Mastering Handball: A Guide to the Rules

Handball, a fast-paced team sport played around the world, has a complex set of regulations that can seem daunting to newcomers. In this beginner’s guide from 24hscore, readers can gain a solid grasp of handball’s core rules and gameplay format. Covering essential topics like player positions, scoring, penalties, and key terminology, the article breaks down handball’s unique systems in an easy-to-understand way. Whether you are a recreational player trying to brush up on the rules or a budding fan seeking to better enjoy matches, this handbook lays a strong foundation for appreciating all that handball has to offer. Authored by 24hscore’s experienced team, Mastering Handball enables readers to learn regulations directly from the experts.

The Dynamic Evolution of Handball

Since its inclusion in the Olympics in 1972, handball has stood as a rigorous, body-contact sport engaging two teams, each composed of seven athletes. This demanding indoor sport captivates with its intense pace and focus on scoring by propelling a ball into a goal reminiscent of those in football, complete with upright posts and a crossbar.

Originating in Scandinavia and Germany during the latter part of the 19th century, handball had its genesis as a game played outdoors with 11 players per team, known then as field handball. It was G. Wallström who introduced indoor handball to Sweden in 1910, transforming the game’s landscape.

Between 1938 and 1966, separate world championships were conducted for both variations of handball. However, since 1967, the focus has been exclusively on indoor handball world championships.

The Olympic saga of handball has seen an intriguing evolution. Field handball made a single appearance at the Berlin 1936 Games, later showcased as a demonstration sport during the Helsinki 1952 Olympics. In contrast, indoor handball made its grand debut at the Olympics during Munich 1972, with women’s handball joining the Olympic roster in 1976.

Deciphering the Handball Court

In the realm of handball, the playing court unfolds as a rectangular expanse, spanning 40 meters in length and 20 meters in width. This expansive area encompasses two distinct goal regions and a central playing field, demarcated by a dividing line running through its heart. Its elongated sides are dubbed side lines, while the shorter margins are referred to as goal lines or outer goal lines.

Each outer goal line stands adorned with a central goalpost, firmly anchored to the ground, soaring 2 meters in height and spanning 3 meters in width. These goalposts, united by a horizontal crossbar, are enrobed in nets that complete the goal structure.

Surrounding the goals lies a semicircular terrain known as the goal-area line, situated 6 meters away, exclusively reserved for the goalkeeper’s domain within the handball arena.

Further enhancing the court’s tapestry are additional markings: the free-throw line, another semicircular boundary set 9 meters distant from the goal, and the goalkeeper’s restraining line, positioned four meters in front of the goal. It mandates the goalkeeper’s positioning during penalty situations, requiring them to stand behind this line.

Moreover, a 7-meter line assumes significance in moments of parity during the game. Positioned at the center line is a throw-off area, delineated by a four-meter diameter circle, serving as a pivotal starting point within the handball court.

The Dynamics of a Handball Match

In the enthralling realm of handball, a match unfolds over 60 minutes, split into two halves, each spanning 30 minutes. Should parity persist at the end of regular play, an overtime spectacle ensues. This overtime comprises two halves, each lasting five minutes. If equality endures after the initial overtime, a subsequent period beckons.

Should neither team claim victory even after the second overtime, a tie-breaker looms. Enter the 7-meter throwing scenario—a nerve-wracking affair involving five players from each team taking turns with one throw apiece. The deadlock persists if both sides remain level after the initial round of five throws. Then, sudden death ensues, where the first team to amass an advantage, following an equal number of throws, emerges triumphant.

Unveiling the Handball Ball

The handball’s identity is rooted in its construction—crafted from leather or synthetic materials, embodying a perfectly spherical form. Divided into two categories—resin and non-resin—their specifications differ. For resin handballs, measurements range between 58 to 60cm in circumference and weigh between 425 to 475g for men and 54 to 56cm in circumference, weighing 325 to 375g for women. Non-resin handballs range from 55.5 to 57.5cm in circumference, weighing 400 to 425g for men, and 51.5 to 53.5cm, weighing 300 to 325g for women.

The Players and Their Dance on the Court

A handball team comprises seven players, but the game commences with a minimum of five on the court. An additional bench allowance of seven to nine substitutes, contingent on federations, stands ready.

Players maneuver the court akin to basketball, dribbling the ball while allowed three steps sans dribbling. Their prowess extends to ball handling—throwing, catching, stopping, pushing, or hitting, utilizing hands, head, torso, thighs, and knees, barring contact below the knee. Handball’s essence thrives in body-contact dynamics, encouraging strategic attacks while penalizing passive play.

Navigating the Handball Strategies

Handball pivots on swift action, dissuading prolonged possession sans intent to attack or shoot. Teams navigating passive play face penalties—free throws against possession or potential turnovers. Teams receive warnings before penalties for repeated infractions. Scoring goals, the ultimate objective, reflects the prowess and finesse of players, often showcased through spectacular airborne attempts over the goal area line.