A fast indoor team sport where players pass and dribble a ball by hand to throw it past a goalkeeper.
Origin and rules
Modern handball was codified in the early 20th century in Denmark, Sweden, and Germany. Two teams of seven, including a goalkeeper, try to throw a small ball into the opposing goal in a 40-by-20-metre court.
How it plays
Matches last 60 minutes, two halves of 30. Players may take three steps and hold the ball for three seconds without dribbling. Only the goalkeeper may enter the six-metre crease. Each goal counts one point.
Competition
The IHF World Championship and the European Championship are the leading international events. France, Denmark, Norway, and Spain are perennial powers. Handball has been part of the Olympic programme since 1972.
Find more sports by letter
Handball starts with H and ends with L. Browse other sports along the same letter.
Sports that contain a letter from "Handball":