Beginner's Guide to Handball – Rules, Positions, and How to Get Started

Handball is one of the most exciting team sports in the world — but if you are new to it, the rules and format can seem unfamiliar at first. This guide covers everything you need to know to start playing, from the basic rules to finding your first court.

What Is Handball?

Handball (also called team handball or Olympic handball) is a fast-paced indoor sport played between two teams of seven players. The objective is to throw a ball into the opposing team's goal. The team that scores the most goals in two 30-minute halves wins the match.

The sport combines elements of football (teamwork and positioning), basketball (passing, court movement), and water polo (physicality and shooting technique).

The Basics of Handball Rules

The Playing Area

A standard handball court is 40 metres long and 20 metres wide. Each end has a goal that measures 3 metres wide and 2 metres tall. Surrounding each goal is a D-shaped area called the goal area (or crease), which only the goalkeeper is allowed to enter.

How Goals Are Scored

To score, a player must throw the ball into the opposing goal from outside the goal area (or while jumping from outside). Players cannot step inside the goal area — if they do, the goal is disallowed.

Possession and Passing

Players may hold the ball for up to three seconds, take up to three steps while holding the ball, and pass freely to teammates. Dribbling (bouncing the ball while walking or running) is also allowed, similar to basketball.

Fouls and Free Throws

Contact between players is common in handball. Defenders may use their body to obstruct attackers, but grabbing, pushing, or holding an opponent results in a free throw for the attacking team. More serious fouls result in a two-minute suspension or red card.

The Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper is the only player who may enter the goal area. They can use any part of their body to save shots and can pass the ball to outfield teammates to restart play.

Positions in Handball

A typical handball team lines up in a 3-3 or 3-2-1 formation, with the following positions:

- **Left Back and Right Back** – usually the team's most powerful shooters, responsible for long-range attempts

- **Centre Back (Playmaker)** – the team's primary ball distributor, directing attacks

- **Left Wing and Right Wing** – fast players who operate on the flanks, taking angled shots

- **Pivot (Circle Runner)** – a player who positions themselves close to the goal area, creating space and taking close-range shots

- **Goalkeeper** – defends the goal from inside the goal area

What Equipment Do You Need?

To start playing handball, you need minimal equipment:

Handball

Handballs come in three official sizes:

- **Size 3** – men's senior (58–60 cm circumference)

- **Size 2** – women's senior and male youth (54–56 cm)

- **Size 1** – young children (50–52 cm)

Handballs are slightly tacky in texture compared to other sports balls, which helps with grip during passing and shooting.

Footwear

Indoor handball requires non-marking indoor sports shoes with good grip and lateral support. Look for shoes specifically designed for handball or court sports.

Kit

Handball is typically played in shorts and a vest/jersey. Goalkeepers often wear long-sleeved tops and padded shorts.

Optional: Resin

Many experienced handball players apply a sticky resin to their hands to improve grip. Resin is legal at most levels of the game but check your league's rules before using it.

How to Get Started

Find a Local Club

The best way to start playing handball is to join a local club. Most clubs welcome beginners and run sessions at accessible levels. To find a club:

- Check your national handball federation's website for a registered club list

- Search social media for handball clubs in your area

- Use The Handball Directory to find courts and look for clubs that train there

Try a Taster Session

Many clubs and sports centres offer beginner handball sessions or open training days. These are ideal for learning the basic rules in a low-pressure environment before committing to a regular team.

Find a Court

Use The Handball Directory to find a verified handball venue near you. Enter your city or region to see the nearest courts with details on facilities and contact information.

Watch Professional Handball

Watching top-level handball is one of the fastest ways to understand the sport. The Handball Champions League, IHF World Championship, and EHF European Championship provide excellent examples of high-level play.

Leading clubs like THW Kiel (Germany), FC Barcelona (Spain), Paris Saint-Germain (France), and Aalborg Håndbold (Denmark) regularly compete at the highest level and have extensive YouTube and streaming coverage.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Holding the Ball Too Long

New players often panic and hold the ball for more than three steps or three seconds, resulting in a turnover. Practice quick decision-making in passing and shooting.

Shooting from Too Far Out

Many beginners shoot from long distance when a short pass to the pivot or wing could create a much better opportunity. Learn to read the defence before committing to a shot.

Standing Still in Defence

Handball defence is active and physical. Defenders must move constantly to pressure attackers, form a defensive wall, and block passing lanes.

Neglecting the Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper is one of the most important players on the court. Effective communication between goalkeeper and defenders is essential to a good defensive unit.

Summary

Handball is an accessible, exciting sport that can be picked up quickly with the right guidance. The key points for beginners are:

- Each team has seven players; only the goalkeeper can enter the goal area

- Players have three steps and three seconds to pass or shoot

- Contact is permitted in defence, but grabbing and holding is illegal

- You need handball-specific shoes, a size-appropriate ball, and access to an indoor court

To find a court near you, use The Handball Directory to search for verified venues in your area. Once you find a court, look for a local club and get started — the sport rewards those who commit to improving their passing, shooting, and movement off the ball.