Handball has always been designed as a fast-paced, exciting and dynamic sport. Over the years, its rules have evolved to support the sport’s global growth and popularity.
The International Handball Federation (IHF) introduced several important rule updates effective from July 1, 2025, to make the game safer and easier to understand. These updates bring clarity to key areas such as penalties, throws and step definition.
General Rules of Handball
Each handball team consists of 7 players (6 field players + 1 goalkeeper). Players pass the ball using their hands, can take a maximum of three steps without dribbling, and hold the ball for up to three seconds. Only the goalkeeper may enter the goal area; if a field player touches the ball inside this area, it counts as a foul.
Basic principles:
- The ball can be held for a maximum of three seconds.
- A player can take up to three steps while holding the ball.
- Intentional contact with the foot is not allowed.
- Entering the goal area or touching the ball inside it is a foul.
- Excessive physical contact or interference results in a penalty.
Updated Rule Changes (Effective July 1, 2025)
1. Head Contact with Goalkeeper: No Longer a Red Card, Now a 2-Minute Suspension
Previously, if the ball hit the goalkeeper’s head during a 7-meter throw or open play, it was punished with a direct red card (Rule 8:8d–8:8e). The new rule replaces this with a 2-minute suspension.
Summary of the new rule:
- During open play or a 7-meter throw, if the ball hits the goalkeeper’s head and the goalkeeper did not turn their head toward the ball, the shooter is suspended for 2 minutes.
- The same applies when the ball hits a defender’s head during a free throw.
This change ensures consistent treatment of all head-contact situations and makes penalties more proportionate.
2. New Definition for Throw-Off (Rule 10:3b)
Previously, referees could blow the whistle when at least one foot of the thrower and the ball were inside the throw-off area. Under the new rule, the referee may not start play until the player and the ball are completely inside the throw-off area. This prevents premature or unclear restarts.
3. Expanded Definition of “Step” (Rule 7:3)
The new definition clarifies that after receiving or catching the ball (including after a bounce), a player may take up to three steps. If a player catches the ball in the air, placing one or both feet on the ground simultaneously does not count as a step.
This update removes ambiguity about when the step count begins for players catching the ball mid-air.
4. Clarification on Court Boundary Contact (Rule 7:10)
According to the new rule, if any part of a player’s body touches the ground outside the court while in contact with the ball, play is stopped, and a free throw is awarded to the opposing team. This clarification prevents players from gaining an unfair advantage by touching the ball while out of bounds.
Full rulebook available via the official IHF link.
Fouls and Penalties in Handball
Types of penalties applied in handball:
- Free Throw: Awarded for minor rule violations such as traveling or holding the ball too long.
- 7-Meter Throw: Given when a clear scoring opportunity is illegally prevented by the opponent.
- 2-Minute Suspension: For physical fouls, pulling, pushing or head contact violations.
- Disqualification (Red Card): For violent or repeated unsportsmanlike behavior.
The penalized player’s substitute cannot enter the game until the 2-minute suspension expires.
When building a standard-compliant handball court, proper dimensions and markings are essential. For more details, visit our handball court construction page.
Court Dimensions and Playing Area
A standard handball court is rectangular, measuring 40 meters in length and 20 meters in width, with a goal at each end. The 6-meter goal area in front of the goal is reserved exclusively for the goalkeeper.
The surface must be smooth, non-slip and elastic to ensure player safety. Therefore, choosing the right flooring material is crucial. For details about surface types, see our handball flooring selection guide.
Players, Duration and Start of Play
Each team has 7 players: 6 field players and 1 goalkeeper, with up to 7 substitutes allowed. A professional handball match lasts 60 minutes, divided into two 30-minute halves, with a 10-minute halftime break. The game begins with a throw-off from the center line and restarts the same way after each goal.
Throughout the match, quick transitions, solid defense and teamwork are key. Therefore, the floor must allow proper ball bounce and safe player movement. For more information on handball parquet flooring, visit our handball parquet systems page.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the dimensions of a handball goal?
The goal is 2 meters high and 3 meters wide, securely fixed to the floor.
2. How long does a handball match last?
Professional matches last 60 minutes, divided into two 30-minute halves.
3. How many steps can a player take?
A player can hold the ball for up to three seconds and take up to three steps.
4. Can the goalkeeper use the ball freely?
The goalkeeper may handle the ball with their hands only inside the goal area. Outside this zone, they are treated as a regular field player.
5. When is a 7-meter throw awarded?
It is awarded when the defending team illegally prevents a clear scoring opportunity.
6. How often does handball flooring need maintenance?
Professional parquet floors should be re-polished and re-lined once a year to maintain their non-slip quality and appearance.