The
Long Shot or Distance Shot[1]
(How a korfball player can improve his
long shot. The Dutch title by Lars Pieper, who translated the article, published below this article)
Introduction
Players who cannot score from a distance
(7-10 meters) are not sufficiently skilled to participate in top level
korfball. Due to their inability to score they cannot contribute sufficiently
to the aim of the game: to win. The
better the attacker can score from long range, the more this forces the
defender to defend strictly 1-on-1 (to prevent scoring opportunities, block or
at least hinder shots). 1-on-1 defense gives attackers opportunities to take
the assist position close to the korf. After all, scoring a (long) shot is an
individual action, which precedes the completion of the team task 'creating
opportunities'. Accurate communication between teammates is necessary to create
a chance. If the shooter receives the ball in the right position and at the right time in his hands, he can
score. Scoring opportunities are assisted by the shooter’s
teammates through precise communication in the interaction within the attack
zone.
In top korfball all
attackers need to be able to score (although levels at which players can score will differ), as this requires defenders to
concentrate on defending the personal opponents. Defending in these instances
is preventing scoring chances, blocking the shot or at least hindering the
shot. Shooting, taking a long shot, is an action that is performed by each
player in their own way. The form of shooting is a very personal action, but
even the individual shooting performance is not consistent. These differences
in form between shots taken by a single player are referred to under the term ‘functional
variability’. Despite these differences it remains possible to identify
corresponding global features in the bodily movements made when shooting at the
korf. These bodily movements associated with shooting are recognizable within
the context of the game. The coach can describe this move-action using four
characteristics:
1. Perception: The shooter reads the opponent and
communicates with their teammates to create the freedom and the time to shoot;
the assister recognises this and communicates by providing the person who will
shoot with an assist. Perception by the attacker is possible if he has
knowledge and experience of the game of attack versus defense.
2. Communication: the shooter (un)consciously exchanges
information with fellow players and the opponents, and also in the relation to
the environment For example, by making eye contact with the korf, or taking the
ball in line with the korf, the player communicates that he may choose to go
for the shot.
3. Decision Making: what and how to perform the action such
as turning to face the korf, the shot action, the moment of shooting and
determining the speed of the flight and arch of the ball.
4. Executing the decision: The most visible part of the
shooting action, often referred to as "technique" (the outward form).
The implementation of the decision does not necessarily equate to the decision
itself, but ideally it is: after all, you can assume that a shooter had the
result of 'scoring' in mind at the decision stage. The execution of the
decision also determines the extent to which a player is able to immediately
rejoin the offensive play after an attempt, for example, attempting to rebound
the shot the shooter took.
Shooting
and Scoring training and learning.
Improving
shooting is more than simple trial and error (implicit learning). If coaches
know what to look for when executing the long shot, players can see that
players perform a similar action in a fundamentally different way. There are
individual differences between players cognitively, motorically, and
emotionally. In performance behaviour, such as shooting the ball precisely at
the korf, cognition, motor skills, and emotion exist as a trinity, they cannot
be separated. The shot action is co-constituted by these three parts.
Additionally, the individual player and the environment (teammates and
situation) are not static. They are dynamic and constantly changing. This is
even more true in (top) korfball. In top korfball positions and roles change
frequently. Throughout the game this requires players to adjust their timing of
communication, the direction and speed of passing to give the assist at the
right. Dynamic, situational pressure and tension are normal in game situations
like these.
To
improve your shot requires constant performance analysis by the coach together
with the individual player. This means a conscious process that is repeated by
the player together with the coach during each training session. This makes a
player consciously competent (explicit learning) during the training. When a
player trains in this way, the player creates the greatest chance of
unconsciously conducting repeating the learned action during the match. To keep
improving your shot requires the recognition that (in theory,) the performance
analysis of a shot at the korf is a multidisciplinary process : an observed
shot action is the visible end result of a complex interweaving of sensory,
cognitive, and motor processes. The knowledge from multiple disciplines is used
to improve the ability to shoot. Performance
analysis is a multidisciplinary process of player’s interdisciplinary effort.
The
coach and player use knowledge from the following disciplines to improve
shooting skills:
1. Psychology: the player’s mental skills that enable them
to improve the shooting action, but also confidence and the resilience to stay
motivated while training. Psychological processes influence the decisive stage
of the long shot.
2. Biomechanics together with anatomy: the ability to
understand how the bodily movements can help improve the physical side of the
shooting action.
3. Statistics: to enable players and coaches to understand
what type of game situations are more likely to lead a player to convert their
shot.
Performance
Behaviour and the long shot.[2]
Scoring
more goals than the opponent is the difference between winning or losing.
Coaches expect players to be focused on converting chances, as they are
selected on their ability to score. However, not all players can handle the
pressure to perform when it really matters when they are expected to score. Not
everyone is able to stay in control and focus on this task. The unavoidable
tension at key moments in the match can lead to fear of failure and nerves. The
self-confidence of the players, the positive thoughts during shooting practice,
can become uncontrolled during important matches. When a coach is confronted
with a situation like this, they should employ mental techniques during
training sessions. By exposing players to tense and nervous game situations,
fear of failure and other external stressors they can be made manageable. With
good mental preparation a player is more likely to control their emotions
during a decisive moment. Visualize (also called imagine) is a technique to
make this trainable.
Fear
of failure and the valley of disappointment.
Coaches
and top players know that during matches things can go different than expected.
Unexpected situations can be pre-empted by arranging training sessions that instill
a positive mental framework. This mental framework helps the players take
charge of themselves on the pitch, it helps them take control. The ability to
control their own thoughts during a match is vital. Shooting requires control
by execution. It helps if players receive instructions for this during
trainings. Visualization of their shots by the players themselves prior to a
match also supports controlled shooting. Coaches and top players know that periods
might occur when scoring is difficult. During such a spell players need to
remain motivated and resilient. If coaches and players remain convinced and
motivated to keep trying to score by choosing the right shots, they are likely
to return to form. Top players have a good understanding of their goals,
experience less stress, and operate with a higher level of perseverance and
resilience. During
a period when, for example, the scoring fails, the player can talk to himself
and bring out the positive thoughts ( a self-talk tool). During a period in which players fail to score
the following thoughts can help:
- Be prepared. Coaches and players know that everyone is
subject to setbacks and disappointments. It is inevitable that anyone faces a
challenge at some point. Keeping this in mind ahead of time will help coaches
and players prepare mentally to better deal with the disappointments when they
arrive.
- Remain focused on the goals. It is important to keep the
goals in mind, even when coaches or players feel like you are stuck in a 'Valley
of Disappointment'. Remember why you took on a challenge and stay focused on
what you intend to achieve.
- Seek support and feedback. When a player struggles,
support from colleagues, coaches or mentors can be helpful. A close circle of
peers can help coaches and players keep perspective.
When
a coach expects certain performance behaviour from their players, they must
motivate the players in training. According to James Clear, this includes four
separate steps: the cause, desire, result, and reward.
Figure 1 James Clear's model the plateau
of latent potential
Flow,
the peak experience of the longshot shooter.
Some
players in top korfball teams are expected to score every game. These players
are aware of this expectation. The challenge for them to score is important in
every match. Typically, they convert 30% of their shot attempts into goals.
There will be times when these players are unable to fulfil on
this expectation. When this occurs, players go through the valley of
disappointment. The method to return to form is by going back to basics. This
means focusing on the long shot during training: looking at balance; direction
and overall coordination. First from close range and then step-by-step
increasing the distance.
Conversely, players who are expected to score each match
can find a flow, a peak experience. In games like these they deliver a
performance of exceptional level, an above-average performance, a sense of
absolute control. They can hardly miss when they shoot and convert approximately
50% of their attempts into goals. In these games they are relaxed, focused and greatly
confident. They get absorbed in the activity of performing the long shot, and
experience intense pleasure and happiness. The player who is in flow can forget
about the other tasks in the attack. They are focused on shooting and scoring
and hardly see the other players.
Menno van der Neut, a DVO/Transus player, demonstrated the definition of flow on February 25 (2023) during the Korfbal League
matchup versus DOS'46. He managed to
score ten goals out of nineteen dynamic shots. Due to his flow-state, Van
der Neut was unconcerned despite DOS'46's attempts to stop him by switching
defensive players.
- Video footage
of ‘flow’ by Menno van der Neut: https://youtu.be/QGphprBFiBs
Biomechanical analysis of the long
shot.[3]
When
players perform an action, their motor (move-actions), sensory, and cognitive (thinking)
processes interact. First, their brains allow the player to control their
move-actions, so to enable them to do as they wish. Secondly, the long shot is
about perception. They use their senses to take aim at the korf. Finally, the
physical action (bodily movements) of shooting is made as an attempt to score.
Exposing the shooting action of a player to biomechanical analysis can help
players and coaches to better understand and appreciate the action. It is
important to acknowledge that the long shot is biomechanically complicated: it
consists of many interlinked movements. Good balance, direction, timing,
movement sequence and correct acceleration of all body segments are essential
completing a good shot. The effect of a good connection between the successive
movements is many times greater than the sum of the effects of all joints and
muscles separately. Due to the high speeds of movement, this force transfer
cannot be seen with the naked eye. Still, even when a player executes all
aspects of the movements well, a goal can still not be guaranteed.
How
to perform the long shot?[4]
The
long shot is performed around the korf at 7-10 meters. The top rim of the korf
is 3.50 meters over the floor. Due to this distance the shooter, when
attempting a long shot, must generate greater amounts of force to reach the
korf. To perform the action successfully the player must follow several
components in sequence. When first receiving the ball, their feet are spaced
for balance and comfort. Alternatively, the shooter steps backwards, balancing
on one leg. As part of this movement their centre of gravity is above the
standing leg(s). From this position they launch the ball in the direction of
the korf.
When attempting a long shot the generation of force starts
at the feet. Then it works its way up the body until it from the arms it is
exerted on the ball. A shot is then the summation of force exerted throughout
the body. Utilizing this force effectively is key to shooting a long shot.
Players want a fluid motion that can be repeated throughout a game. Shot
actions that overexert lead to fatigue and reduce effectiveness. A correct
movement prevents this from occurring. The power generated throughout the body
allows the maximum force to be exerted by the muscles and transferred to the
ball to complete the long shot.
On page 32 and 33 of The IKF Guide to Korfball Coaching
Mick Snell shows how force is generated using his entire body, from his feet to
fingertips. A sequence known as a kinetic chain. The combination of all muscles
together enables a player to throw it further. Mick Snel, a former
international player of the Netherlands, is widely known for his deep and
precise long shots that require a lot of power. Players cannot shoot the ball
without being able to generate power. The more body parts a player is able to
involve in their shooting action, the greater the possible force that can be
generated to shoot the ball with the right speed and at the right height. Using
the principles of force summation, players can perform skills that require
large amounts of force. If they can utilise different muscle groups, they will
also be able to repeat this throughout a match. Players who understand how to
apply this principle will be more successful. Players who don’t are more likely
to suffer from an unbalanced shot that can cause fatigue, thereby leading to
inaccuracy, and an inconsistent shot action.
When aiming the ball to the korf, balance and the centre of
gravity of the body are key. Bodies consist of many individual particles of
mass, the centre of mass in a human body is the point where the mass of the
body is evenly distributed in all directions. To increase vertical velocity for
a long shot while standing on one foot, will require the manipulation of the
centre of mass. This can occur by applying force through taking a step
backwards. After stepping back the player must keep balance on their standing
leg. From here they generate the power to shoot and remain in control to take
aim. Raising the centre of mass can help improve the accuracy of the shot by
contributing to upper body stability. Besides the manipulation of the player’s
centre of mass, a still head and eyes also contributes to the accuracy of a shot.
Manipulation of centre of gravity is useful when being defended. A step back
allows a player to get a better look at the korf, thereby improving their
accuracy. Similarly, a defender may be in a position to block a shot, and the
step back can provide the attacker the extra time needed for an opportunity to
score.
Finally, the optimal angle of release of the ball is
contextual and based upon a player physiological characteristics. Typically it
is argued that releasing the ball at an angle of 45 degrees is optimal.
However, this applies to the physiological characteristics of the average human
being. To improve your long shot then also requires the identification of a
player’s anthropometric features, as these help reveal at what angle a player
should release the ball to be most likely to convert their shot.
A korfball coach should be able to provide feedback to a
player in order for this player to deliberately improve his shots.
Consequently, the coach shouldn't just "look" at his or her players;
rather, he or she should be able to "see" the areas where the player
needs to develop in order to increase the accuracy of their shots. A coach can
begin to see the differences with the aid of video footage:
- Video footage:
Well balanced shots - https://youtu.be/LgS2X6JzeEI
- Video footage:
Correct line to the korf - https://youtu.be/56TdHglQOCY
- Video footage:
Engaged and moving after finish - https://youtu.be/_UjXQFnbV5I
- Video footage:
Good arc (25-45 degrees) - https://youtu.be/Mrx_2-yIaVE
Statistics
Performance
analysis is the process of recording and analysing the actions of players
during performance. Statistics are a practical coaching tool, with as its clear
purpose to provide objective (and often directly evaluative) data that can
inform and support players in a number of constructive ways. Five functions of
performance analysis are of paramount importance to the coaching process. These
are:
- to provide immediate feedback to both coach and players.
- to identify areas that require improvement.
- to evaluate specific performance aspects, such as
shooting attempts and scores, rebounding, etc.;
- to act as a selection mechanism in assisting coaches and players.
- to compile long-term statistics for database development.
Joost
Spierings has developed a statistical methodology for korfball.[5] These methods have been in use for many years at the
highest levels in the competitions of the KNKV. Spierings’ statistics provide
important insights into the long-term development of the general performance of
top korfball in the Netherlands, while also providing insight into the weekly
practice of coaching and the performance of the players involved. In reviewing
a match, statistics are discussed together with video images.6 The
use of statistics together with video images give insight into a player’s
performance. Statistics are a quantitative analysis that works best together
with a more qualitative analysis: they should be seen as complementary. It
would be a mistake to look at statistics without considering biomechanics and
psychology, as in isolation numbers are subject to bias. A team performance is
so much more than can be captured in numbers.
