Intro to: Handball – #Rio2016

 

Handball is quite a popular sport in Europe, it is a sport played in schools across the continent. However, not as common in the UK.

Mentioning Handball to something usually comes with confusion, they recognise it as a sport, but have no idea what the game consists of. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand Handball ready for you to spectate during Rio 2016.

The Game

Handball is a mixture of Basketball, Football, and Ice Hockey (don’t worry, there’s no ice involved).

The aim of the game, much like most sports, is to score more goals than the opposition.

A team consists of 14 players, with no more than seven players on court at one time. One goalkeeper and six field players.

The game lasts 60 minutes, which is split into two half’s of 30 minutes. If needed, over time has two 5 minute halves, if the game is still tied, another 10 minute of overtime is played. Just like most sports, if the game is still tied, a penalty shoot-out will begin.

 

The Court

The court is 40m x 20 m, split into two halves, with two goal creases either end. The goal creases have a 6m radius around the goals – the goal keeper is the only player allowed in this area.

A 9m dotted radius is also around the goal area, this is called the free throw line.

Two substation lines sit 4.5m on either side of the centre line, this is where a substitute must go across to take part in the game.

General Rules

Much like the sport of Netball, players in handball can only hold the ball for 3 seconds. However, they can also take a maximum of three steps and also dribble the ball if desired. If a player exceeds these, then possession is given to the opposition.

Dribble faults are similar to a double dribble in Basketball. A player cannot dribble the ball, stop and then continue to dribble. The ball will be given to the opposite team.

The goal keeper is the only player allowed to touch the ball with their feet, but only inside their goal area.

Any other player cannot step into the goal area. Players can jump into the area to attempt a shot on goal, however the ball must have left their possession before their feet contact the floor.

If the team with possession of the ball is making no attempt on goal, then the ball is awarded to the other team. This is also known as Passive Play.

There is unlimited substitutions, the substitutes must cross the substitute line.

Do’s and Do-not’s

The opposing team is allowed to prevent the opponent from moving into open space. They can do this with body contact via the front, or forming walls with other players of their team to enforce errors.

A player CANNOT pull or hit the ball out of the hands of an opponent.

They also cannot block an opponent with their arms or legs, hold a part of the opponents body/kit, or run/jump into an opponent.

If a player does do these things, than a penalty is awarded to the opposing team.

Penalties

If a defender steps into the goal crease to stop their opponent scoring, or has stopped an attackers chance of scoring, a seven metre throw is awarded. This is the equivalent of a penalty in football.

Much like football, if you give a foul, you receive a yellow card. 2 minute time penalties are given for the 2nd and 3rd foul by a player. If a player commits a 4th foul, they are then given a red card and removed from play.

A red card can also be given for serious offences.