How to Play Handball: Basic Rules and Tips for Beginners

Want to know how to play handball and what’s essential to get started? At Handbolaunpas, we’ll explain the basic rules and the objective of the game, along with some tips that will help you achieve your best performance.

Handball is a dynamic and exciting sport that combines elements of soccer and basketball, offering a competitive experience for both players and spectators.

This game is usually played in a gym or indoor court, where two teams compete to score more goals than their opponents by throwing a ball into the opposing goal. The speed of plays, strategy, and teamwork are crucial, making it an attractive and accessible sport for people of all ages.

As you delve into the world of handball, you’ll find that although the game may seem complicated at first, its basic rules are actually quite simple. The essence of the game lies in ball control, team coordination, and quick decision-making.

What’s the objective of playing handball?

The main goal when playing handball is to score more goals than the opposing team during the course of the match. To do this, players must move the ball across the court using passing, fakes, and shots, trying to break through the opponent's defense and score a goal.

In addition to scoring goals, teams must also defend their own goal, preventing the other team from scoring. This focus on both offense and defense creates a fast-paced and strategic game, where collaboration and communication between team members are essential for success.

Basic Rules of Handball

The basic rules of handball ensure a fair and dynamic game, allowing both players and spectators to understand the essence of the sport. While there may be variations in the rules depending on the league or competition, there are general principles that apply in most games.

These rules cover aspects such as the number of players on the court, the duration of the match, allowed infractions, and how throws and fouls should be handled.

Court and Positions

The handball court has specific dimensions that contribute to the pace and dynamics of the game. A handball court measures 40 meters long by 20 meters wide, with a 6-meter goal area in front of each goal. This area is crucial, as only the goalkeeper can be inside it during play.

Players are strategically positioned on the court to create an effective interaction between attack and defense:

• Goalkeeper: The goalkeeper defends the goal and is the only player allowed in the 6-meter area. Their main objective is to prevent the ball from entering the goal using any part of their body.
• Center: The leader of the team's attack, often the player who makes key decisions. Their role is to organize the offensive game, pass the ball, and coordinate the movements of the other players.
• Wing: Players positioned on the sides of the court near the sidelines. Their main role is to receive fast passes and take shots from angled positions.
• Backcourt: Positioned on the flanks of the court, these players typically play closer to the center of the field. Their job is to balance the offense, provide support to the center, and shoot at goal when the opportunity arises. These players are usually taller and have the best long-range shots.
• Pivot: Plays in the center of the attack line, just in front of the opposing defense at the 6-meter line. Their role is to create space and receive passes to make close-range shots.

General Rules

Each team consists of seven players: six on the field and one goalkeeper. The match is played in two 30-minute halves, with a 10-minute break in between.

The team that scores the most goals at the end of the regulation time is declared the winner. The rules also state that the ball can be passed, thrown, or faked, but a player cannot take more than three steps without dribbling the ball.

Additionally, there are some important rules you should know if you want to start playing handball:

1. Fouls: Players cannot push, hold from behind, or hit an opponent, and any infraction results in a free throw for the opposing team.
2. Free throws: Free throws are awarded when fouls are committed, and the player must take the throw from the spot where the foul occurred.
3. Seven-meter throw: A penalty throw is awarded if a serious foul is committed within the goal area, and it must be taken from a distance of seven meters.
4. Substitutions: Teams can make unlimited substitutions, but they must be done in an orderly fashion, as any irregular substitution may result in a foul.

These rules are just an introduction to the complexity of handball, and understanding them is crucial for participating effectively in the sport.

Throwing Rules

Handball throwing rules define how throws are made in specific situations, ensuring that the game remains fluid and organized:

• Goalkeeper throw: This throw is made when the ball goes out of the court after being touched by an attacking player, and the goalkeeper catches it.
• Center throw: Performed at the beginning of each half and after every goal scored. It is taken from the center of the court, and both teams must be in their respective halves.
• Sideline throw: Awarded when the ball goes out of bounds over the sideline, either touched by a defender or attacker.
• Free throw: A free throw is awarded when a minor foul occurs. The player who receives the free throw has the right to shoot from the spot where the foul happened, and the defense must stay 3 meters away.

Tips for Starting to Play Handball

Starting in handball can be exciting and a bit overwhelming, but with some practical tips, any new player can quickly adapt and enjoy the sport.

Learn the basics

Familiarizing yourself with the rules and fundamentals of handball is essential for playing effectively. This includes understanding positions, throwing rules, and basic game tactics. Taking time to learn these concepts will give you a solid foundation on which to build your skills.

Take your time

Handball is a sport that requires practice and patience to master. Don’t feel pressured to excel right away; instead, focus on improving step by step. Over time, as you get used to the game’s rhythm and the necessary skills, you’ll see significant progress in your performance.

A team is the best training method:

Joining a team or training group is one of the best ways to learn handball. This will allow you to practice with other players, receive coaching guidance, and foster camaraderie and teamwork—key aspects of the sport.

Practicing as a team will help you develop both technical and tactical skills in a supportive environment.

Make sure you have the right equipment

Having the right equipment is essential for playing handball safely and effectively. Be sure to have the proper handball gear, such as an appropriate ball, sports shoes with good grip, and, if necessary, wristbands or additional protection to prevent injuries.

Having the right gear will allow you to enjoy the game and perform better on the court.

Find Everything You Need to Play Handball with Just a Few Clicks at Handbolaunpas

Handbolaunpas is a leading store for handball equipment, offering a wide variety of products that meet the needs of players at all levels. From high-quality balls to wristbands and specialized sports shoes, every item is designed to enhance your playing experience and ensure optimal performance on the court.

Want to read more about the sport? Check out also What features should handball shoes have?

Stop wondering how handball is played and get started with Handbolaunpas. In our online handball store, you can be sure you’ll be investing in quality, so beginners and experienced players alike can equip themselves properly and be ready to face any challenge on the court.