Official Handball Rules

Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Handball is a high-energy team sport that combines the speed of basketball with the strategy of soccer. Played on an indoor court with seven players per team, the objective is simple: outscore your opponents by throwing the ball into their goal. Whether you’re a newcomer or brushing up on the details, this guide will walk you through the official rules of the game.

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How to Play Handball

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OBJECTIVE:

Score more goals than the opposing team by throwing the ball into their net.

PLAYERS:
Each team fields 7 players at a time (including a goalkeeper), with 14 players total on the court.

EQUIPMENT:
A handball, two goals, and a regulation court.

CATEGORY:
Team Sport

AGE GROUP:
Recommended for ages 8 and up.

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Game Overview

Handball is an energetic and fast-moving team sport often compared to a blend of basketball, soccer, and netball. Though its popularity is growing globally, handball has long been part of the Olympic Games, making its first appearance in 1928. It emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and quick reflexes.

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Setup

Court Dimensions:
The official court measures 40 meters long and 20 meters wide (approx. 131 by 66 feet). Key markings include:

• Center Line: Splits the court in half.
• Goal Area (6-meter line): Only goalkeepers are allowed in this zone.
• Penalty Line (7 meters): Used for penalty throws.
• Free-Throw Line (9 meters): Dotted arc for taking free throws.

Team Formation:
Each team consists of:

• 1 Center: The playmaker who organizes offensive movements.
• 2 Backs (Left and Right): Strong players who shoot and defend.
• 1 Pivot (or Circle Runner): Disrupts the defense near the goal.
• 2 Wingers (Left and Right): Agile players who attack from the flanks.
• 1 Goalkeeper: Guards the net and is the only one who can use their feet within the goal area.

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Gameplay

Match Duration:
Two 30-minute halves with a 10–15 minute halftime break.

Kickoff (Throw-Off):
The match begins with a throw-off at center court, determined by a coin toss. Throw-offs also occur at the start of the second half and after every goal.

General Ball Handling Rules:

• Players may take up to 3 steps with the ball without dribbling.
• Holding the ball for more than 3 seconds is not allowed unless dribbling.
• After dribbling, players may not start dribbling again (“double dribble”).
• The ball must not touch below a player’s knees.
• Only the goalkeeper may use their feet, and only within the goal area.

Scoring:
Goals are scored by throwing the ball into the opponent’s net from outside the goal area. A successful goal counts as one point. The team that conceded the goal restarts with a throw-off from center court.

The Goal Area:
Outfield players must not step into the 6-meter goal area. However, if a player is airborne and throws the ball before landing, the goal is valid. Goalkeepers who leave their area must follow the same rules as field players. Carrying the ball back into the goal area is penalized.

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Violations and Fouls

Free Throw:
Awarded for minor infractions. Defenders must stand at least 3 meters away. If the foul occurs inside the 9-meter area but outside the 6-meter line, the throw is taken from the closest point on the 9-meter arc.

Penalty Throw (7-Meter Throw):
Given when a scoring opportunity is unfairly stopped or if certain goalkeeper violations occur. Taken from the 7-meter line.

Yellow Cards and Suspensions:
Unsportsmanlike behavior or repeated fouls can result in a yellow card. A second offense by the same player leads to a 2-minute suspension. A third results in a red card and disqualification.

Ball Out of Play:

• If the ball crosses the sideline, the opposing team throws it back in.
• If it crosses the end line and last touched the defense, a corner throw is awarded.
• If it was last touched by the attacking team, the goalkeeper restarts play.

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End of Game

The game concludes after two 30-minute halves. The team with the most goals wins. If scores are tied:

If still tied, a shootout with 5 penalty throws per team determines the winner.

Two 5-minute overtime periods are played.