Major handball transfers in 2025: an overview

You can’t mess around with a handball. If you make a mistake with your choice, the training becomes a farce. The projectile bounces around, flies past the target, knocks your fingers out and doesn’t stay in your hand. To avoid such “tricks”, it is important to understand in advance how to choose a handball. Below is a step-by-step algorithm without window dressing and advertising clichés. Only specifics and common sense.

One list – all parameters

In the process of choosing handball equipment, it is important to consider several criteria at once.

What to check when choosing a handball so that you don’t make a mistake:

1. Size – whether it corresponds to the age and category of the player (see IHF classification).
2. Weight – standard range according to official tables.
3. Material – natural leather or synthetic depending on playing conditions.
4. Surface – presence of microtexture for grip without resin.
5. Player level – beginner, amateur or professional.
6. Purpose – training, competition, children’s section.
7. Manufacturer – compliance with IHF standards, availability of labelling.

This checklist allows you to quickly determine how to choose a handball without too much trial and error.

Size is not a whim, it’s a science

A couple of millimetres make the difference. Manufacturers divide handball equipment according to the official dimensions approved by the IHF. Each type corresponds to a strictly defined age and gender category. Handball by size is classified according to the following system:

1. Size 1 (girth 50-52 cm, weight 290-330 g) – for children 8-12 years old.
2. Size 2 (girth 54-56 cm, weight 325-375 g) – for girls 14+, boys 12-16.
3. Size 3 (girth 58-60cm, weight 425-475g) – standard for men 16+.

Incorrect diameter disrupts technique and slows progress. Too large a projectile is often the cause of wrist injuries in young athletes. This is regularly reported by coaches. Therefore, if you want to understand how to choose a handball, start with the main thing. Get the right size according to the age and fitness of the player.

The age of the player is the key to balance

You can’t put a beginner with professional level equipment. Weight, bounce, grip – everything plays against. Handball by age is chosen based on the level of formation of muscles and motor skills. Children under 10 years old have not yet formed their hands, so professional models cause rapid fatigue and lose effectiveness in training. For this category, preference is given to softer and lighter shells with a non-aggressive texture.

Boys aged 12-15 successfully master the second size. With regular training it helps to form the correct passing and throwing technique. From the age of 16, the transition to the third size is necessary to adapt to the competitive load of the adult level.

How to choose a handball for a beginner – it is important to take into account not only age, but also muscle preparation. For a teenager who is new to the parquet, a lightweight training model, rather than an official championship ball, is suitable.

Material and its importance

The ball is not just an implement. It is an extension of the hand, an instrument of precision and a sense of pace. The material determines grip, flight behaviour, bounce and wear.

The leather ball is a classic. Uses natural leather, provides a perfect grip, especially when using special resin. It is suitable for professional matches and tournaments. But it quickly loses its shape when played intensively without care.

Synthetic ball – optimal for indoor, outdoor, and resin-free training. Not afraid of moisture, holds its shape longer, requires minimal maintenance. An everyday option, especially for mass training and schools.

Professional clubs often purchase both options: one for matches and one for routine training. The choice therefore depends on the purpose: competition, training, street play or hall.

Surface: grip without resin

Manufacturers treat the outer coating in different ways: rough polyurethane inserts, rubberised elements, microtexture. For beginners, models with a non-slip surface without the need to use resin are preferable. Coaches recommend these options as a starting point to develop grip without aids. Sections and schools prohibit glue – and this makes the choice particularly important.

A separate approach to training

Training models are made of durable synthetics or rubber with reinforced seams. Weight – closer to the upper limit to develop strength. Surface – reduces slippage.

Intensive training requires a hard-wearing material that retains its shape after hundreds of throws. Weak equipment reduces efficiency by almost a quarter, as confirmed by European coaches.

For throws, one model. For the street – another. High bounce hinders technique, weak bounce hinders dynamics. How to choose a handball for training – take into account the surface, the format of training and the level of the player.

Adult or child: what changes

Age affects the strength of the throw and the amplitude of movement. A child cannot cope with an adult projectile – loses accuracy.

Hand size, endurance – everything grows over the years. Going to a larger size prematurely throws off the technique.

An adult handball player will not achieve the necessary dynamics with a smaller model – timing is lost. How to choose handball equipment – take into account the physical characteristics of age, and not be guided by appearance.

Beginner does not equal inexperience

The opinion that handballs for beginners are toys is wrong. The beginner models of well-known brands are fully certified. The difference is in softness, less bounce and increased safety.

How to choose a handball for a beginner – you need to understand what skills you need to develop. They will suit lightweight models with a sure grip, reducing stress on the joints.

The Select Kids series is designed for 8-12 year olds, Kempa Tiro is often used in resin-free training.

Handball requires precision – the shell delivers results

Handball is about speed, control and marksmanship. The wrong model and the whole dynamic collapses. Teams tailor their equipment to their style of play. Minimal bounce – for control, high – for high-speed attacks.

Handball by age is selected by section coaches taking into account height, weight, level of fear and experience. Synthetic universal models are suitable for adult amateurs. On the right choice depends on technique, safety and development.

How to choose a handball: the main thing

Handball equipment is not an accessory, but a precise sports tool. Mistakes in the choice provoke injuries, confuse technique, inhibit development. How to choose a handball is based on the parameters: age, size, level, material and purpose. Only an exact match will ensure results. Proper selection increases efficiency, reduces risk and helps you reach your potential. The right tool becomes an extension of the hand, not a hindrance.

Handball develops not only physical strength, but also character. This dynamic sport combines agility, coordination, discipline and thinking skills in one training session. When choosing a sport, this sport offers three growth opportunities: physical, intellectual and social. The benefits of handball for children are noticeable after just a few months of training: in the way they walk, their posture, their attention span, their responsiveness and their relationship with the group.

Physical development: the indisputable benefits of handball for children

Movement is the basis of handball. During a single training session, the child runs, jumps, catches, throws, dodges and makes decisions. The body is subjected to complex stress without overload. The benefits of handball for children begin with the improvement of the musculoskeletal system. Muscles are strengthened naturally through the game process rather than isolated training. Balance, coordination, agility and spatial awareness develop faster than in individual sports. Mobile joints, a flexible spine, strong tendons: the result of the constant tension of the game and the varied movements. The body learns to adapt to changes in pace. Development takes place at all levels, from the cardiovascular system to the fine motor skills of the hands. Kyphosis disappears, the risk of obesity decreases and stable muscle tone develops. The child becomes more resilient not only on the field, but also in everyday life.

Intellectual qualities: thinking, concentration, responsiveness.

The game requires more than just physical skills. Handball requires analysis, strategy and quick assessment of the situation. When the ball comes into your hands, your brain calculates the direction, your teammates and the possibility of attacking. The benefits of handball for children are reflected in their intellectual development. Every second on the court is a challenge for your attention. It is not enough to just look at the ball; you also have to predict the opponent’s behaviour and estimate the speed, angle and distance. Handball trains visual-motor coordination and the ability to shift attention, two skills that are essential for study and life. The tasks are constantly changing. During a match, the child makes dozens of decisions: passing, dribbling, blocking, changing position. At the same time, they act in an environment with time pressure and stress. Operational thinking is formed, stress resistance increases and reactions become faster. These skills are transferred to everyday life, from lessons to communication.

Social development: discipline, support, communication

Handball creates a structure in which each child has a clear role, obligation and responsibility. It is not an individual race, but a synchronised movement of the whole team. The benefits of handball for children are already evident in the first interaction of the game: passing requires trust, defending requires coordination and winning requires a common goal.

The team system: a school for communication and respect

Team sports require compliance with unwritten rules of interaction. Each player not only fulfils their role but also pays attention to the others: who is tired, who needs help, who can intercept the ball. This environment teaches listening, not just talking. The training process includes collective discussions, role distribution and support after mistakes. This develops emotional intelligence: the ability to recognise feelings, control reactions and not panic in stressful situations. Handball clubs teach discipline without authoritarianism, through respect for teammates and the rules of the game.

Examples of real socialisation on the field:

1. A shy child begins to actively participate in discussions after a few months in the club.
2. An introverted player learns to ask for a substitution and is not ashamed of losing.
3. Conflictual children learn the consequences of aggression more quickly: exclusion from the game, a conversation with the coach, loss of the team’s trust.

Handball does not discriminate based on skill level: everyone can participate in the game. This gives a sense of value, which is especially important between the ages of 6 and 12.

Emotional aspect: energy, self-confidence

Physical activity is not the only factor in psycho-emotional development. How it is performed is also important. Handball is not just ‘running around’, but every movement has a meaning.

Playful release reduces anxiety

Regular training allows the nervous system to get used to the rhythm: first tension, then relaxation. This mechanism has a direct impact on the ability to cope with stress. Even 60 minutes of handball per week reduces anxiety levels, improves sleep quality and stabilises mood. In more stressful situations (exams, conflicts, changes), the child remains more stable.

Winning is not always a result, sometimes it is a state

The game teaches how to deal with setbacks. The coach shows that losing is part of the process. The team analyses the mistakes, accepts the result and continues to work. This shapes an attitude towards failure as an experience, not as a tragedy. Winning becomes not an end in itself, but a phase. Strong emotions are allies in development. In handball, children do not suppress their feelings, but experience them in a safe environment. The joy of a goal, the anger at a missed opportunity, the pride in the team: all this normalises the emotional atmosphere.

The effect of inclusion is more important than the winning score

The child feels part of the group and feels support in an informal way. The greeting after the game, the pats on the back, the reaction of teammates: all of this creates a sense of connection. Psychologists point out that inclusion in society is the most important factor in a child’s resilience to external pressure.

The benefits of handball for children are clear: self-confidence does not come from words, but from actions. Every pass, every jump, every decision forms the basis for inner stability.

One sport, dozens of skills: the benefits of handball for children

To summarise all the benefits, simply take a look at the detailed list that shows the real benefits of handball for children.

Physical:

1. Strengthens muscles (including back, legs and arms).
2. Increases endurance and aerobic capacity.
3. Develops agility, coordination and flexibility.
4. Reduces the risk of obesity and posture problems.

Intellectual:

1. Improves reaction speed.
2. Trains concentration and attention.
3. Develops spatial thinking.
4. Increases decision-making ability.

Social:

1. Promotes a sense of responsibility.
2. Teaches teamwork and cooperation.
3. Develops the ability to communicate constructively.
4. Increases self-confidence and resistance to stress.

Benefits of handball for children: conclusions

Sport discipline remains an underrated part of the children’s sports system. It combines everything that is needed in the 21st century: flexibility, strength, teamwork, endurance and mental speed. The benefits of handball for children relate to the body, mind, intelligence and environment. It is not just about training, but also about character building. This sport provides children with a foundation that will serve them well in any profession, in any situation and at any age.