Tactics

Attack systems

• 3-3 (the base): two backs + a centre, two wings + a pivot. The most common structure: long-range shooting, wing cut-ins, pivot play.
• 2-4: two players at 9 m, four on the 6-metre line and the wings — to overload the zone.
• 4-2 (two pivots): occupy and disorganize the defense from inside; effective against the 6-0, multiplies screens.
• Against each defense: versus the 6-0, crossings and pivot screens to free 9-metre shots; versus the 5-1 or 3-2-1, play fast behind the advanced defenders and hit the pivot in the gaps.
• Principles: move the defense before shooting, create and exploit the overload — the playmaker opens others more than they score.

Zone defenses

• 6-0: all six on the 6-metre line. Compact, hard to penetrate, easiest to organize — but vulnerable to accurate long-range shooting. First zone to teach (U13+).
• 5-1: five deep, one advanced on the opposing playmaker. Disrupts the build-up, creates steals and counters — but opens space inside. Once the 6-0 is solid (U15).
• 3-2-1: a three-tier, aggressive defense pressuring the ball early and forcing turnovers — but demanding coordinated rotations. Advanced (U17+).
• 4-2, 3-3: two lines, strong ball pressure, exposed behind.
• Combined defenses (5+1, 4+2): zone + man-marking to neutralize a key player. Coordination-dependent — advanced level.

Fundamentals in every system: defensive wings steer wide, the #2/#3 protect the pivot corridor, the central defender pressures the carrier. Side steps without crossing legs, constant communication, two-player blocks on long-range shots.

Fast break and retreat

• 1st wave: the keeper's long pass to a sprinting wing.
• 2nd wave: 2–3 support players carry the ball up before the defense sets.
• 3rd wave: an early organized attack against a not-yet-compact defense.

An analysis of 1,503 attacks in the Greek first division (Yiannakos et al., 2005) found fast breaks more successful in the first half (77%) than the second (67%) — freshness drives transition play. Defensively, the 3-second retreat: sprint back, protect the middle first, cut the sprinting wings; a smart (non-brutal) tactical foul can kill the break.

Power play, shorthanded, 7v6

Up a player (opponent's 2-minute suspension): widen the court and circulate fast. Down a player: compact and lengthen possessions. The empty-goal 7v6 (goalkeeper swapped for a field player, allowed since 2016) remains situational: the literature is contradictory on its net value — one study found roughly 16% of empty-goal sequences conceded a goal-to-goal shot, converted at 57%. Present it as a situational tool (endgame, shorthanded), not a default.

The teaching order

1. Individual defense and small-sided games — the absolute prerequisite, from U9.
2. 6-0 — the first zone, once duels are solid (U13+).
3. 5-1 — once the 6-0 holds a full match (U15).
4. 3-2-1 and combined defenses — once rotations are automatic (U17+).

Sources

Yiannakos et al. (2005), Greek championship analysis · the contrasted post-2016 7v6 literature · EHF tactical frameworks. Verified July 2026.