Handball – Terms

Before getting ready to play handball, one should know its frequently used terms. These are common terms used to describe various activities in handball. Some terms used in professional handball matches are listed below.

  • Court player − The players playing on the court except goal-keepers are known as court player.

  • Goalie − A player who defends the goal while opposition attempts to score goals. A goalie or goal keeper is permitted to play inside the goal area.

  • Corner Throw − This is thrown by attacking player from the corner of court. It is done by throwing the ball by using either hand. A corner throw is given to an attacking player while the ball is played over goal line by a defending player or either side of the goal.

  • Corner Throw − This is thrown by attacking player from the corner of court. It is done by throwing the ball by using either hand. A corner throw is given to an attacking player while the ball is played over goal line by a defending player or either side of the goal.

  • Free throw − It is allowed to the opposition team while other team does a foul during the game. The ball is thrown from a line 9mts away from the goal.

  • Penalty throw − The penalty shot is thrown from a mark at a distance of 7mts from the goal. In a penalty throw a player is allotted to score a goal through direct throw into the goal centre.

  • Referee’s throw − This throw is done by referees to resume the game after an interruption of play caused by any other reason than mentioned above, during a handball match.

  • Dive shot − It is a way of putting the shot, in order to score a goal, by jumping above the floor towards the goal. It is done without touching the d-line.

  • Goal − A goal is scored by throwing the ball into the goal post and is confirmed by deciding that if the ball has hit the tape mark or not.

  • Throw-in − It is done by a player by throwing back the ball into the court after it has crossed one of the side lines. While throwing the ball the feet of the player must be in contact with the ground. Player may either use his/her either hands or a single hand to throw the ball.

  • Throw-on − It is done to start the play or after a goal is scored, from the centre of the court.

  • Throw out − It is a throw by a goalkeeper from the goal area in order to pass the ball to a team player after possession of the ball in the goal area.