Handball: History, Court, Positions and Basic Rules

Summary

This document gives an overview of handball, covering its origins in Denmark and Germany and key milestones in its development. It also explains basic techniques such as passes and throws, the dimensions of the court, team composition, player positions and game duration. It is a useful quick reference for students learning the fundamentals of the sport.

Key points

Handball's origins trace back to 1898 in Denmark, and Germany helped formalize its rules.
The first World Championship was held in 1938, with both 11-a-side and 7-a-side formats.
11-a-side handball was an Olympic sport in Berlin in 1936 and was discontinued in 1966.
7-a-side handball became the standard format in 1972.
The court measures 40 x 20 metres, with goals 3 metres high and 2 metres wide.
Each team has 14 players, with 7 on the court at a time, and a game consists of two 30-minute halves.

Test yourself

Handball: Origins and Evolution

Handball's origins trace back to 1898 in Denmark. By 1910, it was gaining traction as a sport. Germany played a crucial role in formalizing the rules, and by 1928, the sport was widely known as handball. Interestingly, a similar game was played by the Romans.

Key Milestones

1925: The first international match between Germany and Austria.
1946: The International Handball Federation (IHF) was established.
1935: The first seven-a-side handball game was played between Sweden and Germany.
1938: The first World Championship was held, featuring both 11-a-side and 7-a-side formats.
1936: 11-a-side handball was an Olympic sport in Berlin.
1966: 11-a-side handball was discontinued.
1972: 7-a-side handball became the standard format, continuing to this day.

Basic Handball Actions

The 'Boat' Technique

The 'boat' is a technical action used when a player needs to move away from an opponent while holding the ball. Players can only hold the ball for 3 seconds without dribbling.

Types of Passes

Classic front pass
Classic side pass
High pass in suspension
Pronation pass
Tray pass
Curtain and lock pass
Two-handed chest pass

Types of Throws

Supporting throw
Regular throw
Intermediate throw
Hip throw
Low support throw
Grinding crash throw
Setback throw
Fall in suspension throw

The Handball Court

The handball court is rectangular, measuring 40 x 20 meters. It is divided into two halves. The goals are 3 meters high and 2 meters wide. Each side has a goal area and a 9-meter free-throw line. A 7-meter line marks the penalty area.

Players and Positions

Team Composition

Each team consists of 14 players: 2 goalkeepers and 12 court players. Only 7 players are on the court at a time, including one goalkeeper. There are 5 substitute players on the bench. A minimum of 5 players is required to start a game.

Player Positions

Players are typically positioned in the first and second lines:

Left back
Center back
Right back
Left wing
Right wing
Pivot

Game Duration

A handball game consists of two 30-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime break. In case of a tie, extra periods of 5 minutes each are played.

FAQ

How long is a handball game?

A handball game consists of two 30-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime break. If the game is tied, extra periods of 5 minutes each are played.

How many players are on a handball team?

Each team has 14 players: 2 goalkeepers and 12 court players. Seven players, including one goalkeeper, are on the court at a time, and 5 substitutes are on the bench.

What are the dimensions of a handball court?

The handball court is rectangular, measuring 40 x 20 metres. Goals are 3 metres high and 2 metres wide, and a 7-metre line marks the penalty area.