How Is Handball Played? Rules and Basics

Handball is a fast-paced indoor sport played with the hands that combines speed, strength and teamwork. So how is handball played, how many players are involved and what are its basic rules? In this guide we explain everything you need to know for beginners in plain language, from court dimensions to player positions and from the steps rule to types of shots.

The Aim and Basic Logic of Handball

The aim of handball is simple: score goals by throwing the ball into the opponent's goal while stopping the opponent from scoring on defense. Players handle the ball with their hands and build up play through passing, dribbling and shooting. Unlike football, contact is controlled; unlike basketball, the goal is scored into a net. At the end of the match, the team that scores the most goals wins.

The game flows very quickly; it is common to see dozens of goals in a good handball match. That is why both individual skill and team cohesion are extremely important.

Court and Goal Dimensions

Handball is standardly played in an indoor hall. The basic dimensions are as follows:

• Court: A rectangular area 40 metres long and 20 metres wide.
• Goal: 3 metres wide and 2 metres high.
• Goal area (6-metre line): The semicircular zone in front of the goal. Only the goalkeeper may enter this area; outfield players may not step inside this line.
• 7-metre line: The spot from which penalty throws are taken.
• 9-metre line: The dashed line used for free throws.

The goal area line is one of the most defining rules in handball. When shooting, players may jump over this line but must not touch the ground before releasing the ball.

Number of Players and Duration

Each team takes the court with 7 players: 6 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper. Teams also have substitutes, and substitutions can be made without limit during play.

The playing time for adults is 2 x 30 minutes, that is 60 minutes in total. There is usually a 10-minute break between the two halves. In the event of a draw, extra periods may be played in knockout matches.

Basic Rules: Steps, Holding and Dribbling

The heart of handball lies in the rules for moving with the ball. The points beginners struggle with most are these:

• Steps rule: You may take at most 3 steps while holding the ball. Anything more counts as a "travelling" violation.
• Holding time: You may hold the ball in your hands for at most 3 seconds. Within that time you must pass, dribble or shoot.
• Dribbling: As in basketball, you can advance by bouncing the ball on the floor. However, once you stop dribbling you cannot start again; this is called a double dribble and is a violation.
• Foot rule: Deliberately touching the ball with the foot (below the knee) is prohibited.

The logic behind these rules is to keep the game flowing and to encourage constant passing and movement.

Key Positions

In handball every player has a specific role. The main positions are:

1. Goalkeeper: The only player who protects the goal and the only one allowed inside the goal area.
2. Wings (right and left wing): Play on the sides of the court, shoot from tight angles and launch fast breaks.
3. Backs (right, left and centre back): Strong players who take long-range shots and organise the attack.
4. Playmaker (centre back): The brain who determines the team's direction of attack and manages the flow of passes.
5. Pivot: The player who slips between the opposing defenders to open up gaps and plays close to the goal.

On defense, players usually form a block in front of the goal area to close off the opponent's shooting lanes.

Basic Violations

The violations frequently encountered in handball are:

• Double dribble: Stopping the dribble and then starting again.
• Travelling (steps error): Advancing more than three steps with the ball.
• Goal area violation: An outfield player stepping inside the 6-metre line.
• Foul: Pushing, pulling or making dangerous contact with an opponent. Serious fouls are punished with a yellow card, a 2-minute suspension or a red card.

Types of Shots

There is more than one way to score a goal. The main types of shots are:

• Distance shot: A powerful, flat shot taken by the back players from around 9 metres.
• Jump shot: The most common shot in handball, taken while airborne after jumping over the goal area line.
• Penalty (7-metre throw): Taken one-on-one against only the goalkeeper, awarded when a clear scoring chance is illegally prevented.

Tips for Beginners

If you are new to handball, keep these suggestions in mind:

1. First master the basics of passing and catching; a large part of the game relies on passing.
2. Practise with the ball at a slow pace to get used to the steps and 3-second rules.
3. Improve your jump shot by learning to jump without stepping on the goal area line.
4. On defense, keep your arms open and prioritise taking up position and covering space over contact.
5. Most importantly: gain experience by playing in a real match. On-court experience is just as decisive as theory.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players play handball? Each team plays with 7 players on the court: 6 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper. With substitutes the squad is larger, and player substitutions are unlimited.

Who can enter the goal area? Only the goalkeeper may enter the 6-metre goal area in front of the goal. Outfield players may not step inside this line, but they can jump over it while shooting.

How many steps can you take with the ball? You may take at most 3 steps while holding the ball. You may also hold the ball for at most 3 seconds; after that you must pass, dribble or shoot.

How long does a handball match last? Adult matches are 2 x 30 minutes, that is 60 minutes in total. The half-time break is usually 10 minutes.

Learning the rules of handball is a great start, but the real enjoyment of the sport comes on the court, in a real match. To find open handball matches in your area, book a suitable hall or facility and meet players at your level, you can use the Maç Var Mı? app. See the matches near you within seconds, join in and enjoy the game.