Tchoukball

Written by: Luca B., reporter in ISFM

In this article, we’re going to talk about Tchoukball.

Introduction

 Tchoukball is a fast-paced indoor team sport played by two teams of seven players. 

It was invented in Switzerland during the 1970s, and has since gained popularity worldwide,

Especially in Singapore, Switzerland, and Taiwan. The sport has grown significantly, with 

National federations established in more than 60 countries.

Objective

The teams compete to score points by throwing the ball at a rebound frame. The goal

is for the ball to bounce off the frame and land outside the “Forbidden Zone”, or FB, without the opposing team catching it. The “Forbidden Zone”,  is a 3m radius semicircle at both ends of the field, that no one can step inside with or without the ball. If you manage to get the ball inside the FB without your opponents grabbing it, it’s a point for your team. 

Gameplay

1. Players can take up to three steps while holding the ball but cannot bounce it between steps.
2. The ball must be passed or thrown within three seconds of possession.
3. The game is non-contact, meaning defenders cannot physically block the ball or interfere with the attackers.
4. Both ends of the court can be used for scoring.
5. Matches typically consist of three 15-minute periods with unlimited substitutions.

Rules

1. There are no goalkeepers.
2. Physical contact between players is not allowed.
3. The game emphasizes speed, strategy, and teamwork.
4. It is prohibited for any body usage under the knees.
5. You can score at either end of the pitch.

Origins

Tchoukball was created in Switzerland during the 1960s, drawing inspiration from handball, volleyball, and Basque Pelota. Together, using all the basic rules of these sports, Dr. Hermann Brandt decided that he wanted to create a sport with very low odds of injury. That’s why there is no physical contact in Tchoukball. 

International Federation 

The sport is overseen by the International Tchoukball Federation (Federation Internationale de TchoukBall, or FITB), which was established in 1971. They created this federation to ensure that Dr. Hermann Brandt’s rules are well respected. They also have the FITB to manage and govern Tchoukball.

Popularity

While Tchoukball is especially popular in Singapore, Switzerland, and Taiwan, it has grown into a global sport with national federations in over 60 countries.

Tchoukball might be hard to pronounce, might sound boring, and might not even resemble a sport to you! But Tchoukball is a very honorable creation from Switzerland, and many people appreciate it being around. 

Conclusion

I really like this sport because it offers really great fitness and lots of running for exercise. It is also a very strategic and tactical game that doesn’t involve much injuries or mental anxiety. So honestly, I would recommend this sport to people  

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Thank you for reading this Tchoukball article! 

Written by: Luca B., reporter in ISFM