Demi-centre ? Cékoiça ?

Centre back

Masculine noun

Handball playing position

Synonym: playmaker

In handball, a centre back is the equivalent of a playmaker in basketball, the number 10 in soccer, or the quarterback in American football. Every position is, of course, important, but having a good centre back is essential for any team that wants to achieve results.

The term comes from the fact that when the seven outfield players take their positions in attack, the centre back stands right… in the centre of the court. He is flanked by the two backs.

His role is not the flashiest. A centre back will rarely take long-range jump shots from nine meters or force his way through to the goal. Instead, he makes things easier for his teammates so that they can create the highlight plays. He is the one who calls out the systems and tactics to follow during attacks. In general, he is also the team’s best passer.

A wide range of qualities are required to play this position. Great endurance is needed to stay focused in all situations, and the ability to take difficult shots is also important…

But the most crucial qualities remain vision and game awareness.

As the spearhead of the attack, the centre back must be able to quickly identify weaknesses in the opposing defense in order to set up strategies that exploit them.

For example, if the defending team suffers a two-minute suspension and plays shorthanded, a good centre back will draw the defense in by attacking, then deliver a pass at the very last moment. This creates an overlap and opens up an easy scoring opportunity.

In this case, we talk more about game awareness.

As for vision, a centre back constantly keeps his head up in order to observe and understand how the opposing defense is working.

These two qualities go hand in hand and are indispensable for any centre back.

This position is therefore particularly interesting to watch during a handball match. What’s more, in France, we are fortunate to have both reigning Olympic champion teams. On the men’s side, for instance, the centre back is none other than Nikola Karabatic, one of the best in the world.

But the men are not playing at the moment, unlike their female counterparts. Right in the middle of the World Championship, the French women are shining on the court. And even though the team’s collective strength is undoubtedly its greatest asset, the attack is masterfully organized by Allison Pineau, Méline Nocandy, and Grâce Zaadi Deuni.

This depth at the position ensures that, in all circumstances, there is always a clear-headed, fully capable centre back on the court. A luxury that Olivier Krumbholz makes the most of.

• Deux spécialistes françaises du poste de demi-centre

Alexandra Lacrabère, ancienne demi-centre de l’équipe de France, et Méline Nocandy, demi-centre actuel de l’équipe de France.