hANDBALL 

Handball may resemble elements of basketball and football, but it is in fact a unique, high-intensity invasion game that combines speed, power, and strategy. Originating in Europe in the early 20th century, handball is now an Olympic sport played by millions around the world, especially popular across Europe and Asia.

Played between two teams of seven players (six outfield players and one goalkeeper), handball is a dynamic and fast-paced sport where teams aim to throw a small ball into the opposing team’s goal. The game demands strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and both offensive and defensive coordination.

Handball fosters athleticism, mental agility, and cooperation. Players are constantly transitioning between attack and defence, requiring them to be adaptable, disciplined, and team-oriented. While physical contact is permitted in defence, safety and respect for opponents are central to the sport’s rules and spirit.

The objective of handball is to outscore the opposing team by moving the ball using passes and dribbles, and scoring goals from outside or near the 6-metre goal area. Players can pass, bounce (dribble), or take up to three steps while holding the ball. After holding the ball for more than three seconds, they must pass, shoot, or dribble.

Goalkeepers are the only players allowed inside the goal area and can use any part of their body to block shots. Offensively, players work to break through the defence using set plays, fast passes, and movement without the ball to create scoring opportunities.

As the International Handball Federation states:
“Handball is not only a game of goals, it is a game of teamwork, heart, and spirit.”

The fundamental starting point for team handball is passing and catching. These skills always occur in combination because another player should catch and control each passed ball. As a rule, you pass with one hand so you are always a scoring threat, and you catch the ball with two hands for greater ball control. As the name team “handball” implies, using your hands to pass and catch the ball is the essence of the game.

Like basketball, there are a number of team handball passes: jump pass, bounce pass, push pass, behind the back, behind the shoulder pass, and so forth. Passing and catching are the most important components of ball control. Inability to control the ball results in loss of possession and increased scoring opportunities for your opponent. Offensive success revolves around a team’s ability to move the ball quickly and accurately from one player to another.