Handball: Rules, Court Dimensions, and Resources

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How Do You Play Handball?

Olympic handball is a fast, competitive, team-oriented game. Its the oldest game played with a ball, the best all-around conditioner, according to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and is great for kids since it helps develops both sides of the body and brain to aid in learning. There are two teams which are each comprised of seven players, one goalkeeper and six field players and the aim of the game is to get the ball into the other team’s goal. It is also known as handball, team handball and European handball. It is a quick game with two halves of 30 minutes. The team with the most number of goals at the end of the hour is the winner. It is generally a high scoring game, with an average of 20 – 30 goals being totaled each game.

Body contact is allowed, as the defenders attempt to prevent the attackers from entering the goal area. Offside rules apply, which are slightly similar to football, that is, contact is only tolerated when the defensive player is in front of the offensive player. This is referred to as a player sandwich and means that the defenders need to be between the attacker and the goal. Penalties are given if there is contact from the side or behind as it is considered dangerous. It is a start-stop game as play is halted when a defender is successful in stopping an attacking player. It is then restarted by the offensive team at the nine meter line or at the place where the attack occurred. Teams are not restricted by the number of “faults”.

What are the 5 Rules in Handball?

1. The first rule states that once the player receives the ball, they only have three seconds before they have to dribble, pass or shoot.

2. Secondly, a player is only allowed to take three steps without dribbling. If they do choose to dribble they are allowed an extra three strides.

3. Thirdly, once the player stops dribbling they have again three seconds to make their next move. During this time period they are given an additional three steps.

4. The fourth rule is, only the defending goal keeper is allowed within 6 meters of the goal, which is referred to as the goal line. Goalkeepers are not restricted to this area, but still are not able to cross the goal perimeter while in contact with the ball, either by carrying or dribbling.

5. Finally, field players can only use body parts above the knee to touch the ball. This rule does not apply to the goalkeeper, whom is able to use all of his body parts including his feet.

What are Awarded Throws In Handball?

Awarded throws are given when the opposing team violates these rules and others. A throw-off is from the center of the court. This occurs at the beginning of each period and after the opposing team scores a goal. During a throw-off the thrower has to have at least one foot on the middle line and the rest of their team must be in their side. The defending players have to be at least three meters away from the thrower. Throw-ins occur when the ball goes over the side lines or touches the ceiling. The throw-in is awarded to the team who did not touch the ball last. A goalkeeper is given a goalkeeper throw if the defending team throws the balls over the exterior goal line without any interference. The goalkeeper can throw the ball from anywhere within their goal area. Free throws are given after a referee interrupts play and is taken from the spot of the interruptions. The last type of throw is a 7 meter throw and is given if a probable goal is illegally interrupted. This interruption can be from the defendant, officials, spectators and even the referees.

How to Build a Handball Court?

The court is 40 meters long by 20 meters wide, with equates to 131 feet by 66 feet. The court resembles a combination of a basketball court and a pocket-size soccer pitch. This is fitting, as many rules have been adapted from these two sports. A goal is situated in the center of each end. The materials used for the crossbars and goal posts must be the same, and usually are either wood or aluminum. The quadric cross section measures 4.5 inches and must also be of the same material. Two contrasting colors need to be applied to the alternating beams which are visible to the playing field. This color must also be distinguished against the room color. However, the two goals on the field need to be the same colors. The goal needs to feature a net, which has to be fastened appropriately. The goal area resembles the letter ‘D.

Surrounding the goal is the zone, also referred to as the crease. The zone is within the near semicircular area, which is outlined six meters from the goal. Parallel to the goal line there needs to be a connecting line. Surrounding the goal there is a clearance area, which is 2 meters high by 3 meters wide. This area must be very secure and bolted accordingly. Nine meters from the goal is another semicircular line. This line is made up of dashes and represents the free-throw line. Free throws are given after a referee interrupts play and is taken from the spot of the interruptions.

Allocation for a substitution space should be on both sides of the long edges, situated in line with the “middle line”. This space is usually accompanied with benches for sitting. The space will depend on the team’s own goals, and during the half time, these areas are swapped. There is a line which is 4.5 m from the middle line to the team’s area and is referred to as the substitution line. There is a 7 meter line which is used for the 7m throw ins, which is 7m from the goalpost. A 7-meter throw is given if a probable goal is illegally interrupted. This interruption can be from the defendant, officials, spectators and even the referees. Awarded throws are given when the opposing team violates these rules and others. A throw-off is from the center of the court. This occurs at the beginning of each period and after the opposing team scores a goal. Throw-ins occur when the ball goes over the side lines or touches the ceiling. A goalkeeper is given a goalkeeper throw if the defending team throws the balls over the exterior goal line without any interference. The goalkeeper can throw the ball from anywhere within their goal area. The safety zone should also be implemented which is one meter away from the side lines and two meters away from the goals.

Resources About Handball

Website of the US Handball Association

Website of the International Handball Federation

Resource by Will

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