Handball is fast, physical, and easy to pick up. It has the passing of basketball, the goalscoring of football and the pace of hockey, and it is played indoors. This guide covers the basics of the game and what you will want to have to get started.
What Is Handball?
Two teams pass, dribble and throw a ball to score in the opposing goal, using their hands only. A standard match is two 30-minute halves, and scores of 25 to 30 goals per team are normal, so there is always something happening.
The Court and the Players
A full-size court is 40m long and 20m wide, with a goal 3m wide and 2m high at each end. Around each goal is a semi-circular 6-metre goal area that only the goalkeeper can enter. A dotted 9-metre line marks where free throws are taken from.
Each team has seven players on court: six outfield players and a goalkeeper. Outfield players tend to fall into three roles:
- Wings: quick players on the edges who finish from tight angles.
- Backs: the playmakers and long-range shooters. The centre back runs the attack.
- Pivot: works close to the defence, looking for gaps near the 6m line.
The Basic Rules
- Three steps: you can take up to three steps while holding the ball.
- Three seconds: you can hold it for up to three seconds before passing, shooting, or dribbling.
- Dribbling: you can dribble, but once you catch the ball with both hands you cannot start dribbling again.
- The goal area: attackers cannot step inside the 6m area. They can jump into it and release the ball before landing, which is where the diving goals come from.
- Defending: you can block with your body, but holding, pushing, and hitting are not allowed. Serious fouls can mean a 2-minute suspension.
- Penalties: if a clear scoring chance is stopped illegally, the attacking team gets a 7-metre throw against the goalkeeper.
What You Need to Get Started
You do not need much, and what you need depends on where you are playing.
A ball. This is the one essential. Handballs are smaller than footballs so they can be held in one hand, and official match balls come in sizes based on age and gender. For beginners, especially children, a softer ball is a better place to start. It is easier to catch, does not sting if it hits you, and lets people focus on technique instead of flinching. If you are buying for a school or group, a pack of balls is worth considering so everyone gets plenty of touches.
At Zoft, we have multiple options in our handball range:
- The ZoftTouch Non-Sting Handball is the softest and cheapest, and a good fit for young children or first sessions.
- The Zoftskin Handball is a step up, still soft but closer to the feel of a regular ball.
- The ZoftGrip Handball is built for a more secure hold, which is useful once players start throwing harder and want better control.
A goal. You can start with passing and movement drills and no goal at all. Once you want to practise shooting, a portable goal helps. A pop-up goal is a sensible choice if you are short on storage or need to move it around, such as the Zoft Academy-Flexi Pop Up Handball Goal, which comes in Junior (240cm x 170cm) and Senior (300cm x 200cm) sizes.
Footwear and space. Indoor court shoes with good grip matter more than any other clothing. For space, a sports hall or a flat, dry area is ideal, and a garden is fine for young beginners.
If you are just trying the sport out, one soft ball and a friend to pass with is enough.
Skills to Practise First
- Catching and passing. Pass in pairs, standing still and then on the move. Aim for firm, chest-height passes.
- Dribbling. Practise with both hands and keep your head up.
- Footwork. Work on the three-step run-up: catch, step, step, step, then throw.
- Shooting. Start with a standing shot, then a jump shot. Aim for the corners.
- Defensive stance. Stay low, keep your arms out and slide your feet.
Easy Games for Beginners
- Mini handball: 3 v 3 on a small court, so everyone gets lots of touches.
- Passing-only games: no dribbling allowed, which builds movement and teamwork.
- Target shooting: place hoops or cones in the goal corners and score for hitting them.
Staying Safe
- Warm up with light jogging and dynamic stretches.
- Use soft balls with younger or inexperienced players.
- Play on a clean, dry, non-slip surface.
- Block with your body, not your arms, to avoid fouls and injuries.
