The basic Olympics handball rules are simple: teams aim to score by throwing the ball into the opponent’s goal, with matches consisting of two 30-minute halves. Players are allowed to dribble the ball and make up to three steps before passing or shooting.
This sport is very popular in Scandinavian countries and has a growing interest in other parts of the world. Although it’s less known in the USA, the sport is featured prominently in the Olympics.
Basic Rules of Handball
The primary goal in handball is to score by throwing the ball into the opponent’s goal. Teams compete to score more goals than their opponents within the allotted time.
Team Composition
Each team consists of 7 players—6 field players and 1 goalkeeper. Field players are responsible for offensive and defensive maneuvers, while the goalkeeper’s primary role is to prevent goals.
Game Duration
A handball game is divided into two halves, each lasting 30 minutes. If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, extra time may be played.
Scoring
To score, a player must throw the ball into the opponent’s goal from within the 6-meter area, known as the goal area. Goals can only be scored from outside this area.
Fouls and Penalties
Handball rules include various fouls, such as pushing or hitting an opponent, which can result in free throws or penalty throws. A penalty throw is awarded for more severe fouls, typically committed within the 6-meter area.
Goal Area
The 6-meter goal area is a critical zone where only the goalkeeper is allowed. Field players must remain outside this area when attempting to score.
Dribbling and Passing
Players are allowed to dribble the ball, but only for a limited number of steps (usually 3). Passing the ball between teammates is essential for creating scoring opportunities.
Olympic Handball Competition
In the Olympic handball tournament, 12 teams compete, divided into two pools. Each team plays 5 matches in the group stage. The top 4 teams from each pool advance to the quarterfinals, where the knockout phase begins.
Women’s Competition:
France has been outstanding, winning all their matches so far and becoming the first team to qualify for the knockout stage. They are widely considered the main favorite to win the gold medal. Other countries with strong handball traditions, such as those from Scandinavian regions, are also performing well, making for a competitive tournament.
Men’s Competition:
In the men’s tournament, Denmark and Norway are leading with undefeated records. However, since the third round is not yet complete, the final standings and which teams will advance to the knockout stage are still to be determined. Both teams are expected to be strong contenders as the tournament progresses.
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What’s Going on with USA Handball?
Handball is one of the few sports (5 to be precise) where the USA has never won a medal and notably the only team sport among them, excluding doubles events. The last time the USA competed in Olympic handball was in 1996. Despite the sport’s dynamic nature, it has not gained significant traction in the US. One reason might be the absence of a professional league, despite some announcements about potential leagues. Observing the official USA Handball website, it appears that beach handball is receiving more attention than the traditional indoor version.
It’s quite surprising how challenging it was to find detailed information about USA handball. This difficulty highlights just how niche the sport is in the US.
In terms of future Olympic prospects, officials are optimistic about the men’s team, believing they are on the right path. However, they are less confident about the women’s team’s progress. Additionally, there is ongoing debate about the best way to develop handball in the US. Some believe that focusing on creating and supporting college clubs might be more effective than pushing for a professional league, as this could build a stronger foundation for the sport’s future.
On a brighter note, the California Eagles recently won the North American and Caribbean Senior Club Championship and are set to compete in the World Cup this autumn in Egypt. USA Handball officials are showing serious commitment to improving the sport’s visibility and success in the country.
