Team handball is a fast and exciting sport for men and women in which players try to score goals by throwing a ball into their opponents’ goal. Team handball can be played indoors or outdoors. Modern team handball at the international level is an indoor game. This article describes the indoor version that has been an event in the Summer Olympic Games since 1972.
Teams consist of seven players–six court players and a goalkeeper. A team handball court is 40 meters (131 feet) long and 20 meters (651/2 feet) wide. A goal line runs the width of the field at each end. Side lines enclose the playing area lengthwise. A goal is centered lengthwise on each goal line. It consists of two posts 2 meters (61/2 feet) high and 3 meters (93/4 feet) apart. The posts are connected by a horizontal bar. A net is attached to the posts and bar. The ball consists of a leather-covered rubber bladder. The ball in men’s competition is 58 to 60 centimeters (23 to 231/2 inches) in circumference. The ball in women’s games is slightly smaller.
Games are divided into two 30-minute periods. Many of the rules resemble soccer rules except that players can use their hands but cannot use their feet to pass and dribble the ball. Two referees supervise play.
