How to Play Beach Korfball:
"Dutch Rules" Co-Ed Beach Basketball

"Co-Ed Beach Basketball with a Dutch twist"

If you've ever seen or played basketball before, you will be able to pick up Beach Korfball very quickly. Below is the list of primary rules that differ from basketball (official rulebook here), including a full game to watch. 

Once you've gotten a feel for some of the rules, find out why people enjoy playing...

Court and Equipment

• The game is played on a 20m x 10m sand court (slightly larger than a beach volleyball court)

• The hoops are 3.5m (11.5 ft) high with no backboard, positioned 4m from the baseline

• The ball size and weight is in between a volleyball and a men's basketball

• All shots are worth 1 point, except for shots taken beyond half court (6m from the hoop, similar to a HS basketball three-point line) and from the baseline corners - both of which are worth 2 points

• Penalty shots (like free-throws) are taken from the penalty line 3m from the hoop

Game Structure

• 4x4 mixed gender (two males and two females on a team); you can only defend your own gender. Current international rules designate male and female players, however we are welcoming of all gender identities and wish to create an inclusive environment. 

• Substitutions on the fly (substituting player must be completely out) 

• Two 6-minute halves

• No shot clock, but teams must be actively attempting to score

Game Play

• No dribbling

• Pivot foot: similar to basketball with some slight variations (1.5 steps while catching and shooting in motion; only 1 step when stationary)

• Minimal contact. 

• No screens (offense cannot run their player into another offensive player)

• No direct handoffs (must be airborne). 

• No hitting the ball out of hands ("control" of ball means just one hand on the ball) 

• No double teams.

• We use a standard "basketball-style" shooting technique, though most international Korfballers use a specific two-hand technique (in order to shoot quicker and from a longer distance)

• Closely guarded rule: the offensive player cannot shoot if the defender is a) within arm's length, b) is between the offensive player and the hoop, c) is actively trying to block the shot. This is the trickiest rule! 

• Loose balls go to the person who first puts their hand on the ball

Film: Full Matches

Now that you know how to play - here are some reasons why so many players enjoy playing beach korfball.

We welcome players of all skill levels and encourage newcomers. Contact us at bill@uskorfball.org or on Instagram @usabeachkorfball. 

Also check out Beach Korfball's path to the Olympics, and what local media are saying.