Handball Rules and Tactics: A Comprehensive Look
Handball Rules
Basic Rules
- **Goal Area:** 6 meters
- **Free Throw Line:** 9 meters
- **Penalty Line:** 7 meters
- **Match Duration:** 2 halves of 30 minutes, with 2 extra periods of 5 minutes if needed.
- **Timeouts:** One timeout per team per period.
- **Number of Players:** 6 field players and 1 goalkeeper, up to 20 players per team, numbered from 1 to 20.
- **Substitutions:** Unlimited substitutions can be made at any time without stopping the game, within the designated substitution area.
Goalkeeper Rules
- The goalkeeper is allowed to touch the ball with any part of their body within their area while defending.
- They can leave the goal area without the ball and play like any other field player.
- The goalkeeper is forbidden to enter and exit the area while touching the ball.
- The ball cannot be stationary or on the floor outside the goal area.
Reception Area
No player can step on the reception area, including when playing as a goalkeeper in the rival area.
Playing the Ball
Permitted:
- Play the ball with any part of the body from the knee up.
- Hold the ball in their hands for a maximum of 3 seconds.
- Take a maximum of 3 steps without dribbling.
- Bounce the ball or roll it with one hand.
- Pass the ball from one hand to another without losing contact.
Passive Play
It is not allowed to keep the ball in possession without making any attempt to attack or shoot at the goal.
Throw-In
The player must step on the line until the ball has left their hand.
History of Handball
Modern handball originated in Berlin, Germany, in 1919. It was invented by Karl Schelenz, a teacher at the Berlin School of Physical Education and Sports. Initially, competitions involved 11 players per team, and the goal area was 11 meters from the goal. Gradually, it evolved into the current form of handball.
Handball Positions and Tactics
Offensive Positions
Wingers: Positioned close to the sidelines and the 6-meter line. They are typically agile and fast.
Pivot: Their role is physically demanding, constantly battling in the middle of the defense to create space for teammates to shoot or receive a pass.
Backcourt Players (Left/Right Back and Center Back): Their primary mission is to circulate the ball from side to side until they find an opening to shoot or pass.
Defensive Positions
Wing Defenders: Their main task is to hinder the play of the opposing wingers, disrupting their movements and attempting to intercept passes.
Backcourt Defenders (Left/Right Back and Center Back): Usually the tallest players, protecting the goal from long-range shots.
Advanced Defender: In 5-1 or 3-2-1 defensive systems, an advanced defender anticipates the opponent’s play, aiming to counter a particularly dangerous attacker or disrupt ball circulation.
Goalkeeper: The last line of defense and the first attacker. They should be positioned approximately half a yard from the goal with slightly bent legs and arms.
Tactical Systems
Defensive Systems
6-0 Defense: The most basic and straightforward defensive system.
5-1 Defense: Used when the opposing team has a player who excels at shooting.
Offensive Systems
3-3 Offense: Commonly used against a 6-0 defense.
2-4 Offense: In this system, a backcourt player joins the pivot to create space in the opposing defensive line.
Offensive Moves
Progressions: Successive movements to create space for oneself or a teammate.
Give and Go: Similar to wall passes in soccer.
Crosses: An attacker occupies the space created by a teammate, moving behind them.
Screen/Pick: An attacker blocks the movement of an opponent’s defender, allowing a teammate to gain space to shoot or pass.