Handball: Then and now

Handball has elements of both Football and Basketball – but it’s probably older than both.

There are references to a sport very similar to Handball in ancient Greek literature, although the modern game developed in northern Europe at the end of the 19th century.

Today, fast-moving, high-scoring matches make Handball one of the most popular Olympic events in continental Europe.

How to play – and win

In Handball, two teams of seven players pass and dribble a small ball using only their hands. The aim is to score a goal by putting the ball in the other team’s net. The team with the most goals wins. Handball matches are played on indoor courts by both men’s and women’s teams.

Players need strength, agility and flexibility, as well as height, to out-jump the opposing team’s players to shoot, pass and block the ball. The sport is very physical – body contact is allowed.

Handball at the Games

The first Olympic Handball tournament, for men only, was held at the Berlin 1936 Games. It was played outdoors on a football-sized pitch, by teams of 11 players.

The indoor, seven-a-side game played in Scandinavia gradually became more popular, and when Handball next appeared in the Olympic programme, at Munich 1972, it took its current form.

The first women’s tournament was held at Montreal 1976.

Facts about Handball

• A Beach version of Handball, played on outdoor sand courts, is growing in popularity. Thousands of spectators attend the annual Beach Handball tournament on Weymouth Beach.
• Handball has a big fan following in continental Europe, where crowds of 20,000 regularly show up to league matches.
• Shots at goal can reach speeds of 100km/h.
• There is no such thing as a nil-nil draw in Handball; it’s common for more than 50 goals to be scored in a single match.
• Penalty shoot-outs have been used to decide two Olympic women’s finals – at the Atlanta 1996 and Athens 2004 Games.

Jargon buster

• Dribble: To move the ball by bouncing it on the floor.
• Jump shot: A shot attempted while leaping.
• Pivot: An attacking player who is usually found in the opposition’s goal area.
• Shooter: A player who shoots from the backcourt – usually tall and a good jumper.
• Playmaker: A midcourt player who directs the team’s attacking play.

Get involved

The British Handball Association has launched a talent search for new players.

If you’re between 16 and 25, and more than 5’11” (180cm) tall for girls or 6’3” (190cm) tall for boys, you could be part of Team GB at London 2012. To find out more, see 'related websites'.