In this portion of our guide, we will discuss handball, a fast-paced team sport where two teams of seven players each, including a goalkeeper, aim to score points by throwing a ball into the opposing team's goal.
Handball combines elements of soccer and basketball, offering high-energy gameplay and engaging strategies.
Its roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where variations of the game were played in Greece and Rome, with players using their hands to hit balls in informal competitions.
However, modern versions of the game emerged in Europe during the late 19th century. Holger Nielson, a Danish gymnastics instructor, formalized the game in the 1890s, but it wasn't until the 20th century that handball gained traction as an organized sport.
By the 1920s, indoor handball developed further in Germany, shifting from outdoor forms played on larger fields. Standardized rules and regulations were established, and the sport quickly spread across Europe and beyond.
Handball made its Olympic debut at the 1936 Berlin Games in its outdoor form but was removed thereafter. The indoor version gained popularity and was reintroduced to the Olympics in 1972 for men and in 1976 for women. The International Handball Federation (IHF), founded in 1946, was pivotal in promoting and governing the sport globally. Over the decades, handball has grown into one of the most popular sports in Europe, with thriving leagues, professional teams, and a passionate fan base.
Handball is played indoors on a rectangular court measuring 40 meters long and 20 meters wide. The court features a goal area that players, except goalkeepers, cannot enter while in possession of the ball. Two teams, each consisting of seven players (six outfielders and one goalkeeper), compete to score goals by throwing a ball into the opposing team's net.
The match is divided into two 30-minute halves with a brief intermission. Players must dribble, pass, or shoot the ball within three steps or three seconds of holding it. Physical contact is permitted within certain bounds, but intentional fouls or dangerous plays result in penalties.
Handball requires minimal equipment. The ball, made of leather or synthetic material, is specially designed for easy gripping and passing. Its size and weight vary between men's, women's, and youth competitions. Players wear jerseys, shorts, and shoes with strong grip for indoor surfaces. Goalkeepers often wear padded gear for added protection.
Handball emphasizes teamwork and swift transitions. Players advance the ball through dribbling or passing while maneuvering to create opportunities. Attacking strategies include feints, pivot plays, and quick shots, while defensive strategies focus on blocking, intercepting passes, and pressuring opponents.
A goal is scored when the ball crosses the goal line inside the net. Teams accumulate points throughout the match, and the highest-scoring team at the end of regulation time wins. Matches tied at the end of regulation may proceed to extra time or penalty shootouts, depending on competition rules.
Penalties in handball address rule violations. Minor infractions may result in free throws for the opposing team, while severe fouls can lead to two-minute suspensions or disqualifications. Penalty throws (akin to penalty kicks in soccer) are awarded for major violations near the goal area.
Handball features specialized positions to optimize strategy. The goalkeeper defends the goal and prevents opposing shots from scoring. The center back leads offensive plays and coordinates team movements, while wingers are positioned near the sidelines for past-paced attacks and sharp-angled shots. The pivot plays near the opponent's defense, creating space for teammates, and defenders work collectively to disrupt offensive plays and regain possession.
The International Handball Federation oversees handball globally, organizing major competitions such as the Handball World Championships and regulating international rules. Continental federations like the European Handball Federation manage regional tournaments and leagues.
Handball enjoys immense popularity in Europe, particularly in Denmark, Germany, France, and Spain, where professional teams attract large audiences. It also has a growing presence in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Topics related to handball are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Founded in 1991, the EHF is the umbrella organization for European handball. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, it comprises fifty member federations and two associated federations (England and Scotland). An introduction to the federation is provided, along with an overview of its services, competitions, media guides and accreditation, handball news, exclusive documentaries, other profiles, and an online shopping area offering branded apparel and merchandise.
https://www.eurohandball.com/
Highlighting news and information about handball, Go Handball offers in-depth match analyses to exclusive interviews with players and coaches, covering every angle of the game. Brands, organizations, and individuals who have a passion for the sport are invited to partner with Go Handball; an inquiry form is available. On-site resources include national team competitions, club competitions, and handball news from Denmark, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, and Iceland.
https://gohandball.com/
International Handball Federation
The IHF is the governing body for handball, overseeing major international tournaments and competitions. Founded in 1946, the IHF now has 209 national federations as members. Contacts for its officers, committees, and commissions are provided, along with member federations, scheduled competitions, statutes and regulations governing the game, marketing data, and a media center that includes a gallery of photographs, magazines, media services, awards, and handball trivia.
https://www.ihf.info/
The organization's mission is to establish a strong professional league and make handball a mainstream sport in the United States. To achieve this goal, it focuses on grassroots development, hosting world-class tournaments, and partnering with organizations like the USA Handball Federation (USATH) and the International Handball Federation (IHF). Its partners, ambassadors, investors, and contacts are featured, along with an introduction to the organization and contacts.
https://prohandballusa.com/
Southern California Handball Association
The SCHA is dedicated to promoting handball through tournaments, events, and community engagement. It hosts various competitions, such as the Legends Tournament and the Jr. Vasquez Southern California 3-Wall Doubles Championships, and it maintains a Hall of Fame to honor outstanding players and contributors to the sport. Scheduled tournaments and other events are featured, along with an organization calendar, news, and its board of directors are listed. Contacts are posted.
http://handball.org/
Formerly known as the BENE-League, the Super Handball League serves as one of the primary promotional platforms for handball in the Netherlands and Belgium. The launch of the league's new brand is featured, along with its mission, visual identity, and plans for the future. Other resources include competition regulations, legal regulations, season schedules, team profiles, highlights, player profiles, statistics, and an online contact form. Its content is available in English and Dutch.
https://superhandballeague.com/en/
The United States national handball team is controlled by USA Team Handball. Due to funding disputes, the USOC revoked the governing duties of the United States Team Handball Federation but has since selected USA Team Handball as the new U.S. national governing body. Its website features membership types and other details and introduces the national teams (Men's, Women's, Wheelchair, Women's Junior, Men's Junior, and Men's Youth), as well as partner organizations.
https://www.usateamhandball.org/
