Korfball is played indoors or outdoors on a court divided into halves called zones. In each zone is a post (3.5m, shorter for the young) with a basket at the top. This is positioned two thirds of the distance between the center line and the back of the zone.

The ball is similar to football (soccer) but with more grip and bounce. Teams have 4 men and 4 women. Players score by throwing the ball through the other team's basket. After two goals the teams change zones: defenders become attackers and attackers become defenders. At half-time teams swap halves.

Men and women play side by side. But duels are man to man and woman to woman. One man may guard one man and one woman may guard one woman. A woman may not defend a man nor may a man defend a woman.

Each team tries to score using tactics. The rules prevent physical strength dominating the game. Blocking, tackling and holding are not allowed. Nor is kicking or punching the ball.

A player may not attempt to score when defended. That occurs when the defender is closer to the basket and facing his opponent, and is at arm's length and attempting to block the ball.