Handball Rules, Techniques, and Gameplay

Handball: How It's Played

Players advance the ball down the court by dribbling and passing. They are allowed to dribble for an unlimited amount of time, run with the ball for up to three steps before and after dribbling, and hold the ball without moving for three seconds. Players are not allowed to pull, hit, or punch the ball out of an opponent's hands, endanger an opponent with the ball, or make contact with the ball below the knees. Free throws are awarded to the opponent in the event of minor fouls or violations. A seven-meter penalty shot is awarded to the opponent when major violations are committed.

Skills & Techniques

Basic Catching Technique

• The thumbs and fingers should form the shape of a triangle.
• Both hands form a "bowl/basket," enabling to catch the ball more effectively.
• Arms should be bent at the elbow and fully extended in order to catch the ball.
• When catching the ball, players should move hands toward the ball.
• Always catch the ball with two hands.
• The "target" should be at shoulder height and on the dominant arm side.
• The knees are flexed and the feet are shoulder-width apart.
• The head is up and forward, and the eyes are focused on the ball.

Overhead or Classic Pass

The throwing arm is at a 90-degree angle at the elbow, and the ball is slightly above head height. The whole hand should be behind the ball when it is being thrown. Begin by taking one step forward with the left foot (for right-handed throwers).

The Jump Shot

Right-handed throwers should push off from the left foot. Left-handed throwers should push off from the right foot. Throw from the highest point of the jump. When in the air, the body should be stretched, and the throwing shoulder drawn back.

Body Fake

The body fake is a rapid change of direction to throw an opponent off balance: once we have made our opponent move to one side, we rapidly take the opposite course to our original trajectory. With the body fake, we win position, which enables us to take a shot at the goal or carry out another action without opposition.

Goalkeeping

The knees should be slightly bent, and the hands held at head height. Low balls are stopped with the foot, and one arm stretched toward the foot to assist. A ball thrown at mid-height should be stopped with hand and foot, while high balls require a jump from one foot.