Handball Rules, History, and Tactical Systems

History and Origins of Handball

Handball was invented in Germany by Siemens, and the 11-player version (handblood) transitioned in 1947 to the modern format: seven players on a 40x20 field.

Basic Rules and Objective

The primary objective is to introduce the ball into the opposing goal. The winning team is the one that has scored more goals after the game concludes.

The Playing Field and Equipment

Land of the game:

• Penalty: 7m
• Intercom (Goal Area): 4m
• Goalkeeper (Porter): 3.16m
• Sideline (Band): 4.5m

Material: A leather ball is used, featuring different diameters according to the category.

Match Duration and Player Roles

Duration: The game consists of two parts of 30 minutes with 10 minutes of rest.

Players: Each team has 12 players (7 on the field and 5 reserves).

Specific Player Positions

• Goalkeeper (Porter): Defends the goal.
• Wingers (Extremes): Players closest to the sideline; they require speed and skill to shoot hard.
• Backs (Sides): Known for their height and power of release.
• Pivot: Plays in the center of the attack from the back; acts as a strong anti-defense presence.
• Center (Central): The player who organizes the team's attack.

Technical Penalties and Violations

There are two types of penalties: sanctions and disciplinary techniques.

Technical Violations

• Free Throw (Coup Franc): A launch for relocating the ball in play; the defense must be at 3m.
• 7-Meter Launch (Penalty): The maximum penalty awarded for avoiding a clear goal situation in an antireglamentaria (illegal) way.
• Steps: Walking more than 3 steps without the ball.
• Doubles: Dribbling runs, stops, and then returning to bounce.
• Throw-in: A launch when the ball has left the sideline (band line), performed by treading the line.

Disciplinary Sanctions

• Warning: Indicated by a yellow card (amarilla).
• Exclusion: If the behavior continues, the player is excluded for 2 minutes.
• Disqualification: Indicated by a red card.
• Expulsion: A straight red card where the team plays with one player less for the remainder of the match.

Individual and Collective Tactics

Individual Tactics: Includes the finta (feint), interception, lock, and screen.

Collective Tactics: Includes the counterblockade.

Training Exercises

Common exercises include unchecking without the ball, movement dribbling, interception, and crosses.

Defensive and Offensive Systems

Gaming systems are the form of distribution of players. There are two main types:

Defensive Systems

• Individual Defense: Each player is responsible for one opponent.
• Zone Defense: Each player is responsible for a specific zone and defends the player within it. Common formations include 3:3, 3:2:1, 5:1, and 6:0.
• Mixed Defense: A mix of zone and individual defense (e.g., 5+1, 4+2, or 4:1:1).

Offensive Systems

• Attack on Individual Defense: Requires constant unchecking throughout the field.
• Zone Attack: Each attacker occupies an area; common formations are 3:3 or 2:4.

Specific Drills

Exercises include ten oriented passes, three against six, and the defensive triangle.