Handball

File:Highlights Day 1 - 22nd World University Handball Championship 2014 - Guimares - Fisu.webm

Handball pick-a-back Ancient Greece

Handball field en

Rukometno igralište kod Macanovog doma, Čakovec.2

Team Time Out Handball

Handball is a team sport played by two teams of seven players each. The sport is often played indoors, but outdoor variants exist, such as beach handball and field handball. The objective of the game is to score goals by throwing a ball into the opposing team's goal. A standard match consists of two periods of 30 minutes, and the team with the most goals at the end of the match wins.

History

The origins of handball can be traced back to ancient times, but the modern version of the game was formulated in the late 19th to early 20th century in Europe. It first appeared in the Olympic Games in 1936 in Berlin as outdoor handball, and indoor handball was first played in the Olympics in 1972 for men and 1976 for women.

Rules

The basic rules of handball are governed by the International Handball Federation (IHF), which oversees international competitions and the standardization of rules.

Court

A handball court is 40 meters long and 20 meters wide, with a goal area at each end. The goal area is a semicircular line six meters from the goal where only the defending goalkeeper is allowed to stand. The court also features a free-throw line nine meters from the goal, marking the area outside of which players must take free throws.

Play

Players are allowed to handle the ball with any part of their body above the knee. They can run with the ball for up to three steps without dribbling and can hold the ball without moving for three seconds. The game is fast-paced, with players frequently jumping into the goal area to attempt shots on goal.

Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper is the only player allowed inside the goal area and can use any part of their body to stop shots. They are also the only player who can touch the floor inside the goal area.

Fouls

Physical contact is allowed, but actions that endanger the opponent, such as pushing, hitting, or tripping, are considered fouls. Minor fouls are penalized with a free throw, while more severe infractions can lead to a two-minute suspension or a penalty throw.

Competitions

The IHF organizes the World Handball Championship for both men and women, which is held every two years. Additionally, handball is featured in the Olympic Games and various continental championships, such as the European Handball Championship and the Pan American Handball Championship.

Variants

Besides indoor handball, other variants include:

• Beach Handball: Played on sand instead of a hard surface, with teams of four players.
• Field Handball: The original form of handball played outdoors on a larger field.

Popularity

Handball is particularly popular in Europe, with countries like Germany, Denmark, and Norway having strong leagues and a significant fan base. It is also growing in popularity in other parts of the world, including Asia and the Americas.