European Handball

What Is European Handball European handball, also known as team handball in the United States, is a team sport in which two teams of seven (6 players and a goalie) pass and bounce a small ball up and down the court trying to throw or bounce the ball into the opposing teams goal. European handball is a combination of both basketball and soccer in which players can pass, dribble and bounce the ball in order to help there team score. European handball is a fast upbeat sport that includes both attacking your opponents goal while also defending your own. Both team communication and strategizing are both key aspects in the game of European handball. Unlike sports that use goals such as hockey and soccer European handball scores are usually very high, teams commonly each score up to 15-20 times which is one of the reason the game is very popular. Though the game does involved contact, too much contact leads to fouls. These fouls lead to penalty shots and free throws which gives a major advantage to your opponent.

European Handball Court Dimensions- Slightly larger than a basketball court. 65 feet-7 inches by 131 feet-2 inches. 6 meter line- Is the most important line in the game. This line is usually in the form of a circle. No offensive player or defensive player may enter the area or step on the line. This area marks the area of the goaltender; he cannot use his hands outside this area. Offensive players can jump into this circle and release the ball before landing but that is the only exception. 4 meter line- A line located in the 6 meter circle in which the goalkeeper cannot pass during a 7 meter penalty shot. 7 meter line- A line located just outside the 6 meter circle in which penalty shots are taken. Penalty shots are called by the ref when a player is fouled harshly while possessing the ball. Half court line- The line that is located in the middle of the court which the game is restarted from after a goal is recorded. 9 meter line- A line 29 feet from the goal which is used for free throws which are given when the opponent is called for a minor foul. Out of Bounds- When the entire ball crosses the out sidelines, the team that last touched the ball gives the ball to the other team and is rewarded a throw in from the sideline.

European Handball Court Continued 4 meter line- (B) 7 meter line- (C) Half court line- (F) 9 meter line- (E) 6 meter line- (D)

Size: Ball and Net Size An official size goal measures 2 meters high (6’7") and three meters wide (9’10"). The net is one meter deep at the base of the goal. A handball is made of leather and is about the size of a large cantaloupe. It varies in size and weight according to the group playing. The ball for men weighs 15-17 oz. and is 23-24" in circumference. Women and juniors use a smaller ball weighing 12-14 oz. and 21-22" in circumference. Youth use smaller varieties of balls for mini-handball.

Basic Rules A player may hit the ball in any directions using any body part that it above the knees. If the ball is kicked it will result in a free throw. A player may stand still with possession of the ball for only 3 seconds before having to pass, shoot or dribble. A player may take up to 3 steps with possession of the ball before having to pass, shoot or dribble. A player may not pass to himself. Goalies can do whatever they want to save the ball. If they leave the goalie circle which they are allowed to do, they now can’t make any saves until getting back into the circle and must now follow the rules as if he was a player. Defensive players are allowed to use there hands to knock the ball away during a shot, pass or dribble. You are not allowed to take the ball away while a player has possession and it standing still. Offensive players may set picks and shield with there body to get open or open up lanes. Refs can give out yellow cards if a player commits a harsh foul. That player has to sit out 2 minutes and can come back in when time is up or the other team scores a goal.

Basic Rules Continued Throw offs to start the game occur at the half court line and occur at the start and halftime of the game and also after ever goal. If a foul is committed do to holding, pushing, hitting the offensive team will be given a free throw where the fouled occurred. If the foul occurs between the 9 meter line and 6 meter circle the offensive team will be given a free throw from the 9 meter line where they are allowed to throw it in for a goal. 7 meter line penalty shots are given when the ref calls a foul because he believes the player with possession was fouled harshly when having a clear chance of scoring. If the ball goes out of bounds behind the goalie the goalie automatically gets possession of the ball even if the defense was the last team to touch it. Example team blue shoots on team red, team reds player deflects it and it goes over there goalies head out of bounds. Team red gets the ball. Substitutions are made on dead balls Like soccer if the ball goes out of bounds on the sideline, whatever team it didn’t touch last will be rewarded a throw in from where the ball when out. Only exception being the out of bounds behind the goalie, if the ball goes out there the goalie automatically gets it. A player with possession of the ball may jump into the 6 meter circle as long as he shots the ball before his feet touch the ground. They call this the “Launch Rule” Two 30 minute halves When a player takes a 7 meter line penalty shot he must not touch the 7 meter line. One foot must stay planted and may not come off the ground.

Defensive Formations Defensive 6-0- All defensive players line up between 6 meter line and 9 meter line. 5-1- 5 people line up between the 6 and 9 meter line while one player runs around outside the 9 meter line. The player running around outside the 9 meter line should also look for an outlet pass if the defense gains possession. 4-2- The two players are on top where they meet the offensive team at the 9 meter line. The other 4 guard the 6 meter circle. 3-3- Man to man to zone. If a player enters your zone you defend him.

Offensive Formations Left and Right Wingman- Outside of the court that excels at ball control and good at judging angles. Left and Right Backcourt- Players in between the center and the wingman. These players are usually good at jumping high and shooting. Tall player are good for this position. Center Backcourt- Acts at the play maker and handles the ball a majority of the time. Equals to the point guard in basketball. Pivot- This player tends to mingle with the defense and set picks. His goal it to disrupt the defensive game plan. This position usually requires good physical strength and the least amount of hand coordination.

Videos Team Handball Highlights Training Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPgnRff5EVg Training Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBhWDk59D-o