the Basic Rules of Handball – Introduction
Handball is a popular sport enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. It is a team sport that is fast-paced and action-packed. Handball is played on a court, with two teams of seven players each, and the goal is to score points by throwing the ball into the opposing team’s goal. It is a sport that requires skill, speed, agility, and teamwork. The basic handball rules are designed to keep the game safe and fair for all participants.
The rules of handball vary slightly depending on which country or region is playing. However, most of the rules are the same. The International Handball Federation (IHF) is the official governing body of the sport and sets the official rules. These rules are followed by professional and amateur players alike.
Equipment
The equipment used to play handball is relatively simple. The most important piece of equipment is the handball itself. Handballs are generally made of leather or synthetic material and come in a variety of sizes and weights. The handball should be the appropriate size and weight for the players, as this will affect the speed and accuracy of the game.
In addition to the handball, players need a court, goals, and uniforms. The court should be the appropriate size, usually 40×20 meters, and should be marked with lines and boundaries. The goals should be securely attached to the court, and must be 3×2 meters in size. All players must also wear the appropriate uniforms, which include a jersey, shorts, and shoes.
Court
The court is the playing field for handball. It is usually divided into two halves with a center line, and is marked with lines that indicate the boundaries of the playing area. The court should be 40×20 meters and should have two goals at opposite ends. The goals should be 3×2 meters and securely attached to the court. There should also be a substitution area for players who are not actively playing.
The court should also have a goalie area, where the goalie stands while defending the goal. This area should be clearly marked and should be 3×3 meters. The court should also have a penalty area, which is a designated area for players to stand when they are serving a penalty. The penalty area should be 6×2 meters.
Players
In handball, each team consists of seven players. The players may be substituted in and out of the game at any time, as long as the number of players on the court remains the same. The players are divided into three main positions: the goalkeeper, the defense, and the offense. The goalkeeper is responsible for defending the goal, while the defense is responsible for stopping the opposing team from scoring. The offense is responsible for passing the ball to their teammates and shooting at the goal.
Each player has specific roles and responsibilities on the court. For example, the goalkeeper is the last line of defense and is responsible for blocking shots and intercepting passes. The defense is responsible for stopping the opposing team’s offense from scoring and for creating scoring opportunities for their team. The offense is responsible for passing the ball to their teammates and scoring goals.
The number of players on the court must be equal at all times, and each team is allowed a maximum of twelve players. The players are divided into three lines: the goalkeeper line, the defense line, and the offense line. Each line must have at least two players, and no more than four players. The players must also stay within their designated lines on the court.
Starting the Game
Toss
Before the game starts, the referee tosses a coin to decide which team will start the game. The winning team can choose whether to take the first throw-off or to choose which goal they will defend. The team that loses the coin toss will have the other option.
Throw-Off
The throw-off is used to start the game and each half of the game. The team that won the coin toss takes the throw-off by throwing the ball from the center of the court. The ball must travel at least 3 meters before a member of the other team can touch it. When the ball is thrown, all players must remain in their own half of the court until the ball is in play.
The team that took the throw-off is not allowed to score a goal directly from the throw-off. If the ball is thrown directly into the goal, the other team is awarded the ball for a free throw from the spot where the ball went out of bounds.
Playing the Game
Ball In and Out of Play
The ball is in play when it is thrown in from the sidelines, when a goal is scored, when the ball is passed to a teammate, and when the ball is touched by a player. The ball is out of play when it goes out of bounds, when a foul is called, when the ball touches the ceiling or any other obstruction, or when the referee stops play.
Passing
Passing is an important part of handball and is used to move the ball up the court and get it closer to the goal. A pass must be made to a teammate and must be made within a reasonable distance. If a pass is made to a teammate who is too far away, the referee will award a free throw to the opposing team from the spot where the ball was thrown.
When passing the ball, it must be thrown with two hands and must travel from one player to another in a single fluid motion. Any player can pass the ball, but only the goalkeeper is allowed to use their feet to pass the ball.
Dribbling
Dribbling is another important part of handball and is used to move the ball up the court and get it closer to the goal. When dribbling, the player can use their feet, hands, or both to push the ball forward. The player must keep one hand on the ball while dribbling, and they must also keep it within a reasonable distance from their body.
When dribbling, the player must be aware of their surroundings and must not travel more than three steps with the ball before passing or shooting. If a player holds the ball for more than three steps, the referee will award a free throw to the opposing team from the spot where the ball was held.
Shooting
Shooting is used to score goals and is the most important part of handball. When shooting, the player must use their hands and must shoot the ball with a single fluid motion. The player must also keep the ball within a reasonable distance from their body and must not take more than three steps with the ball before shooting.
When shooting, the player must aim for the goal and must not intentionally shoot the ball out of bounds. If a player shoots the ball out of bounds, the referee will award a free throw to the opposing team from the spot where the ball went out.
Fouls
Fouls are an important part of handball and are used to penalize players for unsportsmanlike conduct. They can be called for a variety of reasons, such as holding, pushing, tripping, or obstructing an opponent. If a foul is called, the referee will award a free throw to the opposing team from the spot where the foul occurred.
Players must be aware of the rules of handball and must not commit any fouls. If a player commits a foul, they can be given a warning or a temporary or permanent suspension from the game. Fouls can also result in a point being awarded to the opposing team.
Conclusion
Handball is an exciting and fast-paced team sport, which requires a combination of physical prowess, tactical awareness and mental fortitude. It is a sport which relies heavily on rules and regulations, which are designed to ensure fair and safe play for all participants. The rules of handball cover all aspects of the game, from the size of the court to the way players must behave on it. All handball players must adhere to these rules in order to ensure that the game is fair and enjoyable for everyone.
The rules of handball are designed to promote a sport which is both entertaining and competitive. They allow players to challenge each other and to test their skills against one another, but also ensure that the game is played safely and fairly. By following the rules of the game, handball players are able to ensure that their opponent is not cheated or disadvantaged in any way. This allows for a more enjoyable experience for all participants.
The rules of handball are designed to be clear, concise and easy to understand. They are an essential part of the game and must be adhered to at all times. By following the rules of the game, handball players are able to ensure that the sport is enjoyed by all participants. This helps to ensure that the game is both competitive and entertaining, making it a thrilling and enjoyable experience for everyone.