Official Rules
The Rules are governed by the International Handball Federation. A full copy of those rules can be found here
Understanding Beach Handball
Beach handball is a thrilling and dynamic team sport that is played on a sandy court. It is a non-contact sport where players rely on quick passes and creative plays to score points, often with impressive acrobatic moves like jumps, spins, and alley-oops. These spectacular plays are a hallmark of beach handball and add to the excitement and energy of the game.
Matches in beach handball are played in either two or three sets, with a golden goal or a shootout set if teams are tied. Goalkeepers play a crucial role in beach handball, defending their rectangular area and making crucial saves. They also have the unique opportunity to score points themselves by throwing the ball into the opposing team’s goal.
Despite its non-contact nature, beach handball is a skillful and physically demanding sport that requires a high level of athleticism, coordination, and teamwork. Players must work together to coordinate quick passes and creative plays, all while defending their own goal and trying to score points.
The Game
What You Need
- A sand court
- A non-slip rubber ball
- 2 goals
- Lines (or ropes)
How To Play
- The Ball must be passed with the hand
- The point of the game is to score goals
- Most teams play with an offense team & a defence team that swap after each turnover
- 2 x 10 minutes sets
- 5 minutes break
- Each set needs a winner! If there is a draw, a golden goal will be played
How To Score
- Regular goal = 1 point
- In-flight & spin shot goals = 2 points
- Goal by goalkeeper = 2 points
- 6m throws = 2 points
Who Plays
- men’s, women’s or mixed teams
- 3 player + 1 goalkeeper at all times on the court
- max number per side: 10 players (1 defence team, one offense team + subs)
Who Wins
- The team with the most set points
- Each set won = 1 point. 2 sets won = Victory!
- If after the second set, each team has 1 point (one set won each). A shoot-out set will be played to decide the winner.
Do’s and Don’ts
What You Can Do
- Pass the ball using your hands
- Take 3 steps/hops while holding the ball
- Hold the ball for 3 seconds
- Drop the ball once and pick it up within 3 seconds
- Dive for the ball grab the ball from the goalkeeper’s area without entering the area
- Leave and enter the playing field from your substitution zone
What You Cannot Do
- Play the ball using your feet/knees (exception goalkeeper)
- Use physical contact for defense
- Grab a player’s throwing arm
- Slap the ball out of a player’s hands
- Pass the ball back in the goalkeeper’s area of your team
