Goalball

Goalball is a unique sport made just for athletes who are blind or have low vision. Players roll a heavy ball with bells inside toward the other team's goal. The other team listens for the ball and dives to block it.

How to Play

Each team has three players on the court. All players wear blackout masks so the game is fair for everyone. One team rolls the ball toward the other team's goal. The ball has bells inside so players can hear it.

The defending team listens carefully. When they hear the ball coming, they dive sideways to block it with their bodies. The goal is as wide as the court, so players have to cover a lot of ground. Each game has two halves of 12 minutes each.

A Special Sport

Goalball was invented in 1946 to help veterans who lost their sight. It has been a Paralympic sport since 1976. The gym must be completely quiet during play so athletes can hear the ball.

The sport is played in over 100 countries. Players need great hearing, quick reactions, and bravery to throw their bodies in front of a fast-moving ball.

Fun Facts

• The goalball weighs about 2.75 pounds, which is heavier than a basketball.
• Fans have to stay totally silent during play so the athletes can hear.
• Goalball was created especially for people with vision loss and has no able-bodied version.

Did You Know?

Goalball is the only Paralympic sport that was created just for athletes with disabilities and has no Olympic version!