When you start playing handball, you quickly realize that it is an indoor fast-pitch game.
Let’s slow things down a bit and learn how to play the basic rules of handball for beginners – the easy way.
This is just a simple overview of the basics. But, it’s a great starting point if you want to learn how to play team handball in 5-10 minutes of reading.
BASIC RULES OF HANDBALL : We start the list of regulations with the 10 basic rules of the game of handball.
This guide highlights the main rules of play for all newcomers to the sport.
Beginners can take it to the next level by first mastering these ten simple handball rules.
You must demonstrate speed in your footwork, physical endurance and great alertness on the field. Your game will definitely improve once you learn these 10 basic handball rules.
The basic rules of handball are often called “a physical game of ball throwing“. And it’s called that for good reason, as most competitors will tell you.
=> Discover our buying guide to choose the best handball balls
The International Handball Federation (IHF) governs and regulates the codified rules of the sport. Take the time to consult the simplified guide to the 10 rules of base handball below.
10 rules of handball
These 10 handball rules should help complete beginners. Those who enjoy playing competitive pitching sports may enjoy this guide. You may be surprised how much energy and power you need to fully enjoy this sport.
Team handball combines physical fitness and mental dexterity. This game never fails to test your delicate touches and strategic skills on the field.
1. Goal of the game
Handball is sometimes called team handball or Olympic handball. It is a team sport played between two teams of 7 players. The aim of handball is to pass a ball around until a player can throw it into the opposing team’s goal.
2. Equipment
All you need is the equipment basis needed to play handball. You can enjoy a game with a ball and an indoor or outdoor field. You will need a centered goal at each end of the field.
3. Players
Each of them should have 6 outfield players and a goalkeeper. The team must not have more than 14 players, including 7 mobile substitutes. The goalkeeper must wear equipment of a different color from that of the field players.
4. Duration of the match
Typically, a handball match consists of two 30-minute halves. There is a 15-minute half-time break during which the teams also change sides of the pitch before resuming. The referee whistles the start of the match and signals infractions of the rules.
5. General game
- Six meter line : Only the goalkeeper can play inside the 6 meter goal line area. The exception might be when a player takes a shot on goal. But, the player must shoot the ball before landing in the goal zone.
- Walk : Handball players cannot take more than three steps without dribbling (or bouncing) the ball. Holding the ball for more than 3 seconds without a bounce or shot is considered a “walk.” In this case, the team loses possession of the ball.
- Double Dribbling : You can’t catch the ball, bounce it, then hold the ball and bounce it one more time.
- Kick : Only the goalkeeper can kick the ball. Possession of the ball is lost to the other side if the ball touches the foot of an outfield player.
6. Faults
Most fouls in handball involve poor physical conduct. Do not push, trip, hit, charge, squeeze or hold.
7. Score points
Players score a goal when the entire ball crosses the goal line and remains inside the goal. Scoring goals from a free throw, throw-in, throw-in or goal throw complies with the rules of handball in the United Kingdom.
8. Regulations
The referee awards a penalty roll each time a player is denied a clear opportunity to score a goal due to a rule infraction. Players may also receive sanctions for serious infractions.
The resulting penalty varies. This can be a yellow card (a warning), a suspension (2 minutes of exclusion) or a red card (an expulsion).
9. Officials
There should be two match referees in handball games. One is the field official and the other is the goal line official.
Both referees have complete authority and governance over the match. Their decisions are final and without appeal. A timekeeper and a scorer assist the referee in handball competitions.
10. Win the match
Winning a handball match means you have scored more goals than your opponents at the end of the match. Teams play overtime periods if the game is tied. A penalty shootout determines the outcome of the match when the scores remain level after extra time.
