How to Play Handball
By
Dan Holmes
Contributor Updated: 14 January 2025
Dan Holmes Contributor
Dan Holmes, a content creator and sports betting enthusiast, brings over a decade of experience to Betting.US. His extensive writing background spans from the internet to prestigious roles at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Dan’s articles, featured on numerous websites, cover various sports, from bowling to disc golf.
How to Play Handball – Basic Rules and Strategies
If you’ve ever seen a game of handball and thought, “Hey, that looks like a bouncy, smaller version of soccer with hands,” then you’re not entirely wrong. But before you play, there are some things you need to know about handball rules, the structure of the game, and the strategy involved. Let’s explore how to play handball and break down the basic rules of handball, so you’re ready to jump in—or should I say “throw in” – with confidence.
The Setup: How Many Players in Handball?
To start with, it’s essential to answer the question, how many players in handball? Officially, a standard team consists of seven players on the court at any given time: six outfield players and one goalkeeper. Unlike soccer, where eleven players take the field, handball keeps it simple and strategic with seven. This smaller number allows for faster gameplay, with players quickly moving up and down the court to both score and defend.
The court itself is about 40 meters by 20 meters, a bit like a mini soccer field but with much more action per square meter. The goals are similar in size to those used in futsal or indoor soccer, and the primary objective is simple: outscore the other team by getting the ball into their net.
Understanding the Basic Rules of Handball
So, you know how many players in handball, but what are the basic rules of handball? The game starts with a throw-off from the center of the court. This initiates gameplay as the players begin moving the ball, aiming to either score or set up a defensive structure. The fundamental rule when handling the ball is this: players can take up to three steps while holding the ball, and then they either need to pass or shoot.
Unlike basketball, where dribbling is part of the strategy, in handball, dribbling exists but is limited and often risky due to aggressive defense. Players are better off using quick passes to avoid turnovers and create scoring opportunities. The three-second rule is also among the critical handball rules. If a player holds the ball for longer than three seconds without moving, passing, or shooting, it’s a turnover. This keeps the pace brisk and forces players to constantly think on their feet.
The Goal Area and Defense Rules
One unique feature of handball is the goal area, a semi-circular zone around the net that only the goalkeeper is allowed to occupy. Outfield players can jump into this area as they release the ball for a shot but must do so without touching the ground. This adds an element of athleticism, as players often leap through the air to score. It’s a bit like watching a high-flying stunt—minus the safety harness.
In defense, the objective is to block shots and disrupt passing lanes. Physical contact between players is permitted but within limits. Aggressive pushing or fouling results in a free throw or even a two-minute suspension for the defender. The game’s physicality is often surprising for first-timers, as it mixes the strategy of basketball with the intensity of rugby—minus the bruises (usually).
How to Play Handball Like a Pro
When it comes to mastering how to play handball, it’s essential to understand that handball rewards speed, skill, and teamwork. Players need to be in sync, especially during offensive plays, which often resemble choreographed routines. If you’ve ever watched a team pass the ball around the perimeter to create an open shot, you’ll appreciate the sheer coordination and precision involved.
One essential tip is to get comfortable with the “fast break,” a common play where the defending team, upon regaining possession, quickly moves up the court to score before the opposition can set up their defense. It’s a thrilling aspect of handball that requires speed and endurance.
The importance of the goalkeeper can’t be overlooked, either. Handball goalies have a challenging job, protecting a large goal from fast, close-range shots. They rely on reflexes and positioning, often employing unorthodox moves to save goals. It’s not unusual to see a goalkeeper make a leaping or diving save, arms and legs outstretched in every direction.
The Tactical Side: Offensive and Defensive Strategies
The beauty of handball is in its simplicity and strategic depth. Teams usually play a 6-0 defensive formation, with six players lined up on the defensive arc. Other strategies, like the 5-1 or even the 4-2 formation, are used for added pressure on attackers. But defending isn’t just about blocking shots; it involves coordinating movements and reading the opposing team’s play patterns.
Offensively, the team in possession generally moves the ball around the perimeter, creating space and looking for gaps to exploit. Feinting and quick changes of direction are common, as attackers aim to outsmart defenders with clever moves. For fans, watching a team execute a seamless offensive play is one of handball’s purest joys.
Handball Rules for Scoring and Winning
Handball games consist of two 30-minute halves, with a 10-15 minute break in between. It’s a short and intense 60 minutes of non-stop action. If the game ends in a tie, extra time or even a penalty shootout might be used to determine the winner, depending on the tournament rules.
Scoring is simple: get the ball into the opponent’s net. Each goal counts as a single point, and the team with the most points at the end of regulation wins. Due to the speed of the game, high-scoring affairs are common, with scores often reaching 30-40 goals per team. The excitement never wanes, as each attack has the potential to turn the game around.
Want More Action? Find Online Handball Odds
For those who enjoy watching from the sidelines but still want to get involved, you might explore best online handball betting options. Many platforms allow fans to bet on games, adding an extra layer of excitement to each match. Just remember to bet responsibly and enjoy the action without overcommitting.
Once you have a solid grasp of the basic rules of handball, you’re ready to join a game or at least impress your friends with your newfound knowledge. With its quick gameplay and strategic demands, handball is a sport that promises non-stop action and plenty of thrills.
If you lace up your shoes, stretch those throwing arms, and hit the court—just be prepared to leap, dodge, and dive for every point. Whether you’re a player, a fan, or just curious about the sport, knowing how to play handball and understanding handball rules adds depth to your appreciation of this fast-paced game.
