Handball is a sport that evolved with characteristics of both basketball and soccer, involving the use of hands to score points by throwing the ball into the opponent's goal.
Originating in Denmark, it became an official event at the 1936 11th Olympic Games.
The inaugural Men's World Handball Championship was held in Germany in 1938. Subsequently, on July 13, 1957, the first Women's World Handball Championship took place in Yugoslavia. Handball was reinstated as an Olympic event at the 1972 20th Olympic Games. In 1982, it was formally included in the Ninth New Delhi Asian Games as a competitive event.
The highest governing body for handball is the International Handball Federation (IHF), established in 1928 and headquartered in Switzerland. Handballs are made of leather with a rubber bladder inside, with different specifications for men's, women's, and youth matches regarding size and weight. A standard match involves two teams, each comprising seven players.
Handball combines elements of basketball and soccer, played by hand to score goals against the opposing team. Matches consist of two halves, each lasting 30 minutes, with a typical 10-minute halftime break. During play, seven players are on the court, including six field players and one goalkeeper who must be present throughout the game.
Rules dictate that only the goalkeeper can enter the goal area, preventing other players from gaining an advantage within this zone. Attacking players are allowed three steps while holding the ball, followed by three more steps after dribbling, with a maximum of three seconds to hold the ball. Defensive players can use open hands to block opponents' shots but are not permitted to strike with closed fists.
Handball, as a popular aerobic sport, offers numerous physical benefits. It not only enhances cardiovascular fitness but also improves endurance and coordination. Additionally, it develops upper body muscle strength, enhances hand dexterity, and boosts reaction time. Furthermore, handball fosters teamwork and nurtures psychological attributes like self-confidence.
Handball's moderate intensity effectively exercises cardiovascular fitness. Players engage in continuous running, passing, and shooting during matches, significantly enhancing cardiovascular endurance and oxygen metabolism. The rapid transitions between attack and defense, along with varied tactical strategies, also improve agility and coordination.
In addition to cardiovascular fitness and coordination, handball develops upper-body muscle strength. Actions such as throwing, catching, passing, and shooting in matches require significant upper-body strength. Consistent handball training strengthens these muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.
Beyond physical benefits, handball promotes teamwork and builds confidence. Collaboration, cooperation, and trust among players are essential in matches, fostering teamwork spirit and self-assurance. Participation in handball competitions helps cultivate these qualities and enhances mental resilience.
Handball offers numerous physical and psychological advantages, including improved cardiovascular fitness, enhanced endurance, coordination, upper-body muscle strength, teamwork, and self-confidence. Engaging in handball sports appropriately can significantly benefit both physical and mental well-being.
