View source for Handball

{{short description|Team sport with two teams of seven players each}}
{{other uses}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox sport
| name       = Handball
| equipment  = Ball and goals
| venue      = Indoor court 
| image      = SAP Arena Handball ausverkauft.jpg
| imagesize  = 300
| caption    = A handball game in progress at [[SAP Arena]] in [[Mannheim]], [[Germany]].
| union      = [[International Handball Federation|IHF]]
| nickname   =
| first      = {{start date and age|1917|12|2|df=y}} in Berlin, Germany.<ref name=EHFPazen />
| registered = > 27 million (2016)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.olympic.org/athlete365/es/noticias/8-things-you-didnt-know-about-handball/|title=8 Things You Didn't Know About Handball|date=10 June 2016|website=Olympics|publisher=[[International Olympic Committee|IOC]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719152012/https://www.olympic.org/athlete365/es/noticias/8-things-you-didnt-know-about-handball/|archive-date=19 July 2018|url-status=live|access-date=19 July 2018}}</ref>
| contact    = Yes
| team       = 7 per side (including goalkeeper)
| mgender    = Separate competitions
| category   = [[Team sport]], [[ball sport]]
| obsolete   =
| olympic    = Part of Summer Olympic programme in 1936.<br />Demonstrated at the 1952 Summer Olympics.<br />Returned to the Summer Olympic programme in 1972.
| paralympic =
| IWGA       = Beach handball: [[2001 World Games|2001]]–present (invitational sport before 2013)
| region     = Worldwide; but most popular in Europe
}}
[[File:Highlights Day 1 - 22nd World University Handball Championship 2014 - Guimares - Fisu.webm|thumb|Handball game highlights video]]

'''Handball''' (also known as '''team handball''', '''European handball''', '''Olympic handball'''<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/team-handball |title=Team Handball |author=Barbara Schrodt |date=6 October 2011 |encyclopedia=The Canadian Encyclopedia |publisher=Historica-Dominion Institute}}</ref> or '''indoor handball''') is a [[team sport]] in which two teams of seven players each (six outcourt players and a [[Handball goalkeeper|goalkeeper]]) pass a ball using their hands with the aim of throwing it into the goal of the opposing team. A standard match consists of two periods of 30 minutes, and the team that scores more goals wins.

Modern handball is played on a court of {{convert|40|by|20|m|ft}}, with a goal in the middle of each end. The goals are surrounded by a {{Convert|6|metre|adj=on}} zone where only the defending goalkeeper is allowed; goals must be scored by throwing the ball from outside the zone or while "diving" into it. The sport is usually played indoors, but outdoor variants exist in the forms of [[field handball]], [[Czech handball]] (which were more common in the past) and [[beach handball]]. The game is fast and high-scoring: professional teams now typically score between 20 and 35 goals each, though lower scores were not uncommon until a few decades ago. Body contact is permitted for the defenders trying to stop the attackers from approaching the goal. No protective equipment is mandated, but players may wear soft protective bands, pads and mouth guards.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.handbal.nl/userfiles/Scheidsrechters/170801_Clarifications_equipment_IHF.pdf |title=IHF Rules of the Game: Regulations on Protective Equipment and Accessories |publisher=Nederlands Handbal Verbond |access-date=3 January 2019 |archive-date=3 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103210418/https://www.handbal.nl/userfiles/Scheidsrechters/170801_Clarifications_equipment_IHF.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The modern set of rules was published in 1917 by [[Karl Schelenz]], Max Heiser, and Erich Konigh,<ref name="Laver Landreau Seil Popovic 2018 p. xxv">{{cite book |last1=Laver |first1=L. |last2=Landreau |first2=P. |last3=Seil |first3=R. |last4=Popovic |first4=N. |title=Handball Sports Medicine: Basic Science, Injury Management and Return to Sport | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V3haDwAAQBAJ&pg=PR25 |publisher=Springer Berlin Heidelberg |year=2018 |page=xxv |access-date=14 May 2022 |isbn=978-3-662-55892-8}}</ref> on 29 October in [[Berlin]], which is seen as the date of birth of the sport.<ref name=EHFPazen>{{cite web |last=Pazen |first=Björn |date=31 October 2017|title=Handball in Germany celebrates 100th anniversary|url=http://www.eurohandball.com/article/029539/Handball+in+Germany+celebrates+100th+anniversary|access-date=5 March 2020|publisher=[[European Handball Federation]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303014743/https://www.eurohandball.com/article/029539/Handball+in+Germany+celebrates+100th+anniversary|archive-date=3 March 2019}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/handball-will-the-winter-fairytale-last/a-47219129|title=Handball: Will the winter fairytale last?|last=Nestler|first=Stefan|date=24 January 2019|website=DW.com|language=en-GB|access-date=5 March 2020}}</ref> The rules have had several revisions since. The first official handball match was played in 1917 in Germany.<ref name=EHFPazen /> Karl Schelenz modified the rules in 1919.<ref name="Laver Landreau Seil Popovic 2018 p. xxv"/> The first international games were played (under these rules) with men in 1925 (between Germany and Belgium) and with women in 1930 (between Germany and Austria).<ref name="Laver Landreau Seil Popovic 2018 p. 26">{{cite book |last1=Laver |first1=L. |last2=Landreau |first2=P. |last3=Seil |first3=R. |last4=Popovic |first4=N. |title=Handball Sports Medicine: Basic Science, Injury Management and Return to Sport |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V3haDwAAQBAJ&pg=PR26 |publisher=Springer Berlin Heidelberg |year=2018 |pages=25–26 |access-date=14 May 2022 |isbn=978-3-662-55892-8}}</ref>

Men's handball was first played at the Olympics in the [[1936 Summer Olympics]] in Berlin outdoors, and the next time at the [[1972 Summer Olympics]] in [[Munich]] indoors; handball has been an Olympic sport since then. Women's handball was added at the [[1976 Summer Olympics]].<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://montrealgazette.com/sports/montreal-olympics-photo-flashback-more-women-competed-thanks-to-three-new-events |title=Montreal Olympics photo flashback: More women competed thanks to three new events &#124; Montreal Gazette |date=24 May 2018 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524075011/https://montrealgazette.com/sports/montreal-olympics-photo-flashback-more-women-competed-thanks-to-three-new-events |archive-date=24 May 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[International Handball Federation]] was formed in 1946 and, {{as of|2016|lc=1}}, has 197 member federations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.ihf.info/TheIHF/MemberFederations/tabid/161/Default.aspx |title=Member Federations |publisher=International Handball Federation}}</ref> The sport is most popular in Europe, and European countries have won all medals but one in the [[IHF World Men's Handball Championship|men's world championships]] since 1938. In the [[IHF World Women's Handball Championship|women's world championships]], only two non-European countries have won the title: South Korea and Brazil. The game also enjoys popularity in [[East Asia]], [[North Africa]] and parts of [[South America]].

{{toclimit|3}}

== Origins and development ==
[[File:Handball pick-a-back Ancient Greece.jpg|thumb|A picture copied from an amphora shows youths playing a version of handball, {{Circa|500 BC}}.]]
Games similar to handball were played in [[Ancient Greece]] and are represented on amphorae and stone carvings. Although detailed textual reference is rare, there are numerous descriptions of ball games being played where players throw the ball to one another; sometimes this is done in order to avoid interception by a player on the opposing team. Such games were played widely and served as both a form of exercise and a social event.<ref>Gardiner, E. Norman, 'Ball play' in ''Athletics of the Ancient World'', Oxford: OUP, 1967, pp.&nbsp;230–238</ref>

There is evidence of ancient Roman women playing a version of handball called {{lang|la|expulsim ludere}}.<ref>John Anthony Cuddon, ''The Macmillan Dictionary of Sports and Games'', p.&nbsp;393, Macmillan, 1980, {{ISBN|0-333-19163-3}}</ref> There are records of handball-like games in medieval [[France]], and among the [[Inuit]] in [[Greenland]], in the [[Middle Ages]]. By the 19th century, there existed similar games of ''håndbold'' from [[Denmark]], ''[[Czech handball|házená]]'' in the [[Czech Republic]], ''handbol'' in [[Ukraine]], and ''[[torball]]'' in [[Germany]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Serinex.NET|first1=SegaAlex in|title=Handball History : HAND-BALL.ORG|url=http://www.hand-ball.org/historia/|website=www.hand-ball.org|access-date=28 November 2017}}</ref>

The team handball game of today was codified at the end of the 19th century in northern [[Europe]]: primarily in [[Denmark]], [[Germany]], [[Norway]], and [[Sweden]]. The first written set of team handball rules was published in 1906 by the Danish gym teacher, [[lieutenant]] and Olympic medalist [[Holger Nielsen]] from [[Ordrup]] grammar school, north of [[Copenhagen]]. The modern set of rules was published by Max Heiser, [[Karl Schelenz]], and Erich Konigh in 1917<ref name="Laver Landreau Seil Popovic 2018 p. xxv" /> on 29 October in [[Berlin]], Germany; this day is therefore seen as the "date of birth" of the sport.<ref name=EHFPazen /><ref name=":1" /> The first official handball match was played on 2 December 1917 in Berlin.<ref name=EHFPazen /> In 1919 the rules were modified by [[Karl Schelenz]].<ref name="Laver Landreau Seil Popovic 2018 p. xxv" /> The first international games were played under these rules, between [[Germany men's national handball team|Germany]] and [[Austria men's national handball team|Austria]] by men in 1925 and between [[Germany women's national handball team|Germany]] and [[Austria women's national handball team|Austria]] by women in 1930.<ref name="Laver Landreau Seil Popovic 2018 p. 26"/>

In 1926, the Congress of [[World Athletics]] (then known as the International Amateur Athletic Federation) nominated a committee to draw up international rules for field handball. The [[International Amateur Handball Federation]] was formed in 1928 and later the [[International Handball Federation]] was formed in 1946.

Men's field handball was played at the [[1936 Summer Olympics]] in Berlin. During the next several decades, indoor handball flourished and evolved in the Scandinavian countries. The sport re-emerged onto the world stage as men's team handball for the [[1972 Summer Olympics]] in [[Munich]]. Women's team handball was added at the [[1976 Summer Olympics]] in [[Montreal]].<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.teamusa.org/usa-team-handball/legacy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328220736/http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Team-Handball/Legacy|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 March 2015|title=Legacy|publisher=USA Team Handball|access-date=7 May 2022}}</ref> Due to its popularity in the region, the Eastern European countries that refined the event became the dominant force in the sport when it was reintroduced.

The [[International Handball Federation]] organised the men's world championship in 1938 and every four (sometimes three) years from World War II to 1995. Since the 1995 world championship in Iceland, the competition has been held every two years. The women's world championship has been held since 1957. The IHF also organizes women's and men's junior world championships. By July 2009, the IHF listed 166 member federations – approximately 795,000 teams and 19 million players.

==Rules==
The rules are laid out in the IHF's set of rules, most recently published in 2024.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Rules of the game - Indoor handball |url=https://www.ihf.info/sites/default/files/2024-07/09A%20-%20Rules%20of%20the%20Game_Indoor%20Handball_E_0.pdf |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date= |website=International Handball Federation}}</ref>

===Summary===

Two teams of seven players (six court players plus one goalkeeper) take the court and attempt to score points by putting the game ball into the opposing team's goal. In handling the ball, players are subject to the following restrictions:

* After receiving the ball, players can pass, keep possession, or shoot the ball.
* Players are not allowed to touch the ball with their feet. The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use their feet, but only within the goal area.
* If possessing the ball, players must dribble (comparable to a [[Dribbling#Basketball|basketball dribble]]), or can take up to three steps for up to three seconds at a time without dribbling.
* No attacking or defending players other than the defending goalkeeper are allowed to touch the floor of the goal area (within six metres of the goal). A shot or pass in the goal area is valid if completed ''before touching the floor''. Goalkeepers are allowed outside the goal area, but are not allowed to cross the goal area boundary with the ball in their hands.
* The ball may not be passed back to the goalkeeper when they are positioned in the goal area.

Notable scoring opportunities can occur when attacking players jump into the goal area. For example, an attacking player may catch a pass while launching toward the inside of the goal area, and then shoot or pass before touching the floor. ''Doubling'' occurs when a diving attacking player passes to another diving teammate.

===Playing court===
[[File:Handball field en.svg|thumb|Schematic diagram of a handball court]]
[[File:Rukometno igralište kod Macanovog doma, Čakovec.2.jpg|thumb|An outdoor handball court]]
Handball is played on a court {{convert|40|x|20|m|ftin}}, with a goal in the centre of each end. The goals are surrounded by a near-semicircular area, called the zone or the crease, defined by a line six metres from the goal. A dashed near-semicircular line nine metres from the goal marks the free-throw line. Each line on the court is part of the area it encompasses; the centre line belongs to both halves at the same time.

====Goals====
The goals are two metres high and three metres wide. They must be securely bolted either to the floor or the wall behind.

The goal posts and the crossbar must be made out of the same material (e.g., [[wood]] or [[aluminium]]) and feature a quadratic cross section with sides of {{convert|8|cm|0|abbr=on}}. The three sides of the beams visible from the playing court must be painted alternatingly in two contrasting colors which both have to contrast against the background. The colors on both goals must be the same.

Each goal must feature a net. This must be fastened in such a way that a ball thrown into the goal does not leave or pass the goal under normal circumstances. If necessary, a second net may be clasped to the back of the net on the inside.

====Crease====
The goals are surrounded by the crease, also called the zone. This area is delineated by two quarter circles with a radius of six metres around the far corners of each goal post and a connecting line parallel to the goal line. Only the defending goalkeeper is allowed inside this zone. Court players may catch and touch the ball in the air within it as long as the player starts their jump outside the zone and releases the ball before they land (landing inside the perimeter is allowed in this case as long as the ball has been released).

If a player without the ball contacts the ground inside the goal perimeter, or the line surrounding the perimeter, they must take the most direct path out of it. Should a player cross the zone in an attempt to gain an advantage (e.g., better position) their team cedes the ball. Similarly, violation of the zone by a defending player is penalized only if they do so in order to gain an advantage in defending.

====Substitution area====
Outside of one long edge of the court to both sides of the middle line are the substitution areas for each team. Team officials, substitutes, and suspended players must wait within this area. A team's area is the same side as the goal the team is defending; during halftime, substitution areas are swapped. Any player entering or leaving the play must cross the substitution line which is part of the side line and extends {{convert|4.5|m|ft}} from the middle line to the team's side.

===Duration===
[[File: Team Time Out Handball.jpg|thumb|Team timeout]] A standard match has two 30-minute halves with a 10- or 15-minute (major Championships/Olympics) halftime intermission. At half-time, teams switch sides of the court as well as benches. For youths, the length of the halves is reduced—25 minutes at ages 12 to 15, and 20 minutes at ages 8 to 11; though national federations of some countries may differ in their implementation from the official guidelines.<ref name=":0" />

If a decision must be reached in a particular match (e.g., in a tournament) and it ends in a draw after regular time, there are at maximum two overtimes, each consisting of two straight 5-minute periods with a one-minute break in between. If these does not decide the game either, then the winning team is determined in a penalty shootout (best-of-five rounds; if still tied, extra rounds are added until one team wins).

The referees may call ''[[Time-out (sport)|timeout]]'' according to their sole discretion; typical reasons are injuries, suspensions, or court cleaning. Penalty throws should trigger a timeout only for lengthy delays, such as a change of the goalkeeper.

Since 2012, teams can call 3 ''team timeouts'' per game (up to two per half), which last one minute each. This right may only be invoked by the team in possession of the ball. Team representatives must show a green card marked with a black ''T'' on the timekeeper's desk. The timekeeper then immediately interrupts the game by sounding the buzzer to stop the clock. Before 2012, teams were allowed only one timeout per half. For the purpose of calling timeouts, overtime and shootouts are extensions of the second half.

===Referees===
A handball match is adjudicated by two equal referees. Some national bodies allow games with only a single referee in special cases like illness on short notice. Should the referees disagree on any occasion, a decision is made on mutual agreement during a short timeout; or, in case of punishments, the more severe of the two comes into effect. The referees are obliged to make their decisions "on the basis of their observations of facts".<ref>Official rules, rule 17:11</ref> Their judgements are final and can be appealed against only if not in compliance with the rules. Officials can look to TV replays, as needed.

[[File:Kronau-Oestringen.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|The referees (blue shirts) keep both teams between them.]]

The referees position themselves in such a way that the team players are confined between them. They stand diagonally aligned so that each can observe one side line. Depending on their positions, one is called ''court referee'' and the other ''goal referee''. These positions automatically switch on ball turnover. They physically exchange their positions approximately every 10 minutes (long exchange), and change sides every five minutes (short exchange).

The IHF defines 18 hand signals for quick visual communication with players and officials. The signal for warning is accompanied by a [[Penalty card#Yellow card|yellow card]].<ref>Official rules, hand signal 16:2</ref> A disqualification for the game is indicated by a [[Penalty card#Red card|red card]],<ref>Official rules 16:7</ref> followed by a [[Penalty card#Blue card|blue card]] if the disqualification will be accompanied by a report.<ref>Official rules 16:8</ref> The referees also use whistle blows to indicate infractions or to restart the play.

The referees are supported by a ''scorekeeper'' and a ''timekeeper'' who attend to formal things such as keeping track of goals and suspensions, or starting and stopping the clock, respectively. They also keep an eye on the benches and notify the referees on substitution errors. Their desk is located between the two substitution areas.

===Team players, substitutes, and officials===
Each team consists of seven players on court and seven substitute players on the bench. One player on the court must be the designated goalkeeper, differing in his clothing from the rest of the court players. Substitution of players can be done in any number and at any time during game play. An exchange takes place over the substitution line. A prior notification of the referees is not necessary.

Some national bodies, such as the Deutsche Handball Bund (DHB, "German Handball Federation"), allow substitution in junior teams only when in ball possession or during timeouts. This restriction is intended to prevent early specialization of players to offence or defence.

====Court players====
Court players are allowed to touch the ball with any part of their bodies above and including the knee. As in several other team sports, a distinction is made between catching and [[dribbling]]. A player who is in possession of the ball may stand stationary for only three seconds, and may take only three steps. They must then either shoot, pass, or dribble the ball. Taking more than three steps at any time is considered travelling, and results in a turnover. A player may dribble as many times as they want (though, since passing is faster, it is the preferred method of attack), as long as during each dribble the hand contacts only the top of the ball. Therefore, [[Carrying (basketball)|carrying]] is completely prohibited, and results in a turnover. After the dribble is picked up, the player has the right to another three seconds or three steps. The ball must then be passed or shot, as further holding or dribbling will result in a ''double dribble'' turnover and a free throw for the other team. Other offensive infractions that result in a turnover include charging and setting an illegal screen. Carrying the ball into the six-metre zone results either in ball possession by the goalkeeper (by attacker) or turnover (by defender).

====Goalkeeper====
Only the [[Handball goalkeeper|goalkeepers]] are allowed to move freely within the goal perimeter, although they may not cross the goal perimeter line while carrying or dribbling the ball. Within the zone, they are allowed to touch the ball with all parts of their bodies, including their feet, with a defensive aim (for other actions, they are subject to the same restrictions as the court players). The goalkeepers may participate in the normal play of their teammates. A regular court player may substitute for the goalkeeper if a team elects to use this scheme in order to outnumber the defending players. Prior to 2015, this court player became the designated goalkeeper on the court and had to wear some vest or bib the same color as the goalkeeper's shirt to be identified as such. A rule change meant to make the game more offensive now allows any player to substitute for the goalkeeper without becoming a designated goalkeeper. The new rule resembles the one used in ice hockey. This rule was first used in the women's world championship in December 2015 and has since been used by the men's European championship in January 2016 and by both genders in the Olympic tournament in 2016. This rule change has led to a drastic increase of [[empty net goal]]s.{{cn|date=December 2022}}

If either goalkeeper deflects the ball over the outer goal line, their team stays in possession of the ball, in contrast to other sports like [[Association football|football]]. The goalkeeper resumes the play with a throw from within the zone ("goalkeeper throw"). In a penalty shot or directly taken free throw, throwing the ball against the head of a goalkeeper who is not moving will lead to a direct disqualification ("red card"). Hitting a non-moving goalkeeper's head out of regular play will lead to a two-minute suspension as long as the player threw without obstruction.

Outside of own D-zone, the goalkeeper is treated as an ordinary court player, and has to follow court players' rules; holding or tackling an opponent player outside the area risks a direct disqualification.{{clarify|date=August 2016}} The goalkeeper may not return to the area with the ball. Passing to one's own goalkeeper results in a turnover.

====Team officials====
Each team is allowed to have a maximum of four team officials seated on the benches. An official is anybody who is neither player nor substitute. One official must be the designated representative who is usually the [[Coach (sport)|team manager]]. Since 2012, representatives can call up to 3 team timeouts (up to twice per half), and may address the scorekeeper, timekeeper, and referees (before that, it was once per half); overtime and shootouts are considered extensions of the second half. Other officials typically include [[physician]]s or managers. No official is allowed to enter the playing court without the permission of the referees.

===Ball===
[[File:Handball the ball.jpg|thumb|A size III handball]] The ball is spherical and must be made either of leather or a synthetic material. It is not allowed to have a shiny or slippery surface. As the ball is intended to be operated by a single hand, its official sizes vary depending on age and gender of the participating teams.
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!scope="column"| Size
!scope="column"| Class
!scope="column"| Circumference <br /> (cm)
!scope="column"| Circumference <br /> (in)
!scope="column"| Weight <br /> (g)
!scope="column"| Weight <br /> (oz)
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| III
| Men over 16
|{{convert|58|–|60|cm|in|disp=table}}
|{{convert|425|–|475|g|oz|disp=table}}
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| II
| Women over 14, men over 12
| {{convert|54|–|56|cm|in|disp=table}}
| {{convert|325|–|375|g|oz|disp=table}}
|-
!scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| I
| Junior over 8
| {{convert|50|–|52|cm|in|disp=table}}
| {{convert|290|–|330|g|oz|disp=table}}
|}

===Awarded throws===
The referees may award a special throw to a team. This usually happens after certain events such as scored goals, off-court balls, turnovers and timeouts. All of these special throws require the thrower to obtain a certain position, and pose restrictions on the positions of all other players. Sometimes the execution must wait for a whistle blow by the referee.

;Throw-off: A throw-off takes place from the center of the court. The thrower must touch the middle line with one foot, and all the other offensive players must stay in their half until the referee restarts the game. The defending players must keep a distance of at least three metres from the thrower until the ball leaves his hand. A throw-off occurs at the beginning of each period and after the opposing team scores a goal. It must be cleared by the referees.

:Modern handball introduced the "fast throw-off" concept; i.e., the play will be immediately restarted by the referees as soon as the executing team fulfills its requirements. Many teams leverage this rule to score easy goals before the opposition has time to form a stable defense line.

;Throw-in: The team which did not touch the ball last is awarded a throw-in when the ball fully crosses the side line or touches the ceiling. If the ball crosses the outer goal line, a throw-in is awarded only if the defending court players touched the ball last. Execution requires the thrower to place one foot on the nearest outer line to the cause. All defending players must keep a distance of {{Convert|3|m|spell=in}}. They are allowed to stand immediately outside their own goal area even when the distance is less than three metres.

;Goalkeeper-throw: If the ball crosses the outer goal line without interference from the defending team or when deflected by the defending team's goalkeeper, or when the attacking team violates the D-zone as described above, a goalkeeper-throw is awarded to the defending team. This is the most common turnover. The goalkeeper resumes the play with a throw from anywhere within the goal area.

;Free-throw: A free-throw restarts the play after an interruption by the referees. It takes places from the spot where the interruption was caused, as long as this spot is outside of the free-throw line of the opposing team. In the latter case, the throw is deferred to the nearest spot on the free-throw line. Free-throws are the equivalent to [[Direct free kick|free-kicks]] in association football; conceding them is typically not seen as poor sportsmanship for the defending side, and in itself, they carry no major disadvantages. (In particular, being awarded a free throw while being on warning for passive play will not reset the warning, whereas a shot on goal will.) The thrower may take a direct attempt for a goal, which is rarely feasible if the defending team has organised a defense. If a free throw is awarded and the half or game ends, a direct throw at the goal is typically attempted, which occasionally goes in.

[[File:Kr-Oe-Siebenmeter.jpg|thumb|A seven-metre throw]]
;Seven-metre throw: A seven-metre throw is awarded when a clear chance of scoring is illegally prevented anywhere on the court by an opposing team player, official, or spectator. It is awarded also when the referees have interrupted a legitimate scoring chance for any reason. The thrower steps with one foot behind the seven-metre line with only the defending goalkeeper between him and the goal. The goalkeeper must keep a distance of three metres away, which is marked by a short tick on the floor. All other players must remain behind the free-throw line until execution and the defending court players must keep a distance of three metres. The thrower must await the whistle blow of the referee. A seven-metre throw is the equivalent to a [[Penalty kick (association football)|penalty kick]] in association football; it is far more common and typically occurs several times in a single game. It is thus tactically similar to free throw percentage in basketball and teams will try to have their best seven metre throwers execute those throws.

===Penalties===
[[File:Yellow card handball.jpg|thumb|right|Yellow card shown in a handball match]]
Penalties are given to players, in progressive format, for fouls that require more punishment than just a free-throw. Actions directed mainly at the opponent and not the ball (such as reaching around, holding, pushing, tripping, and jumping into opponent) as well as contact from the side, from behind a player or impeding the opponent's counterattack are all considered illegal and are subject to penalty. Any infraction that prevents a clear scoring opportunity will result in a seven-metre penalty shot.

Typically the referee will give a warning yellow card for an illegal action; but, if the contact was particularly dangerous, like striking the opponent in the head, neck or throat, the referee can forego the warning for an immediate two-minute suspension. Players are warned once before given a yellow card; they risk being red-carded if they receive three two-minute suspensions.

A red card results in an ejection from the game and a two-minute penalty for the team. A player may receive a red card directly for particularly rough penalties. For instance, any contact from behind during a fast break is now being treated with a red card; as does any deliberate intent to injure opponents. A red-carded player has to leave the playing area completely. A player who is disqualified may be substituted with another player after the two-minute penalty is served. A coach or official can also be penalized progressively. Any coach or official who receives a two-minute suspension will have to pull out one of their players for two minutes. The player is not the one punished, and can be substituted in again, as the penalty consists of the team playing with one fewer player than the opposing team.

After referees award the ball to the opponents for whatever reason, the player currently in possession of the ball has to lay it down quickly, or risk a two-minute suspension. Also, gesticulating or verbally questioning the referee's order, as well as arguing with the officials' decisions, will normally risk a yellow card. If the suspended player protests further, does not walk straight off the court to the bench, or if the referee deems the tempo deliberately slow, that player risks a double yellow card. Illegal substitution (outside of the dedicated area, or if the replacement player enters too early) is prohibited; if they do, they risk a yellow card.

==Gameplay==

===Formations===
[[File:5-1-Deckung.svg|thumb|upright=1.35|right|Positions of attacking (red) and defending players (blue), in a 5–1 defense formation]]
[[File:6-0-Deckung.svg|thumb|upright=1.35|right|Positions of attacking (red) and defending players (blue), in a 6–0 defense formation]]
Players are typically referred to by the positions they are playing. The positions are always denoted from the view of the respective goalkeeper, so that a defender on the right opposes an attacker on the left. Not all of the following positions may be occupied depending on the formation or potential suspensions.

====Offense====
* Left and right wingman. These typically are fast players who excel at ball control and wide jumps from the outside of the goal perimeter in order to get into a better shooting angle at the goal. Teams usually try to occupy the left position with a right-handed player and vice versa.
* Left and right backcourt. Goal attempts by these players are typically made by jumping high and shooting over the defenders. Thus, it is usually advantageous to have tall players with a powerful shot for these positions.
* Centre backcourt. A player with experience is preferred on this position who acts as playmaker and the handball equivalent of a basketball [[point guard]].
* Pivot (left and right, if applicable), also commonly called "line player". This player tends to intermingle with the defence, setting picks and attempting to disrupt the defence's formation. This position requires the least jumping skills; but ball control and physical strength are advantages.

Sometimes, the offense uses formations with two pivot players. Formations with no pivots and 4 backs are rare, but not unheard  of.

====Defense====
There are many variations in defensive formations. Usually, they are described as ''n:m'' formations, where ''n'' is the number of players defending at the goal line and ''m'' the number of players defending more offensive. Exceptions are the 3:2:1 defense and n+m formation (e.g. 5+1), where m players defend some offensive player in man coverage (instead of the usual zone coverage).
* Far left and far right. The opponents of the wingmen.
* Half left and half right. The opponents of the left and right backcourts.
* Back center (left and right). Opponent of the pivot. 
* Front center. Opponent of the center backcourt, may also be set against another specific backcourt player.

====Late match defence====
Close to only seen in close matches with less than a minute left, where the defence is behind, the defence can go into a full field press, where the defensive line starts wherever the offence has the ball. This is a highly committal choice that often leads to an open chance for the offence.

===Offensive play===
Attacks are played with all court players on the side of the defenders. Depending on the speed of the attack, one distinguishes between three attack ''waves'' with a decreasing chance of success:

[[File:Mara Friton Handball.jpg|thumb|Women's handball – a jump shot completes a fast-break.]]
[[File:Kiril Lazarov 09.jpg|thumb|Men's handball – a jump shot ([[Kiril Lazarov]], world record-holder for the number of goals scored in one world championship) ]]
;First wave: ''First wave'' attacks are characterised by the absence of defending players around their goal perimeter. The chance of success is very high, as the throwing player is unhindered in his scoring attempt. Such attacks typically occur after an intercepted pass or a steal, and if the defending team can switch fast to offence. The far left or far right will usually try to run the attack, as they are not as tightly bound in the defence. On a turnover, they immediately sprint forward and receive the ball halfway to the other goal. Thus, these positions are commonly held by quick players.

;Second wave: If the first wave is not successful and some defending players have gained their positions around the zone, the second wave comes into play: the remaining players advance with quick passes to locally outnumber the retreating defenders. If one player manages to step up to the perimeter or catches the ball at this spot, he becomes unstoppable by legal defensive means. From this position, the chance of success is naturally very high. Second wave attacks became much more important with the "fast throw-off" rule.

;Third wave: The time during which the second wave may be successful is very short, as then the defenders closed the gaps around the zone. In the ''third wave'', the attackers use standardised attack patterns usually involving crossing and passing between the back court players who either try to pass the ball through a gap to their pivot, take a jumping shot from the backcourt at the goal, or lure the defence away from a wingman.

The third wave evolves into the normal offensive play when all defenders not only reach the zone, but gain their accustomed positions. Some teams then substitute specialised offence players. This implies that these players must play in the defence should the opposing team be able to switch quickly to offence. The latter is another benefit for fast playing teams.

If the attacking team does not make sufficient progress (eventually releasing a shot on goal), the referees can call '''passive play''' (since 1995, the referee gives an advance warning by holding one hand high, signalling that the attacking team should release a shot soon), turning control over to the other team. A shot on goal or an infringement leading to a yellow card or two-minute penalty will mark the start of a new attack, causing the hand to be taken down; but a shot blocked by the defense or a normal free throw will not. This rule prevents an attacking team from stalling the game indefinitely, as it is difficult to intercept a pass without at the same time conceding dangerous openings towards the goal.

===Defensive play===
The usual formations of the defense are 6–0, when all the defense players line up between the {{Convert|6|m|adj=on}} and {{Convert|9|m|adj=on}} lines to form a wall; the 5–1, when one of the players cruises outside the {{Convert|9|m|adj=on}} perimeter, usually targeting the center forwards while the other 5 line up on the {{Convert|6|m|adj=on}} line; and the less common 4–2 when there are two such defenders out front. Very fast teams will also try a 3–3 formation which is close to a switching man-to-man style. The formations vary greatly from country to country, and reflect each country's style of play. 6–0 is sometimes known as "flat defense", and all other formations are usually called "offensive defense".

==Organization==
Handball teams are usually organised as [[sports club|clubs]]. On a national level, the clubs are associated in federations which organize matches in leagues and tournaments.

===International body===
The [[International Handball Federation]] (IHF) is the administrative and controlling body for international handball. Handball is an [[Summer Olympic Games|Olympic]] sport played during the [[Handball at the Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]].<ref name=gz2010>{{cite web|url=http://www.gz2010.cn/08/0821/16/4JSPNB190078007E.html|title=Handball The Official Website of the 16th Asian Games|date=21 August 2008|publisher=Guangzhou Asian Games|access-date=2 February 2009|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008023522/http://www.gz2010.cn/08/0821/16/4JSPNB190078007E.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The IHF organizes [[world championship]]s, held in odd-numbered years, with separate competitions for men and women.<ref name="ihf-rules-V">{{cite web|url=https://archive.ihf.info/upload/Manual/IHF_STATUTS_CHAP_05_GB.pdf|title=Regulations for IHF Competitions|date=September 2007|publisher=International Handball Federation|page=10|access-date=2 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801145505/https://archive.ihf.info/upload/Manual/IHF_STATUTS_CHAP_05_GB.pdf|archive-date=1 August 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
The [[IHF World Men's Handball Championship]] 2025 title holders are [[Denmark men's national handball team|Denmark]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://competition.ihf.info/competitions/mens-world-championships/308/2019-ihf-mens-world-championship/147/news/931|title=Flawless Denmark claim first world title|date=27 January 2019}}</ref> The [[IHF World Women's Handball Championship]] 2023 title holder is France.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ihf.info/competitions/women/307/26th-ihf-womens-world-championship-2023-denmarknorwaysweden/128037/news/162657|title=Six talking points after a stunning 2023 IHF Women's World Championship
|date=21 December 2023}}</ref>

The IHF is composed of five continental federations: [[Asian Handball Federation]], [[African Handball Confederation]], [[Pan-American Team Handball Federation]], [[European Handball Federation]] and [[Oceania Handball Federation]]. These federations organize continental championships held every other second year. Handball is played during the [[Handball at the Pan American Games|Pan American Games]],<ref name="gua-2011">{{cite web|url=http://www.guadalajara2011.org.mx/esp/03_deportes/deportes_origen_historia.asp?id_dep=4|title=Deportes Panamericanos – Balonmano|publisher=Guadalajara 2011|language=es|access-date=2 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204195817/http://guadalajara2011.org.mx/esp/03_deportes/deportes_origen_historia.asp?id_dep=4|archive-date=4 February 2009}}</ref> [[Handball at the All-Africa Games|All-Africa Games]],<ref name="ihf-africa-07">{{cite web|url=http://www.ihf.info/front_content.php?idcat=189&idart=751|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081115182135/http://www.ihf.info/front_content.php?idcat=189&idart=751|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 November 2008|title=Handball at the 2007 All Africa Games in Algiers|date=20 July 2007|publisher=International Handball Federation|access-date=2 February 2009}}</ref> and [[Handball at the Asian Games|Asian Games]].<ref name=gz2010 /> It is also played at the [[Handball at the Mediterranean Games|Mediterranean Games]]. In addition to continental competitions between national teams, the federations arrange international tournaments between club teams.<ref name="ihf-rules-I">{{cite web|url=https://archive.ihf.info/upload/Manual/IHF_STATUTS_CHAP_01_GB.pdf|title=Bylaws|date=September 2007|publisher=International Handball Federation|page=7|access-date=2 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801121344/https://archive.ihf.info/upload/Manual/IHF_STATUTS_CHAP_01_GB.pdf|archive-date=1 August 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

===International competitions===
* Nor.Ca. Handball Championship ([[Nor.Ca. Men's Handball Championship|men]], [[Nor.Ca. Women's Handball Championship|women]])

===National competitions===
====Europe====
* Austria: [[Handball Liga Austria]]
* Belgium: [[BENE-League Handball]] (shared competition with the Netherlands)
* Bosnia and Herzegovina: [[Handball Championship of Bosnia and Herzegovina]]
* Croatia: [[Croatian First League of Handball]]
* Czech Republic: [[Czech Handball Extraliga]]
* Denmark: [[Danish Women's Handball League|Damehåndboldligaen]] (women), [[Danish Handball League|Jack & Jones Ligaen]] (men)
* England: [[England Handball Association]]
* Finland: [[Finnish Handball League]]
* France: [[LNH Division 1|Liqui Moly Starligue]] (men), [[LFH Division 1 Féminine|Ligue Butagaz Énergie]] (women)
* Germany: [[Handball-Bundesliga]], [[Handball-Bundesliga (women)]]
* Greece: [[Greek Men's handball championship]]
* Hungary: [[Nemzeti Bajnokság I (men's handball)|Nemzeti Bajnokság I]] (men), [[Nemzeti Bajnokság I (Women's handball)|Nemzeti Bajnokság I]] (women)
* Iceland: [[Olís deildin]]
* Israel: [[Ligat Ha'Al (handball)|Ligat Winner]]
* Italy: {{ill|Serie A Gold|it}}
* Montenegro: [[Montenegrin First League of Men's Handball|First League (men)]], [[Montenegrin First League of Women's Handball|First League (women)]], [[Montenegrin Second League of Men's Handball|Second League (men)]], [[Montenegrin Second League of Women's Handball|Second League (women)]] 
* Netherlands: [[BENE-League Handball]] (shared competition with Belgium), [[Eredivisie (women's handball)|Eredivisie]] (women)
* North Macedonia: [[Macedonian Handball Super League]]
* Norway: [[Eliteserien (men's handball)]], [[Eliteserien (women's handball)]]
* Poland: [[Polish Superliga (men's handball)]], [[Ekstraklasa (women's handball)]]
* Portugal: [[Portuguese Handball First Division|Andebol 1]] (men), [[1ª Divisão de Andebol Feminino|1ª Divisão Feminino]] (women)
* Romania: [[Liga Națională (men's handball)|Liga Națională]] (men), [[Liga Naţională (Handbal Feminin)|Liga Naţională]] (women)
*Russia:  [[:ru:Чемпионат России по гандболу среди мужчин|Men's Championship]], [[:ru:Чемпионат России по гандболу среди женщин|Women's Championship]], [[:ru:Кубок России по гандболу среди женщин|Women's Handball Cup]], [[:ru:Кубок России по гандболу среди мужчин|Men's Handball Cup]], [[:ru:Суперкубок России по гандболу среди женщин|Women's Handball Super Cup]], [[:ru:Суперкубок России по гандболу среди мужчин|Men's Handball Super Cup]]
* Scotland: [[Scottish Handball League]]
* Serbia: [[Serbian First League of Handball]]
* Slovakia: [[Slovenská hadzanárska extraliga]]
* Slovenia: [[Slovenian First League of Handball]], [[Handball Cup of Slovenia]]
* Spain: [[Liga ASOBAL]], [[División de Plata de Balonmano]]
* Sweden: [[Handbollsligan]] (men), [[Svensk handbollselit]] (women)
* Turkey: [[Turkish Handball Super League|Handball Super League]] (men), [[Turkish Women's Handball Super League|Women's Handball Super League]] (women)

====Other====
* Angola: [[Angola Men's Handball League]] (men), [[Angola Women's Handball League]] (women)
* Argentina: [[Argentinean Handball Confederation|Confederación Argentina de Handball]]
* Australia: [[Australian Handball Club Championship]], [[Handball League Australia]], [[Australian National Handball Championship|Australian National Handball Championship (States)]]
* Egypt: [[Egyptian Handball League]]
* Japan: [[Japan Handball League]]
* Korea: [[Handball Korea League]]
* Tahiti: [[Tahitian Handball League]]
* United States: [[USA Team Handball Nationals]], [[USA Team Handball College Nationals]]

==Attendance records==
The worldwide attendance record for seven-a-side handball was set on 10 January 2024 in [[Düsseldorf]], Germany, during the two opening matches of the [[2024 European Men's Handball Championship]]. The two games ([[France men's national handball team|France]] versus [[North Macedonia men's national handball team|North Macedonia]] and [[Germany men's national handball team|Germany]] against [[Switzerland men's national handball team|Switzerland]]) were played in front of 53,586 spectators.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://ehfeuro.eurohandball.com/men/2024/news/en/world-record-crowd-witnesses-men-s-ehf-euro-2024-opening/ |title=World-record crowd witnesses Men's EHF EURO 2024 opening |work=eurohandball.com |date=10 January 2024 |access-date=12 January 2024}}</ref>

==Commemorative coins==

Handball events have been selected as a main motif in numerous collectors' coins. One of the recent samples is the €10 Greek [[Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Greece)#2004 coinage|Handball commemorative coin]], minted in 2003 to commemorate the [[2004 Summer Olympics]]. On the coin, the modern athlete directs the ball in his hands towards his target, while in the background the ancient athlete is just about to throw a ball, in a game known as ''[[cheirosphaira]]'', in a representation taken from a [[black-figure pottery]] vase of the Archaic period.<ref>{{cite web|title=Athens 2004 – Series F coins|url=https://www.fleur-de-coin.com/currency/olympic-euros-series-f|website=Fleur de Coin|access-date=3 September 2016}}</ref>

The most recent commemorative coin featuring handball is the British [[Fifty pence (British coin)|50 pence coin]], part of the series of coins commemorating the [[London 2012 Olympic Games]].<ref name="RoyalMint2012">{{cite web|title=London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games|url=http://www.royalmint.com/discover/uk-coins/coin-design-and-specifications/london-2012-coins|website=RoyalMint.com|access-date=3 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331142251/http://www.royalmint.com/discover/uk-coins/coin-design-and-specifications/london-2012-coins|archive-date=31 March 2016|date=2012}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Sports}}
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Beach handball]]
* [[Czech handball]]
* [[Field handball]]
* [[Handball at the Summer Olympics]]
* [[Handball in the United States]]
* [[Water polo]], a similar sport played in water
* [[Wheelchair handball]]{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Sources===
* {{cite encyclopedia
|title=Team handball|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica
|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
|date=3 May 2017
|url=https://www.britannica.com/sports/team-handball
}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Handball in Europe}}
*{{Commons category-inline|Handball}}
* [http://www.ihf.info/ International Handball Federation]
* [http://www.teamhandballnews.com/ Team Handball News – Handball news and commentary]
* [http://usadth.tripod.com/rules.html/ Basic Rules]

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