Handball Court Dimensions

There is some ambiguity about the name handball, since it is played in two very different forms. Team Handball is played by two teams of seven players each, where the object of the game is to try to score as many goals as possible within the stipulated time. This form of handball is very similar to football. The Gaelic or Court Handball is very similar to squash and the ball is to be hit with the hand as opposed to a racket. In this article, I will discuss the dimensions of a handball court for both these games.

Team Handball Court Dimensions

Like the name suggests, a game of team handball is played by two opposing teams. The objective of the game is similar to that of football, where both teams try to get the ball in the opposition's goal. The team that scores the highest number of goals at the end of the stipulated period wins. The time duration for a senior game is defined as two periods of 30 minutes each, with a half-time break of 10 minutes.

Team handball is usually played on a rectangular court with a length of 40m and breadth of 20m. At the center of each end of the court there is a goal. The players have to put the ball into the goal to score a point. This goal is 3m by 2m and is guarded by a goalkeeper. Around each goal there are two semicircles. The inner semicircle is known as the goal line, while the outer semicircle is known as the free throw line. The goal line is at a distance of 6m from the goal and the free throw line is situated at a distance of 9m. On each end there is a spot, from which a player takes a penalty in case of a foul. The penalty spot is situated 4m from the goal. Read on for more Handball Rules and Regulations.

Court or Gaelic Handball Court Dimensions

Another form of handball has Gaelic origins from Ireland and hence is aptly known as Gaelic Handball. This game is similar to squash and the ball has to be hit with the hand instead of a racket. The objective of the game like squash or racquetball, is to score a set number of points before your opponent does.

A handball court is usually 40ft by 20ft. The wall on which the ball is struck is supposed to be 20ft high and 20ft wide. There is a 5 ft service zone, from within which the players have to serve. The service zone is situated 15ft away from the wall, extending to 20ft. Beyond the service zone there is also a receiving zone, 20 ft more. The players cannot serve from the receiving zone, but the game can be carried on till that zone. The total area within which the game can be played is known as the playing area.

So this was all about the dimensions of a handball court for both the games. Both team handball and court handball are enjoyed by people around the world and played regularly. They are both very enjoyable games and ones you would certainly love to play.