Tchoukball Module

The sport is played on an indoor court measuring forty meters by twenty meters (130 feet x 65 feet). At each end there is a 'frame' (a device similar to a trampoline off which the ball bounces) which measures one square meter and a semi-circular 'D' measuring three meters (10 feet) out from the frame in all directions. Each team can score on both ends on the field, and comprises twelve players, of which nine may be on the court at any one time. In order to score a point, the ball must be thrown by an attacking player, hit the frame and bounce outside the 'D' without being caught by the defending team. Physical contact is prohibited, and defenders may not attempt to intercept the attacking team's passes. Players may take three steps with the ball, hold the ball for a maximum of three seconds, and teams may not pass the ball more than three times before shooting at the frame.

This module took place in Term Three of my school year, from 3 July to 14 August 2008.

The first week of our module involved students getting familiar with the sport. We handled the ball and were introduced to the rules of the game. We experienced a ‘round’ of Tchoukball and realized that there was more to it than met the eye. In the following weeks, we learnt various ways of shooting, defending, passing, faking and moving on court. We observed how the result of our shots not only depended on different levels of strengths, but also the angle at which it is shot. The position I played during most sessions was that of the ‘left-winger’. This involved an entire half of the left flank, and required me to both make shots and catch balls. After several games, I realized that being left-handed had given me a natural advantage over others.

This sports module has enabled me to learn and develop a completely new skill. I have learnt how to control my strength and that it really isn’t all about power. I have also learnt how teamwork achieves success. For example, if I feel that I am unable to make the shot, I shouldn’t feel the pressure to make it. It is important that I pass the ball on (whether through faking or not) to my other winger, who may have a better angle, to give a point to the team. I have also gained a significant amount of experience. On 9th August, a group of students and I participated in an inter-team tchoukball tournament. We faced several more experienced players, and teams with skills of a completely greater level. However, we took this in stride and learnt from their strategies and experience. In the tournament, our school came in 6th. I have learnt that indeed, “The objective of human physical activities is not to make champions, but make a contribution to building a harmonious society”.

I feel that this module should be opened up as a Co-curricular Activity so that others may, too, experience what I have in the past few weeks. Several members of the Tchoukball Association of Singapore were brought in to coach us, to teach us, to pass on the spirit of a beautiful sport – tchoukball.