Official Handball Court Dimensions

When it comes to an exciting and fast-paced sport like handball, there’s something unique that sets it apart—the handball court itself! This is where all the action happens, and the court’s dimensions play a big role in making the game so much fun to watch and play.

So, what exactly are these dimensions? Well, the handball court is a big rectangle, measuring 40 meters in length and 20 meters in width

The cool thing about these dimensions is that they make the game exciting. With so much space to move around, the players can run, pass, and shoot in thrilling ways, keeping us all entertained. Whether you’re a handball fan or just curious about the sport, understanding these court dimensions will make you appreciate the game even more!

Handball is an exciting and fast-paced sport, and it all happens on a special field called the handball court. Let’s explore the different dimensions of this playing field to understand how it shapes the game and makes it so much fun!

what are the dimensions of a handball court

The handball field is a big rectangle, measuring 40 meters in length and 20 meters in width. That’s quite a spacious field for players to run around and show off their skills. On each end of the court, a goalpost stands 3 meters tall and 2 meters wide, which the players aim to throw the ball through. It’s like a canvas where athletes create thrilling sprints, passes, and goals.

Below is a table summarizing the recommended dimensions for handball courts at different levels, along with additional information about the out-of-bounds surround and extra space for officials and team areas:

Level (mm)	Community	Club	Premier	International
Minimum Height over Court (mm	7000	7000	7000	7000
Length	33000-40000 (2)	36000-40000	36000-40000	40000
Width	18000-20000	18000-20000	18000-20000	20000
Out of Bounds Surround	0-1000	1000	1000	1000
Extra One Side for Official and Team Areas	N/A	1000	1000	1000

Please note that the dimensions in the table are general guidelines for handball courts and may vary slightly depending on specific regulations and requirements. When designing or constructing a handball court, it is essential to consult official handball organizations and governing bodies for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

The Half line

You’ll find the half line right in the center of the court. This line separates the court into two halves and plays a big role in deciding how teams position themselves and plan their moves. It’s like a dividing line that keeps the game in constant motion, with players quickly switching between offense and defense.

Related: Pickleball tennis court.

The Free Throw Line

When a player commits a foul in basketball, the other team gets a special opportunity called a “free throw.” To take this shot, the player stands on a line 9 meters away from the basket. It’s like a penalty kick in soccer, where the player has a chance to score points without anyone directly defending them. Making free throws is crucial because it can help their team score points even when the game is stopped.

The Goal Area Line

The goal area line is a boundary that marks a specific area near the basketball hoop, where the goalkeeper (or “goalie”) stands to protect the goal. This line is 6 meters away from the goalposts and extends into the court. The goalie must stay inside this area when defending against the other team’s shots. It’s like their special zone, and they need to have super quick reflexes to block the opponents from scoring. Like in soccer or hockey, the goalie’s main job is to guard this area and stop the ball from going into the goal.

The Penalty Line

When a foul occurs inside the goal area in basketball, something called the “penalty line” becomes important. This line is positioned seven meters away from the goal, where a special penalty throw occurs. It’s like a one-on-one showdown between the player taking the penalty shot and the goalkeeper. The player tries to score a goal, and the goalkeeper does their best to stop it. This moment is exciting and tense because it can change the game’s outcome!

The Goalkeeper Line

Inside the goal area in basketball, there’s a special line known as the “goalkeeper line.” This line marks a boundary the goalkeeper cannot cross during the game. The goalie has to stay within this area to guard the net and make those incredible saves. They can move around inside this space to block shots and keep the other team from scoring. Just like a goalie in soccer or hockey, they play a crucial role in protecting the goal and helping their team to win!

The Substitution Area

The substitutes and the team coach sit in the substitution area during the match. It is defined by two markings, each 4.5 meters from the center line, making the substitution area 9 meters long. Two substitution benches are on each side of the court, located 7 meters away. No coach, team official, or substitute can leave the substitute area while the game is playing.

Related: Badminton court dimensions.

Goals

The handball goal is super important in the game, and it has specific sizes and cool features that are always the same. Let’s check them out:

The opening of the goal is like a window where the ball can go through to score a point. It is 3 meters wide, like three big steps, and 2 meters high, about two tall friends standing on top of each other.

The goalposts are the vertical bars that make the goal frame. They are 8 centimeters thick, like the width of a big smartphone or a candy bar.

The goalposts are colored in two different colors, like stripes. This helps players see the goal better, especially when running fast, or the goalkeeper is protecting the goal.

Do you know the net you see in a soccer goal? Well, the handball goal also has a net attached to the goalposts. The net helps catch the ball when someone scores a goal so it doesn’t bounce away and cause confusion. Plus, it lets everyone see clearly when a goal is scored.

The handball goal is always the same size and has these features in all games. It’s a fair way to play, and it helps players know where to aim when they want to score a point. So, when you watch a handball game, you’ll know just how special the goal is!

How is Handball Played

The game’s objective is simple: score goals by getting a small ball into the opposing team’s net. This sport is played by two teams, each with seven players, including a goalkeeper. The game unfolds on a rectangular court with a goal at each end. It is advisable for players to follow specific rules to score. Each match consists of two 30-minute halves, with a 10-minute break in between. Players can dribble and pass the ball, much like in basketball, and they’re allowed three steps while holding it.

Conclusion

Knowing the dimensions of the handball court is like unlocking the game’s secrets. It’s where the excitement and action unfold, and players strategically use the lines to showcase their skills and teamwork. Handball is a sport full of energy and thrills, and the playing field dimensions are at the heart of the court.

FAQs

The 4-meter line, also known as the “free-throw line” or “zone line,” is a reference point for defensive players during a penalty or free throw. When a player is awarded a free throw or a penalty throw, opponents must stand behind the 4-meter line until the ball is released.

The dashed line on a handball court is the 7-meter line, often called the “penalty line.” It is located in front of the goal area, 7 meters (approximately 23 feet) from the goal line. This line is used during a 7-meter throw, also known as a “penalty throw.”

A 7-meter throw, commonly known as a “penalty throw,” is awarded to an attacking team when a clear scoring opportunity is unlawfully prevented by a defending player within the goalkeeper’s area. The attacking player takes the throw from the 7-meter line, facing only the opposing goalkeeper. The defense players must remain behind the 4-meter line until the ball is thrown.

The modern version of handball, known as “team handball” or “European handball,” was primarily developed in Germany in the early 20th century. The game was created by Karl Schelenz, a German sports teacher, often called the “father of handball” for his significant contributions to the sport’s development.

In handball,penalty mark is not commonly used. The relevant term is the “penalty line” or the 7-meter line mentioned earlier. It is the dashed line located 7 meters from the goal line, where penalty throws (7-meter throws) are taken in case of a foul against an attacking player within the goalkeeper’s area.