transitions handball
Transitions in handball is a key concept for both players and coaches, as it describes concrete movements in the offence and the formal process when a player changes clubs. The term is used in training, matches and administration and is a central part of Swedish handball culture.
Interested in learning more about handball? Read more about handball here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT IN-GAME TRANSITIONS
What does a simple transition look like for a u-player?
A typical simple transition is when the left-nine passes the centre-nine, continues the run behind the centre-nine and comes up into shooting position on the right, while teammates move to open space. The defenders are forced to change marking or release a player, giving a better chance of a breakthrough or shot from distance.
How do we train transitions in a regular training session?
In a regular training session, the coach often starts without defence: players stand in their basic positions, receive a clear signal, make the transition at a leisurely pace and repeat the pattern several times, focusing on timing. Then defenders and finishing requirements are added to mimic match situations, but with the same simple basic pattern.
How to explain transitions for brand new players?
For new players, transitions are often explained as "running from your spot to a new spot to help a mate get free", rather than as advanced tactics. The coach is happy to mark the running route on the floor and show how the pass and run are linked so that everyone can see the purpose of the movement.
STATISTICS AND FACTS ABOUT SWEDISH HANDBALL
| Area | Figure / data |
|---|---|
| Total number of players in Swedish handball | More than 120 000 people are active in voluntary organisations. |
| Registered active persons (all roles) | Approximately 180 000-190 000 people. |
| Licensed handball players | More than 130 000-140 000 players. |
| Share of women among licensed players | Approximately 47-50 per cent. |
| Number of affiliated handball clubs | Around 450 associations. |
| Number of teams in leagues and cups per season | More than 3 000 teams nationally. |
| Elite teams in top series (women + men) | Around 20 teams in the Handball League and SHE. |
| Registered player transfers for seasons | Hundreds of national transfers per season. |
Handball is therefore one of Sweden's major team sports, both in terms of the number of players and geographical spread. The large breadth means that player transfers affect many clubs, league systems and youth teams every year.
PLAYER TRANSFERS BETWEEN ORGANISATIONS
A player transfer is the formal process whereby a licensed player changes club and has his/her playing rights registered with a new club in accordance with the applicable competition rules. The process is digital and requires signatures from the player, the current club, the receiving club and possibly the guardian for younger players.
There are clear time windows during the year when transfers are allowed, as well as periods when there are transfer bans to protect the integrity of the competition. In addition, for example, training compensation and time limits between consecutive transfers of the same player are regulated.
Districts and federations often have specific policy documents dealing with the ethics of transfers, especially for young players. These emphasise, among other things, that contact with players should be made in an open manner, in dialogue with the current club, and with the player's long-term development as the main focus.
PRACTICAL IMPORTANCE OF HANDBALL TRANSITIONS
In set pieces, transitions are used to create movement, make the defence make difficult decisions, and open up space for shots, crosses to the line or edge finishes. A team without transitions can easily become stagnant, making it easier for the defence to stay in position and stop breakthrough attempts.
Transitions are also linked to tempo changes: the team moves from a fast counter-attack or second phase into a more organised attack, but tries to maintain speed in passing and running. When players know exactly where to run and when the ball carrier should pass, these transitions become both difficult to read and effective to execute.
At younger ages, simple patterns, such as edge passes and single position changes, are most often used, while older teams combine several passes in the same attack to stress-test the opponents' defence system. This makes the concept relevant from the first trainings up to the elite level.
TRANSITIONS IN GAMES AND TRAINING IN PRACTICE
In practice, a simple transition play can look like this: the centre-nine starts with the ball, passes to the right-nine and goes directly into transition behind the right-nine, while the line player simultaneously switches sides to create movement in front of the defence. When the ball is then played back towards the centre, the defence has already been forced to make several adjustments, opening up for a breakthrough or throw-in.
Coaches often work with a step-by-step progression: first transitions without opponents, then with passive defenders and finally in 6-on-6 games with full speed. In this way, players gain both technical confidence in running and passing and tactical understanding of when a transition is most effective.
Even in line changes and special formations, such as 7-on-6 games, transitions are used to quickly re-structure the attacking play after substitutions. This makes transitions handball a practical tool every time the team has to switch between different game situations.
