Handball

Handball is a quick and fun team sport. It looks a bit like soccer, basketball, and water polo mixed together. Two teams try to throw a ball into the other team's goal. Players can run, jump, and pass the ball using their hands. It is one of the fastest team sports to watch.

How to Play

Each team has seven players, and one of them is the goalie. Players can run with the ball, but they must bounce it like basketball or pass it to a friend. The goal is like a soccer goal but smaller. Players often jump high and throw the ball hard at the goal. A game has two halves that last 30 minutes each.

Where It Is Played

Handball is very popular in Europe, especially in countries like Germany, France, and Denmark. It started in Denmark and Germany in the late 1800s. Today, it is played in more than 150 countries. Handball has been an Olympic sport since 1972. Many schools and clubs have teams where kids can play.

Fun Facts

• A pro handball shot can fly more than 60 miles per hour.
• Handball is the second most popular team sport in Europe after soccer.
• The game usually has lots of goals, sometimes more than 50 in one match.

Did You Know?

Handball players cannot step into the half-circle area in front of the goal. Only the goalie is allowed inside that zone.