Team Handball

INTRODUCTION TO TEAM HANDBALL Team handball is played by seven players on a hard surface area bigger than a basketball court. The basic skills of running, jumping, catching and throwing are combined into a fast moving exciting game. Object of the game is to score more goals than your opponents by throwing the ball into their netted goal. Elements of basketball, soccer, hockey and water polo can all be seen in this Olympic Game.

History Began in the 1920’s by a German gymnastics instructor, Konrad Koch, who developed the structure and rules of the game. The modern game actually grew out of three sports that were developed, independently, in three different European countries: The Czech hazena, the Danish handbold, and the German Torball. Originally began in Europe and was introduced to the U.S. in 1930’s Became an Olympic sport at the 1936 Games in Berlin Women’s Team Handball was introduced at the 1976 Games in Montreal Indoor(7 players) Outdoor (11 players)

STARTING PLAY Coin flip determines who gets first possession of the ball. Play begins with a "Throw-Off“. "Throw-Off": Offensive team lines up on or behind the centerline and initiates play by passing to a teammate. Defense players line up on their side of the centerline. "Throw-Offs" initiate play for each half and are also used to resume play following a goal.

GAME PLAY Players are allowed to run 3 steps with the ball. Players may hold the ball for 3 seconds before passing or advancing it in some method. Players may dribble the ball but are not allowed to "double dribble" (similar to basketball). (Dribble: The skill of bouncing the ball and moving forward). After dribbling a player is allowed 3 steps and 3 seconds to throw or shoot the ball. A player may take 3 steps, dribble, and take 3 more steps before passing or shooting. A Player may not pass the ball to his/her self by throwing it into the air (air dribble is illegal). Players are not allowed to dive for a ball that is on the ground. Goalies may leave the goal area to play the ball but must then abide by all the court rules. Violations of above rules: Opponents receive a Free Throw.

OUT-OF-BOUNDS On the touchline (sideline): Throw-in is taken from the spot. Opponents must be 10' away when the ball is passed in. Player throwing must have both feet on the line. On the goal line: Last touched by a defensive player (excluding the goalie) - Throw-in taken by the offense from the nearest corner (Corner Throw: When the offense puts the ball in play after ball goes out of bounds over the end line by the defense other than the goalie). Last touched by an offensive player - "Goal Throw" by the goalie. Last touched by the goalie – "Goal Throw" by the goalie.

SCORING The handball must completely pass the goal line inside the goal to count as a score. Goals may be scored from all formal throws (throw-ins, throw-offs, free throws, and goal throws by the goalie). All goals count 1 point.

Passing: Throwing the ball to another player in a variety of ways. Baseball Pass: A one armed overhand pass. Overhead Pass: A pass that begins over the head, usually done with force. Roller Pass: The ball is simply rolled along the floor/ground to a teammate when all other passing lanes are blocked. Bounce Pass: A pass that bounces once before reaching the intended player. Handoff Pass: Similar to quarterback handing ball off to a running back in football. Receiver forms a pocket for the ball. Chest Pass: A pass that begins from the chest. Jump Pass: Player jumps over or around defender to throw ball baseball style to another player.

Shooting Jump Shot: The most popular shot because a player may jump from beyond the goal area and is allowed to land inside the goal area, as long as he/she throws the ball before landing. Lob Shot: Used when the goalkeeper is out away from the goal. Set Shot: A simple throw from a standing position. Set shots are also used for all penalty shots.

BASIC STRATEGY Tactical Problem: Maintain possession of the ball, moving forward against a defense and score. Offense: Team in possession of the ball attempting to score. Attempts to out-maneuver opponents with quick passing & deception. Take shots "flying in" from outside the goal area circle. Use set "plays" that employ picks & screens to beat the defense & goalie. Defense: Set up as a base on the perimeter of the goal area. Always makes the offense shoot over or around the defensive players. Never let an offensive player shoot uncontested. Concentrates on stopping the opponent. Plays both "Man-to-Man" and Zone defenses.

Defending The process of preventing the other team from scoring. This is done by using either the body to block or screen players, with raised arms to guard and block shots, while maintaining position between attacker and the goal. Defensive players may not push, hold, trip, or hit an opponent. Defensive players may not knock the ball away from an opponent's grasp. Violations of above rules: Opponents receive a Free Throw.

FREE THROWS (FT) A throw awarded to the opposing team when the other team is in violation of certain rules of the game. FT are taken immediately without the referee touching the ball. FT are thrown from the place the violation occurred. Defensive players must be 10' away from the thrower. The thrower must have one foot continuously in contact with the court and must throw or pass within 3 seconds. FT are taken for any violation not covered by the penalty throw. If the foul or infringement occurs between the goal line and the free throw line, a free throw is taken just outside the free throw line opposite from where the foul took place. Passive Play: An illegal attempt to keep the ball in a team's possession without making a recognizable attempt to attack and to try to score (free- throw awarded to the other team).

PENALTY THROWS/ SHOT: One on one shot against the goalkeeper; The shooter must stand with both feet behind the penalty line and keep one foot stationary during the shot. Penalty Throws are given when: Offensive player is fouled with a sure chance to score. Goalie carries the ball from outside the goal area back into the goal area. Defensive player enters the goal area to gain an advantage over an attacking player. Defensive player intentionally plays the ball to the goalie in the goal area. Penalty Throws are taken from the penalty mark and shot with only the goalie defending. Throwers must keep one foot in contact with the court behind the line until the ball is released. All other players must stand behind the free throw line until the ball is released. Once the Penalty Throw is released the ball is live and regular play continues from that point.

Goal Area/Goalie Goal-Area Line: Arc/line around goal that only the goalie can be in. Players may jump into area to shoot, provided they shoot before landing. Goalie: The only player allowed in the goal area. He/she may defend in anyway. Goalie Specific Rules: Only player allowed in the goal area May play the ball with any part of the body. Is not subject to the 3 step or double dribble rule inside the goal area. May leave the goal area but then is subject to all the regular court rules.

WHY PLAY HANDBALL? An inexpensive activity that can easily be learned. Promotes team work, co-operation and friendships. Develops the basic athletic skills used in all other sports. It’s easily modified to fit space, time and number of participants. It can be played by people of all sizes, ages and genders. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced players. You can play in either men's, women's teams or in recreational level mixed teams. It is easy to learn and a great way to get in shape and improve body composition.