What is Tchoukball?

A strange sounding, unique sport appeared in my social media feed this week called Tchoukball. The name of tchoukball (pronounced as "choukball", with a silent "t") comes from the onomatopoeic "tchouk" sound the ball makes when it bounces off a frame.

Tchoukball is a fast-paced, non-contact team sport where players score by throwing a ball at a rebound frame, and the opposing team must catch the rebound before it hits the ground, emphasizing skill and strategy over physical aggression. Created by Dr. Hermann Brandt in the 1970s, it combines elements of handball, basketball, and volleyball, allowing players of different sizes to compete fairly without tackling, blocking, or guarding. The game is known for its "rule of three" (three passes, three steps, three seconds with the ball) and aims to be injury-free, promoting teamwork and coordination.

Here's a condensed overview of how the game is played:

• One team throws the ball at a rebounder frame.
• The ball bounces off the frame and lands in the playing area.
• The opposing team tries to intercept the ball before it bounces twice or goes out of bounds.
• A point is scored if the attacking team makes the ball rebound from the frame and land inbounds without the defense catching it.

Tchoukball was invented in the 1960s by Swiss biologist Dr. Hermann Brandt. He developed the sport as a way to reduce injuries caused by physical contact in traditional team sports while promoting teamwork, strategy, and skill. Brandt wanted a sport that emphasized fair play and inclusion, leading to the creation of Tchoukball.

The sport quickly gained popularity in Europe and Asia, with international competitions emerging in the following decades. Today, Tchoukball is played in over 60 countries worldwide, with professional leagues and youth programs helping to grow the game.

Although Tchoukball is still growing globally, several players have made their mark in the sport. Wen Qing Huang (Taiwan) and Jean-Paul Marquez (Switzerland) are among the most well-known figures in international Tchoukball, having played key roles in growing the sport’s visibility.

Tchoukball is one of the only sports that actively discourages defensive aggression. Instead of blocking shots, teams must rely on strategic movement and positioning to gain possession.

For more information on the sport:  https://usa-tchoukball.org/