Handball is an indoor sport characterised by its high speed, where teams strive to score points by throwing a ball into a goal resembling those used in football, complete with posts and a crossbar.
Handball originated in Scandinavia and Germany during the late 19th century. Initially, the game was played outdoors with 11 players in each team and was called field handball. Indoor handball was introduced to Sweden in 1910 by G. Wallström.
From 1938 to 1966, separate world championships were held for both variants of handball. Since 1967, only indoor handball world championships have been held.
Field handball was played at the Olympics just once, at Berlin 1936. Later, it was showcased as a demonstration sport at the Helsinki 1952 Games. Indoor handball made its debut at the Olympics at Munich 1972. Women's handball made its Olympic debut in 1976.
Here’s all you need to know about handball rules.
Handball rules
Handball playing court: Size and details
The handball playing court is a rectangular area measuring 40m in length and 20m in width. It consists of two goal areas and a central playing area, divided by a centre line. The longer sides are called side lines, while the shorter sides are known as goal lines or outer goal lines.
Each outer goal line has a goal placed at its centre. The goals are generally attached to the floor and have a height of 2m and a width of 3m. The goalposts are connected by a horizontal crossbar. A net is attached to the goals.
The goals in handball are surrounded by a semi-circular area called the goal-area line, 6m away from the goal. Only the goalkeeper is allowed in the goal area.
Additionally, the free-throw line is another semi-circular line, which is 9m from the goal. The goalkeeper’s restraining line is at a distance of four metres directly in front of the goal. The goalkeeper needs to be behind the restraining line when penalties are being taken.
There’s a 7-metre line, which comes handy when a game is tied. A throw-off area, a circle four metres in diameter, is placed in the middle of the centre line.
Handball courts are rectangular in shape
How long does a handball match last?
A handball match lasts for a total of 60 minutes and is divided into two halves of 30 minutes each.
If a game is tied, overtime is played. The overtime period consists of two halves, each lasting five minutes. If the game remains tied after the first overtime, a second period is played.
If the game is still tied after the second overtime and a tie-breaker is necessary, then a 7-metre throwing is generally used. Here, each team selects five players, who take turns making one throw each. They alternate with players from the opposing team.
If the score is still tied after the first round of five throws per team, sudden death ensues. In sudden death, the first team to build up a lead after both teams have taken an equal number of throws wins.
Handball ball
Balls used in handball matches are made of leather or synthetic material and must have a spherical shape. The surface of the ball should not be shiny or slippery. Typically, there are two categories of handballs - one made of resin and one without.
For resin handballs, the circumference ranges from 58 to 60cm and the weight is between 425 to 475g for men. For women, the ball circumference ranges from 54 to 56 cm, and the weight is between 325 to 375g.
For non-resin handballs, the circumference ranges from 55.5 to 57.5cm, and the weight is between 400 to 425g for men. For women, the ball circumference ranges from 51.5 to 53.5cm, and the weight is between 300 to 325g.
Handball rules dictate each team should have seven players
How many players in handball
A handball team consists of seven players. However, for a game to start there should be at least five players on the court. Another seven to nine players, depending on the federations, are allowed on the bench to serve as substitutes.
The seven-member handball team includes the goalkeeper. However, the goalkeeper can become a court player at any time.
How to play handball
Players generally dribble the ball around when they move around the court, similar to basketball. They can take up to three steps without dribbling the ball and are allowed to possess it for a maximum of three seconds.
Players can throw, catch, stop, push or hit the ball, by using their hands, head, torso, thighs and knees. They cannot touch the ball with their feet or with any part below the knee.
Handball is a body-contact sport. Furthermore, attacking strategies are encouraged, while passive play leads to a warning and loss of possession for the team.
In handball, teams are not allowed to hold the ball without attempting to attack or shoot on goal, nor can they repeatedly delay actions like throwoffs. This passive play is penalised with a free throw against the team in possession, and if no shot on goal is taken after four passes, a free throw is awarded to the opposing team. Teams are warned to give them a chance to change their attacking approach before penalties are imposed.
Scoring in handball
The objective for the players is to throw the ball into the goal. The team that scores the most goals in a match is declared the winner. The game can also end up in a tie.
Handball goals often look spectacular. This is because players usually jump over the goal area line, thus ensuring they are not in contact with the goal area, and attempt to throw the ball in the goal while in the air.
