Basic rules version for

Handball at School

HOW TO PLAY:
Permitted and prohibited behavior
 Basic rules version for
Handball at School

Handball – as a very dynamic team sport – is a contact sport, but also

based on “fair play” principles. The official “Rules of the Game” are
worked out by the International Handball Federation (IHF). For more
information and details and the entire “Rules of the Game”, please go
to www.ihf.info.
 Basic rules version for
Handball at School

When teaching Handball at School it is of course necessary to know

the most basic principles of the rules. But please be aware that you
can easily teach handball to your students, if you simplify and modify
the rules of the game at your school. The IHF brochure gives an
overview over the simplified rules which can be used in school
handball.
 Basic rules version for
Handball at School
Organization of handball games for students

4 against 4
with
goalkeepers –
an attractive
game for
students

The handball playing field is usually 20 meters wide and 40 meters

long. Beginners should however start playing handball on smaller
playing fields and with a reduced number of players in order to avoid
an excessive demand of the students and to increase the number of
situations in which they throw at the goal, so that the students have a
feeling of success.
 Basic rules version for
Handball at School
Division into smaller areas

Up to three smaller fields can be built on a Handball playing field. Advantage: 30

students have the possibility to play handball at the same time.
The long side of the Handball field may be divided into three small playing fields
(approx. 20 x 13 m), on which beginners can play 4 against 4 plus goalkeepers. If no
special goals are available, they may be organized by simple means.
 Basic rules version for
Handball at School
Division into smaller areas: Example, how to use a
football field for playing Handball

Handball games for students can easily be organized within a short

time: in small halls, in only one third of the hall, outside or even at the
 Basic rules version for
Handball at School
Division into smaller areas

Distribution of different surfaces for playing Handball in a big space

 Basic rules version for
Handball at School
Division into smaller areas

A big competition could be organized with a lot of teams playing

togheter
 Basic rules version for
Handball at School

Handball games for students can easily be organized using different

kinds of goals, even inflatable goals!
 Basic rules version for
Handball at School

At school or in an open space

 Basic rules version for
Handball at School

Advanced students (10 to 11 years) can play 6 against 6 plus goalkeepers on the
whole playing field. In case of large groups, 6 against 6 or 5 against 5 (plus one goal
-keeper each) can be play simultaneously on both sides . In this way, 26 or 22
students are able to play at the same time.
 Basic rules version for
Handball at School

If only one half of the hall is available, several teams are built, which alternately play on one
goal
Of course all mentioned handball games for students can also be played outside, on
grass fields or even on sand. Another tip: Let the students act as referees, too, as it
encourages the acceptance of students among each other and towards referees
 Basic rules version for
Handball at School

Different goal sizes for beginners Age-appropriate goal for 6

(correct size of a handball goal: 2 to 9-year-old students
m x 3 m)

Marking a goal on Reducing the goal

the wall height by means of a
strap (1.60 m)

There are many alternatives to create goals if the official goals are missing. Just invent some more!
 Basic rules version for
Handball at school
Using an inflatable
goal

Different goal sizes for beginners Throwing a carton off a box

(correct size of a handball goal: 2
m x 3 m)

Using mats or other

equipment as goals

There are many alternatives to create goals if the official goals are missing. Just invent some more!
 Basic rules version for
Handball at school
There are three official ball sizes

IHF Size 1: IHF Size 2

– 50-52 cm and 290 – 54 to 56 cm and IHF Size 3
to 330 g 325-375 g – 58 to 60 cm and 425
– for women’s youth – for women, to 475 g
women’s youth (14 – for men and men’s
(8 to 14 years)
and years and older) youth (16 years
– men’s youth (8 to and and older)
12 years) – men’s youth (12
to 16 years)
 Basic rules version for
Handball at school
Playing with many different balls in school handball

USING DIFFERENT BALLS

Please note: Students aged from 5 to 11 years can only learn throwing with balls whose sizes
correspond to the size of their hands. At the beginning, as a learning aid, they even have to be
smaller than the official balls designed for the individual age groups. Make use of many
different balls, as it improves the coordination skills and especially the feeling for the ball
 Basic rules version for
Handball at School
ANOTHER IMPORTANT RULES FOR THE BEGINNERS ARE:

HOW TO PROGRESS WITH THE BALL:

*Passing and bouncing. THE PROHIBITED OR NOT ALLOWED
*Limitation of the progression with AREA WHERE PLAYERS CANNOT TO
the ball (¿3 steps?) WALK
*You have to be comprehensive.

At the beginning it is advisable

to avoid contact until the
student acquires a certain motor
development