some of the propositions put forward on this occasion were integrated in this update of the refereeing code.

Since 1970, during which year Dr Hermann Brandt first officially introduced Tchoukball, the rules underwent several modifications. The present changes, as in the past, have been added in order to harmonise the practice of Tchoukball while taking into account the latest experiences, without however spoiling the spirit of the games creator.

Introduction

A Tchoukball match opposes two nine-player teams on a rectangular field forty meters long by twenty meters wide. One rebound frame is placed at each end of the field. In front of each frame, a semi-circle three meters in radius defines a forbidden zone. The ball meets the standards of the Handball game. It must never touch the ground. During any phase of the game, the ball remains in the hands of one team; interception is forbidden in order to prevent aggressions and violent physical contacts between opponents. Control of the ball is handed to the other team after every shoot at the frame or after every fault. In order to score a point for his team, a player must bounce the ball off the frame such that no defending player can catch it before it falls on the field of play. The team that has just conceded a point restarts the game. A maximum of three passes is allowed to put one player in a favourable position to shoot. Defending players are not allowed to interfere this preparation, but they must anticipate in order not to be surprised by the balls trajectory when it

bounces from the frame. At the end of the allotted time, the team with the most points wins the match. Outside of competition, it will often prove necessary to adapt the rules to the number of available players, to their level of preparedness, or to the size of the playing field. The flexibility of Tchoukball

makes it a sport accessible to all by allowing a great freedom of action. However, any modification must follow a reflection on its educative, physiological, and psychosocial impact. This caution is absolutely indispensable in order not to lose any of the advantages provided by the scientific design of Tchoukball..

The Rules of Tchoukball

Rule 1 The Playing Area

1.1 The recommended playing area is a 40m x 20m rectangle; it consists of a field of play and two forbidden zones.

1.2 The long sides are known as the sidelines and the short lines as the base lines. The playing area is divided into two zones by a median line joining the midpoints of the sidelines.

1.3 The "forbidden" zone is a semi-circle, with a 3m radius measured from the centre of each base line.

1.4 The front base of the frame is positioned in the middle of the diameter of this zone.

1.5.1 The lines should be clearly visible and with a width of 5 cm.

1.5.2 All lines are part of the area they delimit: The sidelines and the base lines belong to the field of play. The lines of the forbidden zone (semi-circle and diameter) belong to this area.

1.6 In sports halls, the ceiling or sport engines higher than 7m are considered as out of the playing area.

1.7 A 2 meter wide unobstructed area around the playing area is recommended.

Rule 2 The Frame

2.1 The frame and the net size, the inclination between the frame and the ground must conform to the F.I.T.B. standards.

2.2 The net has to be sufficiently taut.

2.3 The frame must be fixed during the play in a way that cannot endanger the players.

2.4 The frame has to be officially approved by the F.I.T.B.

Rule 3 The Ball

3.1 The ball must be round, with a leather covering and a rubber bladder.

3.2 In men's matches, the ball must have a circumference of 58 to 60cm and weight 425 to 475 grams.

3.3 In women's and junior matches the ball must have a circumference of 54 to 56 cm and weight 325 to 400 grams.

3.4 In mixed matches the ball will meet the standards used for women's and junior matches.

Rule 4 Players

4.1 A squad can be made up of up to 15 players; but in any given match, only 12 may be on the match sheet.

4.2 Of the 12 players, only 9 can play simultaneously at any given time, the remaining 3 act as substitutes.

4.3.1 Substitution will take place in front of the scorekeeper's table or in front of the team benches, within 5m on each side of the median line, without stopping the game.

4.3.2 A wounded player can be replaced as soon as he is out of the playing field.

4.3.3 Substitution can take place only if a point has been scored.

4.4 Players should be dressed uniformly and have a clearly visible number from 5 to 20.

4.5 Players are to wear sports shoes without studs. On grass or other soft surfaces, sports shoes with rubber-ridged soles are authorised.

4.6 It is forbidden to wear any jewellery, (whether ring, broach, watch, earrings...).Rule 5 The Referees

5.1 The refereeing body for international matches shall comprise 3 persons, of whom one is to be responsible for the scoring and time keeping.

5.2 The referees control the game according to the rules.

5.3 The scorekeeper notes the results, deliberate offences, foul play; he checks that substitutions

and engagement are correctly made. He gets the match-sheet to be signed.

5.4 The referee's outfit is clearly different from the players' outfit. They have at their disposition a

whistle, yellow cards (warning), and red cards (expulsion).

Rule 6 The Duration of the Matches

6.1 The duration of the men's matches shall be three periods of 15 minutes, with a maximum interval of 5 minutes between periods.

6.2 The duration of the women's and junior matches shall be three periods of 12 minutes, which a maximum interval of 5 minutes between periods.

6.3 The duration of the junior matches (less than16 year-old players) shall be three periods of 10 minutes, with a maximum interval of 5 minutes between periods.

6.4 The referee shall decide when the stopwatch is to be stopped and restarted (in case of injury).

6.5 Upon the final blast of whistle, the game ends at once: consequently, any ongoing action shall be declared null.

Rule 7 The Faults

7.1 A player commits a fault if:

7.1.1 he touches the ball with his leg. (below the knee);

7.1.2 he makes more than 3 contacts with the feet on the ground whilst holding the ball (receiving the ball with one or two feet on the ground counts as one contact);

7.1.3 he holds the ball for more than 3 seconds;

7.1.4 he makes a pass that takes the team count of successive passes over 3 (a deviation of the ball is considered as a pass);

7.1.5 he touches any area outside of the field of play while holding the ball;

7.1.6 he drops the ball during a pass;

7.1.7 he obstructs the movement of an opponent about to receive the ball, shoot, pass, position himself

7.1.8 he shoots at the frame on which 3 consecutive shots have already been made (a breakdown or point scored returns the count to zero);

7.1.9 he touches the ball rebounding from the net after a team mate shot and the ball falls down into the field of play;

7.1.10 he makes contact with the forbidden zone before he has thrown the ball;

7.1.11 he goes through the forbidden zone to take a defensive position;

7.1.12 he shoots, after an engagement, before the ball has crossed the median line;

7.1.13 he enters the ground, upon substitution, before his teammate has come out.

7.2 A fault is penalised by a breakdown in favour of the adverse team. The referee is to ensure that the free throw is taken from where the fault occurred. At least one pass must be made before shooting at the frame. The referee has to check that the ball is rolled (and not thrown) to the place of free throw..Rule 8 The Awarding of Points

8.1 A player scores a point if the ball rebounding from the frame:

8.1.1 touches the field of play before a defender can catch it;

8.1.2 touches a defender who fails to control it by dropping it on the floor or knocking it out of play;

8.1.3 touches a defender below the knee (rule 7.1.1).

8.2 A player concedes a point if:

8.2.1 he shoots and misses the frame;

8.2.2 the ball rebounding from the net, after a shot, falls out of play or into the forbidden zone;

8.2.3 he shoots and the ball rebounds onto him.

8.2.4 he touches the ball having a contact with the forbidden zone or being outside of the playing area after a teammate shot.

8.2.5 he deflects the rebounding ball into the forbidden zone or out of the play after a teammate shot;

8.2.6 he deliberately touches the ball, preventing it from falling out of play or into the forbidden zone. He has committed an intentional foul.

8.2.7 while trying to catch the ball, he steps into the forbidden zone or out of the playing area.

8.3 The team that has the highest score at the end of the conventional time is the winner.

Rule 9 Starting and Restarting the Play

9.1 At the beginning of the match, the team who gets the ball is chosen by lots. At the start of the second period, it is the other teams turn. At the beginning of the third period, the ball is in the hands of the losing team (in case of an even score, of the team who started the match).

9.2 The team that has conceded a point restarts the game.

9.3.1 The restart shall take place behind the base line and beside the frame on which the last point was scored. If there is not enough space in the referee's opinion, the restart can take place from inside the forbidden zone.

9.3.2 If rule 9.3.1. is not respected or if the ball leaves the playing area, the adverse team is awarded a restart.

9.4.1 Following the restart, the first shot may be on either frame provided the ball has crossed the median line

9.4.2 The ball is considered to have crossed the median line if the catcher has his feet clearly on the far side of the median line

9.4.3 One or more pass is allowed before the ball crosses the median line.

9.5 The restart does not count as a pass.

Rule 10 Foul Bounce

10.1 A foul bounce occurs when:

10.1.1 the ball touches the metal edge of the frame;

10.1.2 the rebounding ball does not respect the mirror image as a result of hitting the frame's rubber bands or clips.

10.2 If a defending team successfully catches a foul bounce, the game goes on. If, on the other hand, it fails to control the ball, the game stops and the defending team is given a free throw from the spot where the ball did fall.

10.3 Rules 8.2.2 to 8.2.6 remain in effect even after a foul bounce..

Rule 11 Behaviour towards Opponents, Referees and Public

11.1 Each player, referee, coach or manager must respect the Tchoukball Charter.

11.2 A player who violates the spirit of the game through disrespectful behaviour towards an opponent, a referee, a spectator or a teammate will receive a warning from the referee (yellow card), who can also, if he deems it necessary, expel the player.

11.3 An expelled player may be replaced.

Warnings and expulsions are noted on the match sheet..THE REFEREES GESTURES

Foreword

The present compendium is an indispensable complement to the referees code of the International

Tchoukball Federation. It defines the gestures that allow referees to communicate in a simple and quick manner with all the field players as well as with the spectators. In order to overcome language problems which might arise during international matches, and also in order to prevent fruitless and time-consuming explanations, the referee will make his decisions explicitly visible by using the gestures described below.

Gestures

1. End of a playing period (rule # 6)

The forearms are crossed in front of the chest at shoulder height.

Hands are straight open and fingers are aligned with the forearms.

2. Time-out (rule # 6.4)

Both hands are open, fingers are aligned with the forearms. The forearms are positioned at right angle in such a way that the tips of the left hands fingers touch the right hands palm. Both hands are above the head..3. Touching the ball with the lower leg (under the knee) (rule # 7.1.1)

The left leg is folded, the thigh held level, the right hands palm touches the left knee4. More than three steps while holding the ball (rule # 7.1.2)

Both hands are straight open, fingers aligned with forearms.

Forearms are rotated around each other while being kept level and

parallel to the chest.5. Player holds the ball for more than 3 seconds

(rule # 7.1.3) or more than 3 consecutive passes

(rule # 7.1.4)

Right arm stretched upward, thumb and first two fingers stretched,ring- and auricular folded..6. Player holding ball off field limits (rule # 7.1.5)

Both hands open fingers aligned with forearms placed vertically at shoulder height. Palms are facing backward. Hands move back and forth together several times.7. Obstruction of defender against attacking team (rule # 7.1.7)

Hands on hips8. Four consecutive shoots at same frame (rule # 7.1.8)

Right arm stretched upward, 4 fingers stretched, 1 folded..

9. Stepping inside the forbidden zone (rule # 7.1.10)

Left arm stretched pointing towards the location of the fault while right palm covers left hands back.

10. Penetration into forbidden zone before ball throw (rule # 7.1.10) Landing

Left arm stretched forward, right hand open, palm facing ground, rolls back and forth around left arm.11. Shoot at frame where last point was scored before ball

crosses median line (rule # 7.1.12)

Both arms stretched forward with open hands pointing downward. Arms move left and right in opposing motion..12. Designating location of a fault and of play restart (rule # 7.2)

Right arm, stretched with palm facing upward, points towards location.

13. Point scored by attacking team (rule # 8.1)

Right arm stretched upward with clenched hand.

14. Point lost to defending team (rule # 8.2)

Right arm stretched horizontally pointing sideways with clenched hand..15. Foul bounce (rule # 10)

Both forearms point upwards with elbows at shoulder level,

fingertips joined horizontally to symbolically picture the frame.

16. Serious fault implying warning or expulsion (rule # 11)

Right fist hits left palm once, at hip level.

17. Warning (rule # 11.2)

The yellow card is presented with right arm stretched towards warned player..

18. Expulsion (rule # 11.2)

Red card is presented with left hand stretched towards expulsed player while right arm points towards referees table. The role of the two arms can be exchanged according to circumstances.19. Summoning the captains

Both fist held in front of chest at shoulder level, both thumbs stretched upward.Impressum : Fdration Internationale de Tchoukball (F.I.T.B)

Refereeing

THE TCHOUKBALL REFEREES CODE

This refereeing code gives the international rules. They aim to safeguard the spirit of the game, i.e. to exclude any element of aggression between opposing teams. These rules make provision for international, matches and national championships. They can be modified for junior championships and for Tchoukball played purely as a game, as long as this is done without detracting from the spirit of the game.

THE TCHOUKBALL REFEREE

The referee is the person appointed by the F.I.T.B. and national association to be responsible for enforcing the rules of the game during matches organised under their aegis. Above all, he/she must take the spirit of the game into account and apply the rules with firmness and clarity. The title of referee is conferred by the competent authority after an examination, in which tests are set by the F.I.T.B.

Grades:

Club Referee

Regional Referee

National Referee

International Referee

The title of Club Referee is conferred by The appropriate Regional body.

The title of Regional Referee is conferred by the Regional Committee of the national association

The title of National Referee is conferred by the National Committee of the national association.

The title of International Referee is conferred by the Fdration Internationale de Tchoukball (F.I.T.B.).

THE ROLE OF THE REFEREE

Before the start of play, he/she checks:

The playing area, including markings.

The frame and rebound net, ensuring that it conforms to the standards set by the F.I.T.B.

The licences of the participants (in countries where this is applicable).

That the match sheet is correct.

The turn out of the players.

During the match:

He/she enforces the rule of the game.

After the match:

He/she completes the match sheet and shows clearly on it the result of the match.

He/she enters on the match sheet the names of the players sent off for three deliberate offences.

He/she draws up a report if the player has been disqualified for a serious offence (insulting language, blow etc.). This is sent to the appropriate regional, national or international authority.

CLOTHING

The referees dress consists of grey trousers/skirt, grey sports shirt and grey tracksuit top, plus sports shoes.

SIMPLE TACTICS

One of the advantages of introducing a new game is that tactics do not have to have reached a highly developed form. Tchoukball awaits advanced tactics, set plays, etc., by the players and teachers of the future.

Beginners must start with a few essential tactical points in mind.

A).To score a point, the ball must rebound from the frame to fall into unoccupied ground within the limits of the field of play. This means that the team in attack (unless the player receiving the ball is well positioned) must interpass to send the ball to that team member who is best placed to make such a shot. This involves a rapid assessment of the positions of team members and opponents and also of the variations of rebound trajectory which can result from shots being made using different techniques. Similarly assessment of these possibilities and appropriate covering will be the role of the defending team.

B).The rules allow a player to stand still but not to obstruct an opponent in any way. Obstruction is a contravention of the essential spirit of the game. Any move into a particular shooting or covering position, to move and obstruct a player about to take a pass, a rebound, or about to shoot, is a deliberate fault.

C).In breaking down the covering of rebounds, it is useful tactically to remember that balls returning with quite a range of trajectory differences height-wise (for example, balls which can be caught below knee height or caught jumping to full stretch height) can be covered with relatively little displacement of the catcher. Those shots which cause the defending players to move rapidly sideways are most likely to unbalance territorial coverage by the opposition and open up unoccupied areas in the field of play. Passing to and shooting from wide angles away from the central positions immediately in front of the rebound net, will result in a more active game and many more opportunities to out-manoeuvre the opposition.BASIC PRINCIPLES OF TCHOUKBALL

AREA DEFENCE

In the defensive role, the effective unit of four will tend to drift from side to side around the semi-circle as the direction of play changes. Initially they will tend to stand in the ready position to receive the rebound. If the shot is delivered by a player high in the air in the semi-circle downwards to fall just over the zone line, defenders crouch with hands on the ground, palms up, and move as a unit to cover the rebound.

STRUCTURE OF THE GAME

Since its inception, Tchoukball has developed rapidly through innovation and experiment. Understanding of skills and tactics has reached a highly developed stage giving the game a sounder foundation and structure. Methods and patterns of play have merged and although generally adopted, it is still the fluidity of attack and defence that makes it so unpredictable and attractive. Beginners, however, need to start by learning:

BASIC SKILLS

They are:

1 - Throwing and Passing

2 - Catching

3 - Shooting

4 - Moving

5 - Positioning

The official match ball is a continental handball, approximately the same size as a size 3 handball.

THROWING

The Javelin throw from the shoulder is used for accuracy while the overarm Sling covers greater distance with less accuracy for the beginner.

PASSING

The essentials in passing in tchoukball are speed and accuracy. As no interference with the pass is allowed elaborate, attempts at deception are not necessary other than in and around the semi-circle. Sudden changes in the direction of passing are to be recommended. Advice should always be 'look where you are passing and pass where you are looking! Speed of pass should be as fast as possible, without sacrificing control; one handed passing with both left and right hand, as well as two handed passing, should be practised. Passing to a player on the move is to be particularly stressed in teaching, with emphasis on the ball being delivered in front of the moving player at sufficient height for a jump to be made to maximum use of the step ruling. Anticipation is important in giving (and taking) passes, a pass to a particular area of the field of play may be weighted to arrive at the same time as the player arriving to take a shot while the rebound area is at the moment unguarded. Hand signals can be used by the intending receiver to indicate to the passer whether the ball should be delivered straight, or to one side or the other, or into a part of the playing area to which the receiver is moving.

CATCHING

Catching is important for failure means points to1the other side. It is therefore the main method of defence but equally important in handling passes for a dropped pass means loss of possession and again an opportunity for the opposing team to score.

A).Taking a pass: The player should reach towards the ball with two hands which close onto the ball on contact. This will enable the receiver to control it, generally in front of the body at chest height.

B).Catching in Defence: A long ball rebounding from the net should be taken in the way described above. Closer to the net it may be necessary to attempt diving catches to left or right and particularly with low rebounds round the edge of the semi-circle it is necessary to pick up the ball with both hands stretched forward and flat. If a catch is not possible, a player has to scoop or hit the ball up (as in 'digging' in Volleyball) for a clean catch to be made by a team mate.

SHOOTING

The purpose of a shot is to reach, via the rebound net, a particular part of the field of play which is seen to be unoccupied. To achieve this a player must have at least two basic shots at his/her disposal.

A).A shot from above downwards with considerable force, the net sending the ball back to ground quite close to the semicircle line of the zone. This shot will quite often be made in mid-air.

B).An underhand shot, the ball swinging through about knee height, to rebound high into empty space towards the parts of the field of play farthest from the net.

These two basic shots should be supplemented with a number of other shots:

C).A horizontal shot with sideways displacement. A central player may use this to widen the angle of the rebound, or possibly to move across the face of the net to achieve a reversal of the game's axis. (i.e. Where a ball has gone into the net from slightly right of centre and rebounded slightly left, the player may be able to move back to right of centre in making his shot so that the rebound is again left of centre - so breaking the normal rebound sequence of in right - out left, in left - out right.) Players should be capable of this shot with either hand.

D).A shot in mid-air from a catch in mid-air - without returning to the ground (forwards).

E).A diving shot, parallel with the ground, particularly useful from the wings, in order to make the ball rebound wide and low almost parallel with the base line.

F).A shot performed in mid-air moving forwards, either from downwards or from below upwards, (i.e. forward moving mid-air variations of (a), (b) and (d) above (backs).

MOVING

A).Movements without the ball:

All movements about the field of play, however rapid, should be controlled to avoid obstruction and barging which are offences and contrary to the essential idea of the game. The speed and timing of moves to take up attacking positions must be balanced between the necessity of arriving before the opponent can take up that position, and delay in taking up position to cover the rebound. Players should always be ready to receive a pass as they move.

B).Movement with the ball:

The rules allow three contacts with the ground. In Britain we have interpreted this as meaning:

I).Receiving the ball with both feet on the ground counts as one contact, leaving two more steps to complete three contacts.

II).Receiving the ball with one foot on the ground counts as one contact, leaving two more steps to complete three contacts.

III).Receiving the ball in mid-air, means that three steps can be taken.

In all cases a leap may be made after three contacts provided the player has passed or shot BEFORE making contact with the ground again.

In early attempts at the game, beginners will probably be very static, but if in learning they are encouraged to consider the advantage of taking the ball, moving forward in full flight, with both feet off the ground, they can then make the best use of the three steps allowed.

POSITIONING

A).In general the stance of players in the game should be that recognised as the 'ready position' in most games; weight on the balls of the feet, knees slightly bent, upper body leaning forward slightly. This position allows for rapid reaction and change in direction.

B).In defence this depends on the system adopted. Initially the tendency will be to mirror the opposing player around the semi-circle but as skill in shooting improves the need for area defence becomes imperative. Positioning of players is largely a question of tactics but in general units of four, players are responsible for the attacking and defensive play in half of the play area, while the central pivot acts as the link and central supporting player at both ends.

C).Individual roles. Normally teams will have a strong right handed shooter to attack and guard the right hand side of the semi-circle and the same from the left. When the opponents are attacking the other end this unit will move towards that end to support the defending unit and cover for any rebounds, scoops or hit balls.

Tchoukballs Websites

UAE (provisory) - http://uaetchoukball.blogspot.com/Internacional

Internacional Tchoukball Federation (Fdration Internationale de Tchoukball - FITB) http://www.tchoukball.orgAsian Tchoukball Federation http://atbf.lzp.ks.edu.tw

Argentine

http://www.mauricioirbauch.com.ar

Brazil

ABTB http://www.tekokatu.com.brEsperanto Tchoukball Clube - http://tchoukball.cjb.netTchoukball Club Paran - http://www.tchoukball.com.br Rio de Janeiro www.tchoukballrio.com

Canada

Canadian Tchoukball Association CTA - http://www.tchoukball.caEUA

http://www.tchoukball.netFrana

Paris First Tchoukball Club - http://www.tchoukball.comGreat Britain

Tchoukball Association of Great Britain - TAGB - http://www.tchoukball.org.ukndia

http://tchoukballindia.comItalia

Italian Tchoukball Federation (Federazione Tchoukball Italia - F.TB.I.)

http://www.tchoukball.itCzech Rep.

http://tchoukballove.misto.czSwitzerland

Swiss Tchoukball Federation (Fdration Suisse de Tchoukball - FSTB)

http://www.tchoukball.chLausanne TchoukBall Club http://lcavwww.epfl.ch/tchoukTchoukBall Club Sion - http://www.chez.com/tchoukball/

Geneve Tchoukball Clube http://www.tchoukballgeneve.chTaiwan (Rep. of China)

Republic of China Tchoukball Association - ROCTBA - http://www.tchoukball.org.twKashouing County Tchoukball Committee - http://laida.lzp.ks.edu.tw/tchouk/ball/indexe.htmJulio Calegari

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32 y. o, married, brazilian, resident in Sharjah, 1.78cm, 82kl.

Work Experience

Registered in the Regional Counsel of Physical Education (CREF4-SP nr 23082/P) as Tchoukball Coach/Instructor.

Academic Information

Course of Introduction to Physical Education and Characterization of the profession UniFMU (june-october2003)

Course of Tourism and Leisure Administration University Anhembi Morumbi (1995-1998) Subjects include administration, accounting, events organization, recreation, leisure, restaurant administration.

Technician high school Computer Programs (1992-1994) ETESP Technician State High School So Paulo

General Skills

Languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, Esperanto, Italian (spoken and written) and german, polish, chinese (basic).

Tchoukball player since feb1993. Vice-President of the Brazilian Confederation of Tchoukball organization of workshop, tournaments and presentations of this alternative sport since January of 1997 and freelancer of sport recreation for children, adolescents, adults and elderly on several clubs of SESC (Brazil).Courses for physical education teacher and students in So Paulo, Campinas and Foz do Iguau (Brazil).

Member of the FITB Technical Commission as representative for America (North and South). Coach of the Brazilian Squad in the World Tournament Geneve 2000 (Switzerland) and Loughborough 2002 (England). Tchoukball presentation in Buenos Aires (Feb2000 Argentine), Saronno (Italy Jan2001), Usti nad Labem (Czech Rep. May 2001), Hu Kou (Taywan march2002), Bydgoszcz and Poznan (Poland, may2003) and course in Singapore (march 2002 and march 2003), Cali (Colombia, oktober 2005), Faisalabad (Pakistan may2007). Diploma of referee and coach - Courses in Geneve, Switzerland (feb2001).

Experiences abroad traveling on vacation and on duty: France, Germany, Italy, England, Switzerland, Czech Rep, Slovak Rep., Bulgary, Portugal, Finland, Poland, Austria, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Peru, Chile, Argentine, Paraguay and Bolivia.

Music: intermediate classical and popular piano

julio.calegari@tchoukball.org mobile +971 50 260 6370