Olympics Ratings Boost: Get to Know Handball

You may not have known it, but handball is a pretty big deal in Olympics world. It’s a sport that traces its roots back to (at least) Roman times so, if for that reason alone, read up.

The Game:

Part basketball, part soccer, with a dash of lacrosse and ultimate frisbee thrown in, handball is a fast-paced team sport that takes place on a hard court slightly larger than a basketball court with a goal at either end and a goal crease that measures six meters (a little over 19 feet) in diameter. The objective for each of the seven-person teams (six field players and a goalie) is to throw a leather ball that resembles a small soccer ball into the opposing net.

Players may not enter the opposing team’s goal crease, so shots must be taken from a distance, either in the air or by bounce. (Players may jump into the crease, but they must take off from outside the crease). Players also only have three steps before either passing or shooting, and are allowed one dribble.

Wildcard:

Handball’s version of soccer’s penalty kick, the 7-meter throw occurs after a foul around the goal area. The shooter must keep one foot on the ground and has three seconds to shoot toward goal while the goalie can roam anywhere in his or her goal area, initiating one intensely awkward goal line stand.