Three major handball tournaments not to be missed in 2025

From a humble pastime to an Olympic sport, the journey of women’s handball has been full of triumphs and triumphs. Athletes who have defied social conventions have transformed sports grounds into arenas where strength, agility and strategy come together. Their story is a hymn to the human spirit and unlimited possibilities.

The first women’s handball matches: how it all began

The year 1917 can be considered the starting point: it was then that the first official matches took place in Germany. Women who ventured onto the pitch did so at their own risk. Moral norms of the time assumed that sport was the domain of men and that women should confine themselves to domestic duties and social entertainment.

Enthusiasts like Clara Zetkin believed in the importance of women’s participation in sport and popularised the games among the weaker sex. Matches were played in open courts and attracted the attention not only of fans but also of the press, which often criticised handball players for their “unfeminine” activities.

At this time, the players’ uniforms were not comfortable, but this did not stop the pioneers. A few years later – in 1926 – regular tournaments appeared in Europe. Enthusiasm grew, and by the mid-1930s handball became really popular among women in Scandinavia, where the climate and sports infrastructure favoured its popularity.

Development of women’s handball in Russia

The beginning dates back to the 1950s, when the first clubs began to form in the major cities of Moscow and Leningrad. Soviet women, known for their resilience and hard work, quickly took the initiative to develop handball. As this was a period of active promotion of physical culture, many sports societies willingly accepted girls’ teams and supported their participation in competitions.

The first real success came in 1962, when the USSR national team won bronze at the World Championship. Since then, Russian handball players, including such legends as Lyudmila Postnova and Tatiana Kireeva, have constantly proved their skills, bringing medals both in European and world arenas. The discipline has become a symbol of resilience and sporting courage, and Russian handball players have become an example for thousands of young female athletes across the country.

Position on the world stage

Women handball players demonstrated incredible strength of spirit and desire to win, so they reached the major competitions.

Olympic Games and women’s handball: the fight for gold

The discipline was first seen at the Olympics in 1976 in Montreal. Then it became part of the Olympic programme, and that moment was a real breakthrough. The first gold medal was taken by Soviet athletes in 1980 at the Moscow Games, where the USSR team, inspired by the support of the home stands, managed to beat all their rivals. This success cemented the importance of the sport at the world level.

Especially significant was the victory of the Russian national team in 2016 at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Under the leadership of Evgeny Trefilov, the team beat France 22:19 and won gold medals, becoming heroes of their time. This moment will remain in history not only as the triumph of one national team, but also as proof that this sport can be exciting, intense and dramatic.

Women’s Handball World Championships: a story of great victories

The championship was first held in 1957, and since then it has become one of the most important events in the world of sport. There are many bright pages in the history of the world championships, one of which is the victory of the USSR national team in 1982, when our sportswomen beat the Yugoslavia team with a convincing score of 30:18. No less significant event was the victory of the Norwegian national team in 1999, when the team took gold, demonstrating skill and unique technique of the game.

Women’s handball stars: legends inspiring the new generation

There are names in history that inspire more than one generation of players. One such legend is Zinaida Turchina, who is one of the most decorated handball players in the world, twice Olympic champion and multiple world champion. Her unique style of play and leadership qualities have inspired many young girls around the world to take up handball.

Anna Vyakhireva is a star who shone at the 2019 World Championships, where she was recognised as the best player of the tournament. Vyakhireva is known for her lightning-fast reactions and outstanding technique, her performances on the field are always eye-catching, while her tenacity and hard work make her an example for all aspiring handball players.

Tatiana Petrenko  – the leader of the national team in the 1990s, played a key role in the successful performances of the Russian team at the European and World Championships. She was characterised by her powerful shots and outstanding leadership qualities, which helped the team achieve high results and created a great atmosphere on the court.

Ekaterina Ilyina – a key figure at the 2016 Olympics, was one of the main contributors to the Russian team’s victory in Rio de Janeiro. Her ability to take the initiative in decisive moments, as well as her accuracy in throws from difficult situations, allowed the team to win gold and make history.

Rules of women’s handball and their evolution

The basic standards have remained largely unchanged since the discipline’s inception, but changes have been made over the years to improve the safety and spectacle of the game. Here are the basic rules of women’s handball:

1. Each team consists of seven players: six field players and one goalkeeper.
2. The match lasts two halves of 30 minutes with a 10 minute break.
3. Players may take up to three steps without heading the ball, after which they must either pass or start heading.
4. The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to touch the ball with his feet, but only within his own area.
5. Penalty throws are awarded for serious offences such as pushing or hitting an opponent.
6. Players are not allowed to be in the goalkeeper’s area except when jumping during an attack.

Unlike men’s handball, women’s matches are often accompanied by softer tactics and a greater emphasis on technique, making the game more elegant and dynamic.

In the early 1960s, a rule limiting the number of steps without driving the ball was introduced, which greatly increased the pace of play. In the 1980s, the process became faster with new shooting requirements and defensive tactics that made the match more entertaining. Each of these changes was designed to emphasise a player’s skill and speed.

Conclusion

Women’s handball has come a long way – from small local matches to grandiose world tournaments. Today, the sport inspires millions of girls around the world to become stronger, to fight for their dreams and not to be afraid to be first. To try your hand at this dynamic and exciting sport is to join the great winning tradition and stand shoulder to shoulder with the best female athletes in the world.

Handball is one of the most dynamic and spectacular team sports and a very exciting game. It combines elements of basketball and football, requiring players not only to be physically fit, but also to work as a team. Let’s look at the basic rules and features of this sport.

Handball rules: the main points of the game in simple terms

Handball is a game where a team of seven players (six field players and a goalkeeper) tries to throw the ball into the opponent’s goal, beating the defense.

The rules are not as complicated as they might seem at first glance. There are several key aspects that will help you quickly master the basics:

1. Duration of the match. The match consists of two halves of 30 minutes, with a 10-minute break. The timer is not stopped, except in special situations, which adds dynamics and tension.
2. Moving with the ball. Players can take up to three steps with the ball in their hands. After that, they must make a pass or try to throw at the goal.
3. Goal area. Only the goalkeeper is allowed to be in the area in front of the goal, field players cannot go there, even for the purpose of throwing.
4. Penalties. Rough play is punished with temporary penalties (usually for two minutes), which seriously weakens the team for a while.

There are many nuances in handball, but they are mastered quickly thanks to practical training and active play.

How to play handball: secrets of triumph on the court

The game of handball involves the participation of two teams, each of which plans to throw as many balls as possible into the opponent’s goal. Here, not only physical qualities are important, but also clear team interactions.

To learn how to play handball, it is important to master the basic skills of attack, defense and quick transition from one phase of the game to another:

1. Attack is one of the key stages of the game. Players use passes to move the ball, creating dangerous moments near the opponent’s goal. Throws are made from different positions, while trying to confuse the goalkeeper. Quick reaction and accuracy are the main components of a successful attack.
2. Defense is the ability to effectively block the opponent’s movements. Players form a so-called “wall” that prevents throws and hinders the advancing attacker. The task of defense is not just to prevent the ball from being thrown in, but also to disrupt attacks by intercepting passes.
3. Counterattack is an important element. When capturing the ball, defenders quickly go on the offensive, using the slowdown of opponents to dramatically change the course of the match.

Handball court and equipment

The perimeter is a rectangular field 40 meters long and 20 meters wide. It is divided into two halves and has special markings that indicate attack, defense and goal zones.

Main equipment:

1. Handball goals are rectangular structures 2 meters high and 3 meters wide. They are equipped with a net that makes it easy to see the result of a throw. The goalkeeper protects the goal, using reaction and intuition to stop powerful throws.
2. The handball is made of leather or synthetic materials, it must be easy to hold in the hands, because the game requires quick and precise actions. The ball has different sizes depending on the age group: in men’s teams it is larger than in women’s and youth teams.

All elements of handball create unique conditions for a dynamic and spectacular game. Each has its own meaning and affects the strategy of the teams.

Team of Champions and Handball Tactics: How to Become an Integral Part of the Game

The success of a handball game depends largely on how well the roles are distributed and how the players interact with each other. A handball team consists of seven players, each of whom has a specific role:

1. The goalkeeper is the key player in defense. He must anticipate the direction of throws, as well as initiate quick counterattacks by throwing the ball to the field players.
2. The wingers are responsible for quick attacks on the flanks. They use their speed to get to the goal and shoot from acute angles.
3. The central player is the brain of the team, managing the game, distributing passes and organizing attacks. His job is to analyze the situation on the court and find free zones to pass the ball.
4. The line player positions himself near the opponent’s goal line and distracts the defenders, creating opportunities for team members to shoot. He is often in contact with the opponent’s defenders, which makes his game extremely physical.

Handball tactics include active position changes and combined actions, which allow the team to adapt to the situation on the court and exploit the opponent’s weaknesses. Coordinated work of the entire team is the basis for victory.

Handball match: adrenaline and endless emotions

A real drama, where every moment can change the course of events. The high speed of the game, frequent changes in attacks and defense create an atmosphere of constant tension in handball. Each attack can end with a goal, and any mistake can be fatal.

The first half of the match is usually like reconnaissance: the teams try to evaluate each other’s tactics, find weaknesses. Then the pace of the game gradually increases, and in the second half a real battle begins, where physical endurance and psychological stability of the players are important.

Emotions are running high on the handball court. Fans witness incredible throws, desperate saves by the goalkeeper and tense moments at the gate. The game of handball is literally charged with energy – from bright combinations to sharp counterattacks, each match brings many spectacular episodes.

The game of handball is continuous movement, fast attacks and active struggle for the ball

Handball is an explosion of emotions and adrenaline, where every second is filled with struggle and desire to win. It is a game for those who are not afraid to give their best and enjoy the process. It is also a great alternative to classic soccer, basketball and volleyball.