Three major handball tournaments not to be missed in 2025

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Handball in 2025 promises to be a real sensation. With highly anticipated championships and major tournaments on the horizon, this year will surprise fans around the world. In our overview, we discuss three major events in handball that are sure to attract attention.

Handball World Championship 2025

The World Cup will be held in Denmark and Norway. These two countries are not the first to host matches at this level and their sports stadiums have long proven themselves to be ideal venues for world championships. The tournament starts in January and fans around the world are already planning their trips so as not to miss the amazing battles of the world’s best teams. Denmark and Norway are known for their excellent organisation of sporting events, and the 2025 Handball Championship will be no exception: the hosts are already actively preparing to welcome hundreds of thousands of spectators and create all conditions for comfort and unforgettable experiences.

National teams and leaders: who to respect and who to fear?

At the 2025 championships, handball teams are set to compete for the title of the strongest team in the world. France, Spain and Norway are the favourites of the tournament. Each has a lot of experience and many titles to their name. The French team traditionally shows excellent physical preparation and tactical flexibility. The Spaniards are known for their speed and precision in attack, while the Norwegians rely on iron discipline and solid defence.

Key players include Mikel Hansen, Alex Dushebaev and Nikola Karabatic. Young talents will not remain in the shadows either: promising athletes ready to surprise the world will make their debut at the championships.

Excitement among fans and in the stands: how will the public experience handball?

Handball in 2025 is not just about athleticism and tactics. It is also about passion in the stands. Fans from different countries are preparing to travel and support their national teams. Scandinavian stadiums are known for their hospitality and atmosphere, with the stands literally breathing with what happens on the pitch. Organisers are actively working on a programme of entertainment activities to complement the match experience: fan zones, live concerts and special events for the whole family are expected. Last year, spectators witnessed some impressive events:

fan flash mobs with hundreds of people dancing in sync in support of the teams, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of unity.
Master classes by top players, where young fans could meet their idols and test their handball skills under the guidance of professionals.
Firework shows at the opening and closing of the matches, which highlighted the importance of each event and turned the sporting events into real festivities.
Concerts by international stars between matches – such as performances by Shakira, Imagine Dragons and David Guetta – made each tournament not only a sporting but also a cultural event, bringing people together.

European club handball championships in 2025

As always, the tournament will be a true battleground for the strongest handball clubs of 2025. Invited to participate are the teams that have long established themselves as world leaders: PSG, Barcelona, Veszprém and Kiel. These teams have not only brought together the best players in the world, but also developed unique strategies that make every match a true spectacle. Fans will witness a clash of different styles, from the mighty German handball to the graceful technique of the Spaniards.

Handball events calendar: when can you enjoy the epic battles?

The tournament starts in May 2025 and lasts until the end of the summer, giving handball fans the chance to enjoy several months of matches. The dates of the main matches have already been announced and most of the finals will take place in July. The organisers promise high-quality broadcasts and extensive media coverage, so no fan will miss a second of the main events.

Coaches’ influence on the game

At the 2025 European Club Championships, spectators will witness real tactical manoeuvres. Top club coaches, such as Raúl González and Talant Duishebaev, are working on innovative playing schemes. This year, flexibility in defence and flexibility in play are important. This year, flexibility in defence and a multi-level attacking strategy, in which each athlete has a clearly defined role, are in the foreground.

Russian Handball Championship 2025

The Russian Handball Championship 2025 will start in September and is one of the events that the country’s sports fans are eagerly looking forward to. This year, the country’s top clubs such as the Chekhov Bears, SKIF Krasnodar and Neva St. The teams are actively working on improving their tactics and preparing for a fierce battle for the championship. Russian clubs traditionally rely on physical strength and solid defence, which makes their matches particularly exciting and emotionally intense.

New faces in the 2025 handball tournaments

National competitions are not only a battle for supremacy, but also a great opportunity for young players to prove themselves. In 2025 tournaments, both veterans of Russian handball and newcomers looking to make a name for themselves on the international stage will participate. Many teams have been strengthened with young talents who want to prove they are ready to compete with the best in the world.

Fan support

The national championship has always been an important event for Russian fans. Fan support in the stands is a real number 12. In 2025, large-scale support actions will return to the stadiums, including organised flash mobs, banners and even special surprises from the teams for the most loyal spectators. The frenzy of the stands and their unconditional support could turn the toughest match into a long-awaited victory.

A year of great expectations and big changes

The year 2025 promises to be a busy one for all handball fans. From the World Cup to the national leagues, each tournament adds a unique colour to the whole. The preparation of host nations, the energy of fans and new tactical ideas will make 2025 a unique handball year. Prepare for excitement, unexpected twists and turns and, of course, new legends of the sport.

How to learn to play handball: basic rules

Handball is a dynamic team discipline with precise mechanics, instant decisions and speed, where every second and step determines the outcome of an attack. Learning the structure of the game requires an understanding of specific movements, technical fundamentals and tactical flexibility. To know how to learn how to play handball, it is necessary to know the rules, master positional nuances and move from basic stance to competent combined attack.

History of handball: evolution from the field to the Olympics

To understand how to learn to play handball, it is important to know the origins of the discipline. The modern version of the format originated in northern Europe, where from the late 19th century, prototypes were actively developed with throwing, step restrictions and movement in a restricted area. Handball debuted at the Berlin Olympics in 1936 and by 1972 it had returned as a permanent discipline.

The game developed in two directions: a field version in stadiums and an indoor version, used in international competitions. The latter gained worldwide recognition and became the basis for all modern training programmes. Its evolution influenced everything from the shape of the goal to the players’ substitution protocols.

How to learn to play handball: learning the pitch structure and time rules

Understanding the structure of the playing field and the time frame is essential for evaluating space and calculating attack times. In handball, the playing field is fixed: 40 metres long and 20 metres wide. The middle section is the goalkeeper’s area, a semi-circle with a radius of 6 metres, which attacking players are not allowed to cross with the ball.

A standard match consists of two halves of 30 minutes each, with a 10-minute break. In the event of a tie, two additional 5-minute halves are allowed in the playoffs. In the event of a tie, a series of 7-metre throws is taken. Time is calculated in seconds: from the selection of the moment of the pass to the exact completion of the attack. The referees stop the stopwatch at every off-ball, foul or technical break, making the match last 80-90 real minutes.

Fundamentals of technique: how do you learn to play handball correctly?

The fundamentals of technique are based on correct posture, balance and movement control. A beginner who wants to understand how to learn to play handball must first master the work of the lower limbs and shoulder girdle. The basic stance is as follows: feet shoulder-width apart, centre of gravity forward, knees slightly bent, arms apart for interceptions. This position provides agility when tackling and defending.

The rules restrict movement: only three steps are allowed without dribbling, followed by a pass, shot or hit to the ground. Moving the ball from the passive phase to the offensive phase requires training: changing feet, controlling breathing, receiving the ball at speed. Each movement forms a pattern, which is consolidated in practice.

Rules for ball possession and interaction: passing, dribbling and shooting.

Learning to play handball starts with understanding the technical actions. The rules strictly define what can and cannot be done. Dribbling is limited: one rebound cycle is allowed before picking up the ball, the second is considered a foul. The pass must be accurate, planned in advance, taking into account the position of the teammate and the defender.

The various shots, from the standard jump shot to the complicated backhand, require coordination, swing speed and control of hand position. To score successfully, the ball must travel more than 80 kilometres per hour. Experienced players reach up to 120 km/h. The position of the body, the moment of take-off from the ground and the choice of attack angle affect accuracy.

Typical mistakes made by beginners

The same mistakes are often made in handball in the early stages. The reasons are lack of understanding of the dynamics of the game, lack of visual analysis and poor reaction to changes in the opponent’s scheme. A mistake when entering the goalkeeper’s area, delaying the ball when changing attack, violating the number of steps are common blunders. Undisciplined players lose the team’s rhythm, disrupt combinations on the break and cause losses. Mistakes must be controlled and eliminated through visualisation and repetition of play.

Individual style and position specialisation

The development of a style of play follows the mastery of technique. Each player chooses a development path: playmaker, line player, fringe player. The central defender forms the attack, the linesman attacks in the area between the defenders and the full-backs play on the wings. Each style requires adaptation of shooting technique, stance and positioning. Analysing a player’s trajectory helps improve communication and reduce fouls. Statistics show that teams with clear roles make 28% fewer technical fouls.

Preparing for competition: practice and strategy

The formation of the competitive way of learning to play handball involves systematic training and participation in small tournaments. In this phase, it is especially important to learn: substitution protocol, rules of conduct for refereeing decisions, analysis of the opponent’s behaviour.

Role of strategy

Attacking tactics include blocking, feints and crosses. Defence is based on pass blocking and aggressive pressing. The formation adapts to the opponent’s behaviour. Teams using vertical pressing with many position changes win 72% of their games against static defences.

Training system

Professional dominance requires discipline and consistency. The question of how to learn to play handball in practice is solved by a comprehensive training programme: from technical basics to tactical tasks. Each training session should develop specific skills, not in a vague, but in a precise and measurable way.

The structure of the training cycle is divided into blocks: warm-up, technique, physics, tactics, match training. A successful programme is based on the following principle:

Warm-up and joint mobilisation – up to 15 minutes (improving flexibility, reducing injuries).
Technical block – up to 30 minutes (dribbling, passing, standing, shooting).
Physical training – 20 minutes (reaction, acceleration, endurance).
Tactical training – 15 minutes (movements without ball, interaction).
Fighting – 20-30 minutes (simulation of match conditions).

This structure accelerates the development of game connections and minimises repeating mistakes.

Refereeing and basic infractions: how to avoid penalties and sanctions.

To learn to play handball, it is necessary to memorise a list of common fouls and understand what exactly is prohibited in all phases of the game. Not only participation, but also the rhythm of the team depends on following the rules.

Typical fouls in handball

Exceeding the allowed number of steps without dribbling.
Entering the goalkeeper’s area with the ball.
Blocking a player without the ball with a tackle.
Match violation: Crossing the area at an inappropriate moment.
Hitting directly at the goalkeeper’s head on a throw from seven metres.
Delay: Deliberately pausing to break rhythm.

How to learn to play handball: Conclusions

A complete understanding of how to learn to play handball consists of micro-details. Knowledge of the rules, technique, reaction, positional thinking, mental toughness, the ability to see the action area: each component reinforces the other. Handball requires calculation, but rewards those who act deliberately and systematically. Constant work on yourself, feedback, flexibility in decisions, adapting to the pitch, the break and the opponent are real tools that shape a player.

April 17, 2025

How to play handball: basic rules

Handball is a fast-paced team sport that combines the principles of tactical football, shooting mechanics from basketball, and close contact interaction similar to hockey. Every movement on the court has a purpose: to create a moment, break out of the zone, make a shot, or prevent a pass. Teamwork plays a decisive role, and individual skills are revealed through interaction. It is not only physical strength that wins here, but also thinking. The answer to the question of how to play handball requires an understanding of clear actions, technical precision, and the ability to make instant decisions.

Team composition and numerical balance: how to play handball

The number of players on a handball team is a key parameter. The main line-up includes seven active players: six field players and one goalkeeper. The bench allows for an unlimited number of substitutions, with changes taking place in the area near the centre line without a pause. The team requires a balanced configuration: one playmaker, two line players, two wing players and two defenders with the possibility of rotation in the attacking phase. Tactical rearrangements allow the seventh player to be brought on to replace the goalkeeper, increasing the pressure in the final seconds.

The court, goals and geometry of the game

Team composition and numerical balance: how to play handball It is impossible to play handball without knowing the geometry of the court. The playing field measures 40 by 20 metres with mandatory markings: a 6-metre zone around the goal, a 7-metre penalty spot and a 9-metre arc for building an attack. The goal is 2 metres high and 3 metres wide, fixed to the base and secured with special supports. The goalkeeper’s main responsibility is to prevent shots from close range by blocking the angle and slowing down the pace.

Time, structure, pace

A professional handball match consists of two 30-minute halves. There is a 10-minute break between them. Depending on the level of competition or age category, the structure is adjusted: junior tournaments are played in a 2 × 25 or 2 × 20 format, and in children’s leagues, a shortened format is allowed. The game starts with the starting whistle. The stopwatch is not stopped at every out, but only when necessary: injury, removal, controversial episode, 7-metre throw, discussion between referees. This maintains a high pace of play and requires maximum physical endurance from the athletes.

The coaching staff has three time-outs at their disposal: two in the first half and one in the second. Each lasts no more than 60 seconds. Teams use them to adjust their defence, regroup or catch their breath. The speed of transitions between attack and defence makes it impossible to stand still or pass the ball back. Every second affects the result, and positional errors cannot be corrected.

How to play handball: the ball and ball handling techniques

The ball used in handball is selected according to age, gender and tournament level. In the men’s professional category, the diameter reaches 58–60 cm, and the weight is about 450 grams. The women’s version is 2–3 cm shorter and 50 grams lighter. Children’s balls are the minimum size with a soft coating.

The player must hold the ball with one hand. Two-handed dribbling is prohibited. The ball may be tossed, bounced off the floor, and taken no more than three steps without dribbling. More than three steps is a violation. Repeated contact after dribbling without passing is a foul. The shooting technique is determined by the distance, pressure from defenders, and angle of attack. The most common technique is a three-step shot, where the final movement is either from a standing position or in a jump. The difficulty of the shot lies in coordination. The player must complete the manoeuvre a fraction of a second before touching the 6-metre zone.

A variety of techniques, from straight shots to spin shots, allow the player to outplay the wall, throw the ball over the goalkeeper or shoot into the near corner. The moment the ball leaves the fingers plays a key role: the faster it flies, the higher the accuracy.

Violations and responsibility: structure of fouls and disciplinary measures

Physical contact is permitted within strictly limited boundaries. The use of the body, tight defence and blocking the path are allowed. However, grabbing, hitting the arm, holding and falling with a pile-up are prohibited. Any attack on the head, neck or back is immediately recorded as a gross violation, even if accidental. The moment of jumping is judged particularly strictly — collisions in the air often result in a sending-off.

The pair of referees control the game from different angles. One tracks the ball, the other tracks the players’ positions. A foul is signalled with a hand gesture. Penalties are divided into three levels:

The first warning is a yellow card, given for unsportsmanlike behaviour or excessive roughness.
A violation that poses a threat to health, repeated — a 2-minute removal. The player leaves the field, and the team plays with fewer players.
Three removals automatically turn into a red card — the player is suspended for the entire match, without replacement.

Incorrect substitutions, aggression towards referees or deliberate time-wasting also result in penalties.

The logic of substitutions and player roles: rotation, strategy, team flexibility

How many players are on a handball team at the same time — seven: six field players and one goalkeeper. Substitutions are unlimited, but only through a special zone at the centre line. Violation of this rule automatically leads to a 2-minute suspension. Substitutions do not require a pause. Players are substituted at the pace of the match. This dynamic rotation allows for varying tactics depending on the phase: defence, positional attack, fast break.

A tactical feature is the ability to replace the goalkeeper with a seventh field player. The team uses this decision when trailing in the score, at the end of the half, or when outnumbered. It is a risky but powerful strategy. One missed pass, and the ball flies into an empty net.

The roles in the team are strictly defined:

The playmaker is the conductor of the attack, moving the ball forward and choosing the passing zone.
The wingers manoeuvre along the flanks, creating width.
The centre forward operates near the 6-metre line, distracting defenders and opening up for passes.
Defenders — form screens, read attacks, cover areas.
Goalkeeper — reacts to shots, comes out to intercept, and, if necessary, starts the attack.

Versatile players have an advantage. An athlete who is able to play in attack and instantly return to defence provides tactical depth.

Key principles of how to play handball:

The ball may be held for no more than three seconds.
The number of steps without dribbling is limited to three.
Contact is only allowed in the torso area.
Shots may only be taken outside the 6-metre zone.
The goalkeeper may leave the goal area but loses special rights.
A penalty shot is taken from 7 metres after a serious foul.
Substitutions are made without stopping the clock.
The team plays with a full line-up of 7 players, including the goalkeeper.
An attack cannot continue for more than 30 seconds without a shot.
Fouls are punished with 2-minute penalties, three with a red card.

How to play handball: the main points

How to play handball: the ball and ball handling techniques Understanding how to play handball reveals not just the rules, but a logical system with a high density of actions, minimal time for reflection, and complete involvement in every episode. The game combines physics, analytics, and tactical discipline. The court is dominated not only by speed but also by thinking, not only by strength but also by accuracy.

Handball builds confidence, strengthens coordination and improves reaction times. The density of game situations allows you to develop team synchronisation and the skill of interacting under time constraints. The high dynamics replace dozens of cardio workouts, and the load on the whole body makes the training functional and effective. Knowledge of the rules and structure reveals not just technique — it forms a style of thinking based on instant decision-making.

June 4, 2025