Handball rules are not the most complex set of rules out there. Still, we decided to discuss some of the key aspects important to the game of handball. From pieces of equipment to rules, we will cover it all. Without further ado, let us dive right in.
Overview Of The Game
One might not anticipate it. but Handball is one of the most popular games in the world. The game is mostly played by countries like Sweden, Germany, and Denmark, amongst others. The game was first played officially at the Summer Olympics of 1952. Since then, the game has exponentially grown in size. In fact, the game’s popularity can also be credited to the popularity of its twin, football or soccer. The rules and most other aspect of the two sports are quite similar. But with one key difference. Except for feet, the ball here is passed around using hands. The game is played amongst two teams with seven players on each side. With one player as goalie, other players are defenders and strikers.
Court Design And Equipment
The court of a handball game is kind of reminiscent of a football game. The game is being played at a rectangle field with dimensions 40mts by 20mts. The field is divided equally between the two sides. Each side has a goal with zones and d-lines. To put it simply, a football court and a handball court do not have any practical difference.
The pieces of equipment needed for a match are quite basic. The list of equipment includes a ball, a goal center, gloves for goalies, and shoes. The ball has to be a standard ball that is used in volleyball or even balls that are used in a game of football. The next piece of equipment that you need is a goal center. This has to be 2 meters by 3 meters.
Another crucial piece of equipment that the game demands is a pair of gloves. But I personally prefer wearing tapes on my fingers as it helps in handling the ball better with more finger mobility. The final piece of equipment that you need is a pair of shoes. Do not expect to run across the field just wearing socks or bare feet. In order to leverage your weight better, use a good pair of studs, this will help you to grip the ground better and run faster.
Handball Rules 101
A game of handball is not just about the dimension of the field or the type of equipment. In fact, it is also about playing the game. And no game can be truly mastered unless you know about the rules. This will not only enable you to avoid penalties but will also ensure that you guys have a safe and clean match. So, this section will help you all to familiarise yourselves with handball rules.
Game Start
The game of Handball starts with a throw-off. The team taking a throw-off will throw the ball to one of their teammates. The opponent cannot come within 9 feet of the thrower. After a goal is scored, the scoring team gets a chance to throw off.
Touching
Even though handball rules allow players to touch the ball in any way possible, they can never consciously touch the ball with their feet. If they do, they will be facing a penalty. This is an absolute parallel opposite of the handball rule of football. So, touching the ball will result in stopping the play and an appropriate penalty.
Possession
Since this game involves hand primarily, there is a specific rule for possession. A player cannot hold the ball for more than three steps without passing, dribbling, or shooting. This is a rule that shares similarities with the dribbling rule of basketball. If you do violate the rule, the game will be stopped, and you will face appropriate penalties.
Dribbling
This is another very important aspect of handball. Similar to basketball, a ball needs to be dribbled throughout the player’s advance. He cannot hold the ball and bolt towards the goal center. Proper dribbling will help him maneuver across the court with ease and skilfully.
Defense
As a defensive player, you are not allowed to hold, hit, shove, or trip any of the attacking players. The only way a defensive player can advance or take possession of the ball is if he or she manages to strike the ball out of the attacker’s possession using the flat part of his hand. Apart from slapping the ball, any form of contact with players is illegal and will result in a penalty.
Fouls
As of now, we have seen some of the most fundamental rules that are needed to be followed. Breaking any of those fundamental rules will result in stopping play and fouls. But it is completely the referee’s purview if he decides to stop the play or wants it to continue. If he decides to continue, the foul action will take place once the play is stopped. This enables the attacking team to retain their momentum and stop any unnecessary stoppage of play.
Yellow Card
Even though flouting norms will only result in foul action, if the flouting of the norm is a little too severe, then you can face something like the Yellow Card. If you are presented with a yellow card, you will have to sit out for two minutes. If the infraction takes place three times in a row, then this will result in a red card. In that case, you will have to sit out a game or go back to the camp.
Final Thought
With that, we have reached our Encyclopedia Of Sports: Handball Rules, Courts, Equipment, Etc. All the aspects that we have discussed in this section have carefully studied how a game of handball operates. Keep following our page for more sports-related content and news. And if you have any special request, do write us in the comments.
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