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Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
How does Handball works?
Fast, physical, and full of goals – Handball is pure adrenaline sport! But what rules actually lie behind the spectacle?
approx. 3 min.
How does Handball works?
Key penalties include the seven-meter penalty throw and the two-minute timeout for fouls.
While handball looks like a whirlwind of action, it's actually governed by a strict set of guidelines. Let's break down the essential rules you need to know!
Rules in offense:
- You can take a maximum of three steps while holding the ball; any more than that, and the referee will call a traveling violation.
- Once you stop dribbling and hold the ball, you cannot start bouncing it again—doing so results in a double-dribble penalty.
- The goal area, marked by the 6-meter line, is a restricted zone where only the goalkeeper is permitted to stand.
- The goal is to keep control of the ball while avoiding any illegal physical contact with the opposing players.
- Avoid 'passive play'—if the referee feels your team isn't attacking, they'll raise their hand. From that moment, you have only six passes to take a shot on goal.
Rules in defense:
- Physicality is part of the game, but contact is only legal if it's from the front and played fairly.
- Illegal moves like pulling, pushing, hitting, or grabbing an opponent's jersey are strictly penalized as fouls.
- If a player steps into the goal area, the opposing team is awarded a free throw.
Handball rules
- 2 × 30 minutes
- 10–15 minute break
- When a knockout game ends in a draw, the deadlock is broken via overtime or a seven-meter shootout.
- Each team hits the court with seven players: six active field players and one goalkeeper.
- Up to 14 players in the squad
- Substitutions on the fly at any time
- Each goal counts as 1 point
- A goal is only officially recorded once the entire ball has completely crossed the goal line.
- Maximum of 3 steps without dribbling
- After catching the ball, the player must either pass it to a teammate or start dribbling.
- Once you've stopped your dribble and gripped the ball, you are forbidden from bouncing it a second time.
- Attempting to dribble again after a stop is considered a technical violation.
- Fouls are called for actions such as grabbing, pushing, striking, or tugging at the opponent's clothes.
- Depending on the foul, the result is either a free throw or a 7-meter penalty if a clear scoring opportunity was ruined.
- Warning (yellow card)
- 2-minute suspension
- A red card means immediate disqualification, either for a severe foul or after receiving three separate 2-minute suspensions.
- A blue card is issued for extreme misconduct and triggers an official report to the sports federation.
- The referee will signal with a raised hand if they believe a team is stalling and not trying to score.
- Once that signal is given, you have a limit of six passes to attempt a shot; otherwise, the ball is turned over to the opponent.
Our betting options
Now that you've mastered the basics of handball, it's time to put that knowledge to use! Explore the extensive handball markets at MERKUR BETS and place your bets on your favorite teams.
Our betting portfolio at MERKUR BETS offers you bets on numerous handball matches – so check it out and place your wager on your favorite!
This straightforward bet allows you to pick which team will emerge victorious.
With this option, you bet on the combined total of goals scored by both teams throughout the match.
In this scenario, one team is given a virtual advantage or disadvantage to balance the odds.
Photo: HBL/KLAHN
