The Basics of Handball

The basics of handball are pretty easy to learn. However, the game is very fast paced so it is recommended that you acquaint yourself with the basics of handball before engaging in a game. Here are some guidelines for you to understand the basics of handball.

The Goal Area

Aside from the goalie, no one is allowed inside the goal area or the area inside the 6 meter line. An exception is when a player moves over the area but shoots the ball before he lands on the goal area ground. Beyond the 6 meter line is the 9 meter line, also called the free throw line.

The Players

Each team has 7 players, 6 of which are court players, while the remaining one is a goalie. Twelve is the maximum number of players on each team who is allowed to participate in the game. Substitutions can occur only when an active player leaves the court and a substitute enters it. The number of players currently on the court area should always be 7. If it exceeds that number, it is considered a violation. The goalie wears a shirt with a different color from his teammates.

The Referees

Two referees usually officiate each game. One of them is the court referee, the other is the goal line referee. Their authority is unchallenged and their decisions are deemed final. To assist them in scoring and keeping the time, are the scorer and the timer.

The Game Duration

For adults, the game is divided into two halves with each half having 30-minutes duration, and a half time of 10 minutes. For youth and tournament games, 15-minute or 20-minute halves are used. The game utilizes running time except when teams use their time-outs or when there is an injury. At half-time, teams change benches. If an overtime is required, the teams will go at it again for two periods of 5 minutes each.

The Game Play

Each half begins with a throw-off by the team who won the toss from the center of the handball court. Without passing, shooting, or dribbling, a player can only hold the ball in his hands for a maximum of 3 seconds. Failure to release the ball after 3 seconds of holding it will result in a foul. A foul is also given when a player takes 3 steps without dribbling the ball. A throw-in is awarded to a team when the opposing team sends the ball over the sidelines. A free throw is awarded to a team when the opposing team executes an illegal obstruction of a sure shot.

The Score

The goal is awarded points when the entirety of the ball goes over the goal line and into the goal itself. A goal can be made in several ways; a free throw, a goal throw, a throw-in, and a throw-off.

References

usadth.tripod.com: Team Handball Basic Rules

realbuzz.com: The Rules of Handball