Handball is played with the hands, with the exception of the goalkeeper who can touch the ball with any part of his body, as long as he is inside the area. The game consists of two parts of 30 minutes each, and the team that scores the most goals at the end of the match is the winner.

The modern origins of handball date back to when it was used as a complement to train and prepare gymnasts. In 1892, a German gymnastics teacher, Konrad Koch, created the "Raffballspied", with characteristics very similar to today's handball.

At that time, in Czechoslovakia a game was played in schools in which each team was made up of seven players. It was called "hazena" and its first regulations appeared in 1905.

In 1926 the International Regulations of the sport were established and in 1928 the International Amateur Handball Federation was founded during the IX Games.

Video📹

All lines on the handball field measure 5cm, except the goal lines, which measure 8cm. Behind the goal, in the center of the external goal line, at a distance of approximately 1.5 m, there must be a vertical barrier net with a length of 9 - 14 m and a height of 5 m from the ground.

In addition, the handball field has zones or parts that fulfill specific functions, such as the free hit line, located 3 meters from the goal area.

Some areas could be the center line, which divides the field into two equal and symmetrical parts. With it the area belonging to each team is located, and on the other hand, the Change Zone, which is a segment of the touch zone that extends from the central zone to 4.5 meters from it, for each team, in which the handball players can change.

Shoes🛍️

Regarding the ball, it is the most important element of this sport, since the objective is to move the ball across the field by passing or dribbling it and then score by throwing it into the opponent's goal.

There are the following sizes:

- 00: children under 3 years old. Made of foam.

- 1: girls from 8 to 14 years old and boys from 8 to 12 years old.

- 2: girls over 14 years old and boys between 12 and 16 years old who practice handball.

- 3: boys over 16 years old. In categories above cadet, the official ball for women's leagues will be size 2, and for men's leagues size 3 will be used.

Ball🛍️

1. A player may take up to three steps with the ball in his hands without dribbling.

2. After the three steps, the player must dribble (bounce) the ball or pass it to another player.

3. The steps must be continuous and cannot be stopped and restarted.

Pivot:

1. A player who is in possession of the ball may pivot, which involves keeping one foot in contact with the floor while turning his body to find a passing or shooting option.

2. The player may change direction several times while keeping one foot stationary on the floor.

Dribbling:

1. A player may dribble the ball (dribble it) while moving.

2. There are no specific limitations on how many times the player may dribble while moving, as long as he/she complies with the stepping rules mentioned above.

Limitations on ball handling:

1. Double Dribbling: A player may not dribble (bounce) the ball, pick it up with both hands and then dribble again. This is considered a double dribble and is a violation.

2. If a player performs a double dribble, a free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the spot where the violation occurred.

There are several special rules related to the goalkeeper and his interaction with the goal area:

1. Moving out of the area:

- The goalkeeper may move freely within the area.

- However, the goalkeeper may not leave the area with the ball in his hands. If he does so, a free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred.

2. Shot blocking:

- The goalkeeper is the only player who may use his hands to block shots inside the area.

- He may use any part of his body to block shots, but generally his hands are used.

- Shots blocked by the goalkeeper are considered offside, which means that the opposing team receives a goal kick.

3. Interference with attackers:

- The goalkeeper may not interfere with attacking players outside the goal area.

- He may not touch, block or interfere in any way with opposing players outside the goal area.

- Doing so will result in a free kick for the opposing team from the spot where the infraction occurred.

These rules are designed to balance the advantage the goalkeeper has inside the goal area and to ensure fair and safe play for all players.

1. 6-0 defense:

- All defensive players are positioned inside the six-meter area.

- It is a compact defense used to block shots and prevent attacking players from penetrating the goal area.

2. 5-1 defense:

- Five defensive players position themselves inside the six-meter area.

- Five defensive players are positioned in line on the field, while one defensive player moves forward to mark the opposing team's most dangerous player.

- This defense is used to put pressure on the opposing team's key player and make it difficult to organize the attack.

Techniques to intercept the ball and block shots:

1. Interception.

- Defensive players can anticipate passes and jump to intercept the ball.

- They can also use their hands to deflect or block the opposing team's passes.

2. Blocking shots:

- Defensive players can jump to block shots from attacking players.

- They must anticipate the moment of the shot and jump at the right time to block the ball.

- It is important to maintain a good body position and extend the arms to cover as much area as possible.

Defense in handball requires anticipation, agility and coordination between defensive players.

1. Only the goalkeeper may use hands inside the area.

2. He may move inside the area, but may not leave the area with the ball in his hands.

3. The goalkeeper may block shots with hands, legs or any part of the body inside the area.

Area Zone:

1. Only defending players may enter the area while defending.

2. Attacking players may not enter the area, except to take a 7-meter throw-in.

3. If an attacking player enters the area, a free kick is awarded to the defending team.

A player hits the ball to a teammate while the opponents must be at a minimum distance.

After a goal, the team that conceded the goal serves from the center of the field, while the scoring team stands in its half of the field, ready to defend.

The positions include the goalkeeper, central backcourt, side backcourt, winger, and pivot.

Central Backcourt: The central backcourt player is positioned between the two side backcourt players. They are responsible for directing coordinated plays and are known for their strategic vision and coordination.

Side Backcourt:

The side backcourt players are positioned on either side of the central player. They are often tall and robust, with a powerful outside shot or the ability to change pace effectively. Their primary role is to break through closed defenses from the 9-meter line and often assist the wingers.

Pivot:

The pivot is positioned near or between the opposing defense. In attack, the pivot aims to create spaces for teammates to penetrate and score. They can also receive passes and create goal-scoring opportunities. Defensively, the pivot becomes the central rear of the defense, responsible for blocking incoming shots and maintaining their position.

Winger:

The wingers are positioned at the corners of the court. They are agile players with good jumping ability, often initiating plays and finishing them from close range.

These positions are crucial for both offensive and defensive strategies.

1. 6:0 formation - All 6 defenders form a single line in front of the goal area to block infiltrations and shots.

2. Man-to-man formation - Each defender marks an opposing attacker one-on-one. This formation has different physiological impacts on players compared to the 6:0.

3. 5:1 formation - 5 defenders in a line with 1 "joker" defender floating on the 9-meter line to intercept passes and initiate counter-attacks.

4. 4:2 formation - 4 defenders in a line with 2 additional defenders on the 9-meter line to mark long-range shooters.

The most common offensive formations mentioned are:

1. 6:0 formation - All 6 attackers form a single line outside the 9-meter line to find gaps and shoot.

2. 5:1 formation - 5 attackers in a line with 1 pivot player floating in the middle. This is the most popular offensive system.

3. 4:2 formation - 4 attackers in a line with 2 pivot players circulating in the middle. This is a very attacking formation but vulnerable to counter-attacks.

1. Cutting: A player moves quickly across the court, often in a diagonal or lateral direction, to create space and receive a pass from a teammate. This movement is particularly effective when combined with a fake or a screen from another player

2. Screening: A player sets a screen for a teammate, either by positioning themselves in a way that blocks the defender or by using their body to shield the defender from the ball. This can create an opening for the teammate to receive a pass or shoot

3. Pivoting: A player moves laterally or diagonally while maintaining their body position, often to create space or to get into a better shooting position. This movement is important for creating opportunities to shoot or pass

4. Curling: A player moves around a defender, often using a combination of speed and agility to evade the defender and create space. This movement is particularly effective when used in conjunction with a fake or a screen

5. Rounding: A player moves around a defender, using their speed and agility to get around the defender and create space. This movement is often used to create opportunities for shots or passes

   
   

1. Overhand Shot: This shot is used when the ball is above shoulder height. It involves hitting the ball with an open hand using the overhand stroke. The player's knees are bent, and they face upwards, striking the ball close to eye level. The power comes from the bent knees, which takes the pressure off the arms.

2. Underhand Shot (Fist): This shot is used when the ball drops below the waist. It involves hitting the ball with a closed fist instead of the cupped hand. The ball is hit using the underarm stroke with a straight arm and a tight wrist. The power comes from the bent knees, which takes the pressure off the arms. This shot is particularly effective for younger players who have not yet developed physically.

3. Ceiling Shot: This shot is used to change the pace of the rally and force the opponent into a deep court position. It involves striking the ball to the ceiling, close to the front wall, and aiming for a deep court position. The shot can be executed using either the overhand or underhand stroke. The key is to strike the ball hard enough to reach the deep court but not so hard that it bounces off the back wall.

4. 3-Wall Shot: This shot involves hitting the ball from deep court onto either side wall, allowing it to hit three walls before returning to deep court. This shot requires precision and control to execute effectively.