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| A goalball uses an embedded bell to aid blind players. |
Introduction to Goalball
In time for this weekend's goalball tournament at the Washington State School for the Blind, here is how the game is played, a little strategy and equipment players need.Goalball is a Paralympic sport played by athletes who are blind and visually impaired. Goalball was created after WWII as a way to keep blinded veterans physically active. Goalball has become the premiere team game for blind athletes. It is played competitively by men and women around the world and is a very fast paced, physically challenging, strategic and exciting game.
How Do You Play Goalball?
In goalball teams are made up of three players. The teams face each other across a court that is nine meters wide and 18 meters long. The object of the game is to roll a basketball size ball with bells inside, the goalball, over the opponent's goal line. Players listen for the oncoming ball and attempt to block it with their bodies. Once they are able to stop the ball and take control of it, they become the offensive team.The Court and Rules
The player's zone is marked at either end of the court by taping a heavy string down to the court for the players to feel with their hands or feet. The player's zone is three meters deep and extends the width of the court. Each player's zone has three orientation lines which the players use to line themselves up with and maintain their orientation to the court.Three meters in front of the player's zone, is the overthrow line. The goalball must touch the floor at least once before crossing this line or a penalty is assessed. Other common penalties are for holding the ball too long, one player throwing too much or touching the eyeshade. When a penalty occurs, the guilty player must defend the entire court by himself.
The game consists of two 12-minute halves and takes about an hour to play an entire game.
Strategy
The defensive team usually sets up a zone defensive. The player in the middle of the court is called the center. The center is the primary defensive player. He or she plays at the front of the player's zone and defends a majority of the court.The players to the right and left of the center are called wings. The wings are usually the primary offensive or throwing players. Defensively they play behind and to the left and right of the center defending their respective areas.
During the game, the center will usually stop the ball and pass it to a wing. While the wing is throwing the ball, the center will reorient themselves to the center of the court. Knowing that a thrower is slow to return to his defensive position, or that a player might not be in his defensive position, many teams will attempt a "quick throw" hoping to catch their opponent out of position.
Curve balls, off speed balls and various other balls are sometimes thrown hoping to confuse the other team. Players may quietly change wing positions with the ball hoping to surprise the defending team by throwing from a different area.
EQUIPMENT
Goalballs are between $100-$125 and can be purchased from the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA merchandise page). Check for members and non-member pricing. Price usually includes shipping, handling and customs fees.
Eyeshades, also called goggles, are used to block all light and vision. Commercial goalball goggles are available, however, ski goggles are a preferred alternative due to their lower cost. Players may be able to secure used or donated ski goggles through ski clubs or ski facilities through their lost and found. Scratched or cracked lenses are not a problem as player tape the goggles, but straps and foam around the edge must be good. Although any type of tape can be used, the player must ensure no light can be seen through the lens and vent areas when the goggle is placed against the face.
Knee and elbow pads. There are two kinds of elbow pads: short ones and the longer variety. Although either type will work, most players prefer the longer pads. For the knee pads, most players prefer a softball knee pad as it is longer and covers part of the shin. These can be purchased at a local sport store.
Pants. There is no required pant. Most players prefer to use hockey pants while others prefer to use football pants and pads or soccer goalie pads combined with a variety of other pants. The use of all of these is permitted; however all members of the team must have the same color and style. These can be purchased at local sports stores.
Jerseys may be hockey, football, soccer, or any other jersey so long as they match and have numbers that are a minimum of eight inches high permanently affixed to both front and back. It is helpful to the officials and scorer’s table if the numbers are contrasting colors and easy to read.
Eye patches. Patches are required in all major competitions. At most tournaments in the USA patching is done on the basis of the opposing coach asking for certain players to be patch and then the requesting coach must furnish the patches.
Floor tape and string. Two-inch wide gym floor tape is the best to use and may be purchased at most local sports stores. String (.003 meters in diameter) may be purchased at the local hardware.
It is suggest that you not use duct tape on the floor as most of the time it will damage the floor; masking tape is also not advised as it tears easily and is hard to remove.
Goal nets. Once a team becomes competitive they usually secure goals to practice with. Goals can be purchased from a few commercial sources, but because they are specialized for this sport and the demand is small, they can be cost prohibitive. Several teams have produced low-cost goals using PVC.
Schedule of upcoming Goalball tourney found here.
