Handball rules: a complete guide

Handball rules: a complete guide for players and referees

Introduction

Handball is a dynamic team sport that combines skill, strength and speed. Played mainly indoors, two teams compete to score goals by throwing a ball into the opponent's goal. To play or referee well, it's crucial to know the rules of the game. Not only do they enable you to play fairly, they also help you avoid mistakes that can prove costly during a match.

General description of handball rules

Main aim of the game :
The aim of handball is simple: to score more goals than the opposing team. Each team tries to get the ball into the opponent's goal while preventing the other team from doing the same.

Number of players and team composition :
A handball team consists of 7 players on the pitch (6 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper), with the possibility of up to 7 substitutes. Players may be changed without restriction at any time during the match.

The handball pitch

The field is 40 meters long and 20 meters wide, with key zones: the goal line, the goalkeeper's zone (also known as the 6-meter zone), the 9-meter line (free-throw line) and the 7-meter line (penalty-throw line). The goalkeeper's zone is a semi-circular space in which only the goalkeeper is allowed to move.

The handball

The size and weight of the ball vary according to the age and gender of the players:

• Ball size 3 (58-60 cm, 425-475 g): for men over 16.
• Ball size 2 (54-56 cm, 325-375 g): for women and boys aged 12 to 16.
• Ball size 1 (50-52 cm, 290-330 g): for children under 12.

Balls can be made of rubber or synthetic material, offering good grip and optimum control.

Handball number of steps and rules for moving with the ball

The number of Handball steps and thethree-step rule is one of the fundamental rules of handball. A player holding the ball may take up to three steps without dribbling. If he chooses not to step forward, he must pass, shoot or dribble withinthree seconds. If the player exceeds this time limit, the opposing team regains possession of the ball.

With regard to Handball step numbers anddribbling rulesA player may dribble as many times as he wishes. However, once he has stopped dribbling, he may not dribble again. From then on, he must comply with the three-steps-and-three-seconds rule for passing or shooting. If a player tries to dribble again after stopping, this is known as "double dribbling", an offence punishable by a free kick to the opponent.

Additional restrictions:

A player may not touch the ball with his foot, except for the goalkeeper in his own zone.

It is forbidden to keep the ball stationary without passing or attempting to advance; this is considered passive play, and the referee may award the ball to the opposing team.

These rules ensure that play remains fluid and fast, while limiting the possibility of the ball stagnating on the pitch.

Handball rules (main points)

Thegame begins with a throw-in from the center of the field. This throw-in takes place at the start of each half and after every goal scored. The team taking the throw-in stands in the center of the field, and the player taking the throw-in must have at least one foot in contact with the halfway line until the ball leaves his hand. All other players, whether from the opposing team or the throw-in team, must remain at leastat least three meters from this player during the throw-in.

After agoalAfter a goal has been scored, the team that has just conceded the point immediately puts the ball back into play, without waiting for the opposing team to reorganize completely. This keeps the game moving at a fast pace, encouraging quick transitions and counter-attacks. The referee should only blow the whistle to restart play if the situation requires it (e.g., if players fail to respect the 3-meter distance, or if there is confusion about the restart).

Apart from the restart after a goal or at the start of each half, there are other times when play must be restarted when the ball leaves the boundaries of the pitch:

• If the ball leaves alateral lineIf the ball goes out through a side line, a throw-in is taken by the team that did not touch the ball last, from the point where the ball went out.
• If the ball goes out over thegoal linethe actions differ depending on who took the ball out:
  • If the attacking team is responsible, a throw-in is taken by the goalkeeper.throw-in by the goalkeeper.
  • If it was a player from the defending team who deflected the ball off the goal line, there is acorner kick or "corner", taken by the attacking team from the corner of the pitch.

These procedures ensure that play flows smoothly and follow clear rules for putting the ball back into play after an interruption.

Free throws and penalty kicks:
Free throws are awarded for minor fouls and are played from the 9-meter line. Penalty kicks (7 meters) are awarded for more serious fouls or when the opposing team prevents an obvious goal action.

The role of the goalkeeper :
The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to touch the ball with his feet, but only in his area. He plays a crucial role in preventing goals and organizing the defense.

Penalties and offences in handball

Infringements include holding an opponent, making dangerous gestures or breaking the rules of movement. Penalties vary according to the seriousness of the offence:

• Yellow card Warning for a minor offence.
• 2-minute suspension for repeated or more serious offences.
• Red card immediate expulsion for serious offences. The team then plays with a numerical disadvantage for two minutes before being able to replace the expelled player.
  

Player positions and roles in handball

Each player has a specific role:

• Goalkeeper Protects the goal.
• Wingers (left and right): play on the sides and exploit angles to score.
• Forwards (left, center, right): organize the attack and shoot from distance.
• Pivot plays in the center of the opponent's defense, creating space for others.

Handball strategies and tactics

Teams can use different defensive formations, such as 6-0 (grouped defense) or 5-1 (with an advanced player). Offensively, the goalkeeper can be replaced by an extra player to put more pressure on the opposing defense.

Handball by age group

The duration of a match varies according to the age of the players:

• For adults and juniors (aged 16 and over), a match lasts 2x30 minutes.
• For youngsters, the duration is reduced (2x20 minutes or 2x25 minutes).

Younger players play with smaller balls and on pitches adapted to their age and level.

History of handball rule changes

Handball rules have evolved over time. For example, playing time was introduced in the 1950s and dribbling rules were clarified in the 1970s. More recently, changes have been made to the rules on goalkeeper substitution and the introduction of the flying player rule.

Tips for beginners and advanced players

For beginnersbeginnersit's essential to understand the basics ofbasics of handballincluding thethree-step rule and the three-second rule. A good way to get to grips with these concepts is to practice them regularly during training sessions, simulating match situations. Taking the time to read the official rules carefully, observing professional matches and asking questions of experienced coaches or players can also help to better assimilate the rules.

Tips for applying the rules in practice:

• Practice in real-life situations Set up mini-games or exercises in which rules such as double dribbling, passive play and throw-ins are systematically applied, to get players used to reacting correctly.
• Video viewing Replaying match excerpts to analyze refereeing decisions helps players better understand when certain rules are applied, such as free throws or temporary exclusions.
• Rehearsing technical moves To master the three-step, it's useful to repeat stop-and-go and dribbling exercises to perfect your ability to link movements without infringement.

For advancedadvanced playersthe aim is totake advantage of the rules Handball to implement winning strategies. A key aspect is understanding how to use the rules to one's advantage in match situations.

Tips for improving tactical skills:

• Exploiting fast free throws Advanced players can take advantage of free throws to surprise the opposing defense. By taking the throw-in quickly after a foul, you can create scoring opportunities before the opposing team reorganizes.
• Use the passive play rule When attacking, if the referee raises his hand to indicate a passive play situation, the team can still make a few passes. Use this time to attempt a long-range shot or prepare a quick offensive move to keep the pressure on the defense.
• Optimize quick substitutions Managing substitutions can be decisive. For example, during a defensive phase, quickly replacing the goalkeeper with an extra outfield player can surprise your opponents and give you a numerical advantage in attack.
• Complex defensive tactics Complex defensive tactics: Defensive formations such as 5-1 or 4-2 require perfect player synchronization. Using these tactics in line with the opposing team's capabilities and playing patterns can greatly unbalance your opponents.

In short, to progress, it's crucial not only tounderstand the rules of handballbut also to know how toexploit them intelligently to maximize your chances of success on the court. Beginners should concentrate on mastering the fundamentals, while advanced players can use their in-depth knowledge of the rules to implement effective and unexpected strategies.

Conclusion on handball rules

Mastering the rules of handball is essential to progressing as a player or referee. They help maintain fairness and ensure that the game runs smoothly. Keeping abreast of rule changes is also crucial to avoid any surprises during competitions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, a good knowledge of the rules will help you get the most out of this exciting sport.