Team Handball Unit
Ms. OSTRANDER
History of the game
Team Handball originated in Europe in the 1900s. Team Handball started as a field game with
11 players on a team. Later due to severe winters, the game was modified to become an indoor
sport with the teams consisting of seven players. It was not until the 1950s that team handball
gained attention in the United States. The inclusion of team handball in the Olympic Games for
men was in 1972 and for women in 1976. Today there are 140 members in the International
Handball Federation.
About the game
Team handball is a fairly simple game which makes it possible to enjoy and play right away. The
game combines basic skills of running, jumping, catching, and throwing, goal tending and
strategies into a continuous, fast moving sport which makes it a good activity for cardiovascular
fitness. The game combines skills from soccer, basketball and hockey.
Rules of the game
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The object of the game is to score a goal by passing the ball quickly and throwing the
ball past the defense and goalie and into the goal.
A regulation game is played on a floor that is slightly larger than a basketball court.
Each successful goal is worth 1 point.
The game is started with a coin toss to determine which team has possession and begins
the game with a center throw off (This is a pass to a teammate, like a kickoff in soccer).
Teams consist of 7 players (6 court players and one goalkeeper): Left wing, circle runner,
right wing, left backcourt, center right backcourt with the goalkeeper protecting goal.
Court Players are allowed to:
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Hold the ball without moving for three seconds
Run with the ball for up to three steps before and after dribbles
Dribble the ball for an unlimited amount
Pass and shoot
Court Players are not allowed to:
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Kick the ball or contact the ball below the knees
Double Dribble (dribble, stop and dribble again)
Endanger an opponent with the ball
Pull, hit or punch the ball out of the hands of an opponent
Step on or across the goal area line
An infraction results in a free throw taken at the point of the infraction.
Goalies are allowed to:
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Defend the goal using hands, feet and body
Move outside the goal area and throw for a goal, but must abide by the same rules as
court players
Take more than 3 steps when carrying the ball inside the goal area
Hold the ball for more than 3 seconds
Goalies are not allowed to:
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Leave the goal area while in possession of the ball
Pick up a ball outside the goal area
An infraction by the goalie will result in a penalty throw.
Goal area rules
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Only the goalie is allowed inside the goal area
Players may jump into the goal area if they release the ball before landing in the air
A ball in the goal area belongs to the goalie unless it is in the air
Terminology
Throw off- The method of putting the ball into play at the beginning of the game and after a
goal is scored. The throw is made from center court. The thrower must keep one foot
stationary. The throw can be made with one or two hands. The throw-off pass must be passed
within 3 seconds after the official blows the whistle. Both teams start on their own side of the
court. Defense starts out a minimum of 10 feet back.
Throw –In- A throw-in is awarded when the ball goes out of bounds on the sideline or when the
ball is last touched by a defensive player (excluding the goalie) and goes out of bounds over the
end line. The throw-in is taken from the spot where the ball crossed the sideline, or if it crossed
the end line, from the nearest corner. The thrower must place one foot on the sideline (or
corner) to execute the throw. All opposing players must stay 3 meters (10 feet) away from the
ball. The Throw-in must be taken within 3 seconds. The Throw-in can be thrown in with one or
both hands.
Referee Throw- A referee throw is awarded when the ball touches anything above the court
after a simultaneous infringement of the rules after simultaneous possession of the ball.
The Referee throws the ball vertically between two opposing players. The jumping players may
grab the ball or tap it to a teammate. All other players must be 3 meters (10 feet) away from
the throw. The referee throw is taken from at the point of infraction.
Free-Throw- For a minor foul or violation, a free throw is awarded to the opponent at the exact
spot it took place. If the foul or violation occurs between the goal area line and the 9-meter
line, the throw is taken from the nearest post outside the 9-meter line. The thrower must keep
one foot in contact with the floor, then pass or shoot. (note: 9 meters is almost 30 feet)
Penalty Throw (7-Meter Throw)- The seven-meter throw is awarded when:
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A foul destroys a clear chance to score
The goalie carries the ball back into his or her own goal area
A court player intentionally plays the ball to his or her own goalie in the goal area and
the goalie touches the ball
A defensive player enters his or her goal area to gain an advantage over an attacking
player in possession of the ball
All players must be outside the free-throw line when the throw is taken. The player taking the
throw has 3 seconds to shoot after the referee’s whistle. Any player may take the 7 meter
throw.
Goal Throw- A goal-throw is made by the goalie from outside the goal area upon retrieving a
loose ball outside the goal area.
When the goalie takes the throw inside the goal area, he or she is not restricted by the 3-step/
3-second rule.
Corner Throw- A throw taken by the offensive team player after a ball crossed over the goal line
after being touched by the defender other than the goalie.
Throw out- the method a goalie uses to put a ball back into play after he or she blocks or
catches a shot that does not cross the goal line.