Team Handball Ground
Table of Contents
Beginners, and experienced players, can use this information to become familiar with the standard handball court size. This guide also lists handball goal post dimensions and field of play boundary lines.
So, why is it important to learn about team handball court dimensions? Well, for starters, it helps you understand the layout of all seven player positions used in handball games.
In the modern game, handball pitch measurements in metres should measure forty (40) metres long and twenty (20) metres wide.
And what about yards and feet?
A simple conversion of the correct handball ground measurement comes out at ’44 x 22′ yards or ‘131 x 66’ feet.
This information is according to the game’s top governing body – the International Handball Federation (IHF). The main section explains how the standardized handball rules and regulations link with the roles and duties of players on the pitch.
Measurement of Handball Ground
In team handball court measurements in meters are much bigger than those used in standard basketball rules.
The official size of handball pitch dimensions should measure 20 metres (width) x 40 metres (length). All handball court markings should be prominent and of the same color.
Handball court dimensions in metres should have line markings which are 5 centimetres (2 inches) thick. The only rule exception is for the goal line, which should be eight (8) centimetres (3 inches) thick.
Note: You can also get familiar with more of the popular phrases and terms used in handball in the terminology section.
Handball Court Diagram with Measurements
The rectangular ground and playing area should have a sturdy surface. Handball pitch length must measure 40 metres with a width size of 20 metres.
The term used for the goal line, and goalkeeper’s area, at each end of the playing surface is the ‘6 metre line’.
It represents a zone created between the goalkeeper and the outfield players (as labeled in the large diagram of a handball court).
A 7-metre line marks the ‘penalty spot’ used for penalty throws. Fouls committed on players with a clear shooting chance on goal will result in penalties.
In standard measurement of handball field dimensions there is a 9 metre line – called the ‘free-throw line’. It is a curved dotted line extending from the goal marking area. Play resumes from this line when fouls occur inside the goal zone.
Center Line
The centerline is a halfway line that runs parallel to each of the goal lines – and an equal distance from both. The game begins from a mark in the middle of the centerline. The same spot on the floor is used to restart the match after half time or when a player scores a goal.
Handball Court Lines
The longest outer boundary court markings are the sidelines (or touchlines). Whereas, the shorter boundaries are called goal lines (or end lines).
Penalty Mark
The one (1) metre wide penalty mark measures seven (7) metres in front of the goal line. It is the zone where the players of the opposing team will take their penalty throws.
Free Throw Line Measurement
The free-throw line is a dashed arc located outside of the ‘D-zone’. Its furthest point is nine (9) metres from the outer end of the goal line.
Players will resume the game from the free-throw line after any illegal fouls have been committed against any of the opposing team’s attackers.
Handball Goal Dimensions
The handball regulation goal size is a six metre (19′ 8″) D-shaped zone. It is part of the standard handball court markings. Two quarter-circles (radius 6 metres) and a short straight line will join them all together.
The internal measurement is two (2) metres (6.56 feet) from the floor to the underside of the top bar. It is three (3) metres wide (9.84 feet) between each side post.
You might be wondering:
The six metre line handball rule states that the defending goalkeeper is the only player allowed to stand inside the crease. Players can jump into their opponent’s goal area. But, only if they release the ball before they land.
Goalkeeper Line
There is a goalkeeper line drawn four (4) metres away from the goal. It marks the outermost distance to which the defending goalkeeper can go. The goalie, in handball terminology, can move out from the goal area during a penalty throw.
Handball Goal Post Size and Net
There must be a goal centered along each of the two goal lines. So, what is the height and width of the goal post in handball? The official internal dimension of handball court goals should measure three (3) metres wide by two (2) metres high.
The depth of the goal should measure two (2) metres back from the goal line. Goal posts which have been bolted to the floor or secured to a wall are best for safety purposes.
According to the codified handball rule book PDF, the upright posts and crossbar should be made from aluminum or from wood. The handball goal post measurement is eight (8) centimetres in breadth.
Let’s take a closer look:
The paint colour of these three rods should alternate (be striped). The common colours should contrast with each other and with the court background.
A handball net should be securely fixed to the posts and to the crossbar so that a thrown ball will remain inside.
Handball Ball Measurement
The ball used in team handball should be leather or a synthetic material. It must be spherical in shape. For safety, the outer surface of the ball must not be shiny or slippery.
Handball Ball Size and Circumference
- 58-60cm and 425-475g weight (IHF Size 3): Men and for Male Youth (over age 16)
- 54-56cm and 325-375g (IHF Size 2): Women, Female Youth (over 14) and Male Youth (age 12 to 16)
- 50-52cm and 290-330g (IHF Size 1): Female Youth (age 8 to 14) and Male Youth (ages 8 to 12)
Handball Court Substitution Area
The substitution area should be situated in the center along one sideline of the court. It extends 4.5 metres (5 yards) each side from the halfway line. Players must leave or enter the handball court area from the substitution line.
Safe Zone and Boundaries
A one metre zone should exist outside the measurement of handball ground and field boundary marking. It should measure two (2) metres behind each goal and be free of obstacles to allow for safe throwing of the ball.
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