Which handball leagues are considered the most important?

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 is synonymous with dynamics, speed and struggle. But this sport does not stand still. There are constantly new formats and rules that make the discipline even more spectacular and attractive. Let’s take a look at the most interesting types of handball and find out what makes them special.

Classic handball: the king of the arena

The result of the evolution of sports games, combining elements of football, rugby and basketball. Its origins go back to the beginning of the 20th century. In 1917, the first official rules appeared in Germany, and already in 1936, classic handball was included in the Olympic Games programme. This version is known for its intensity and unpredictable turns of events.

Originally played on open fields and teams consisted of 11 players. However, in the 1960s, the format changed to the current one – 7 players in a hall. This transformation made the game more dynamic and spectacular. History is full of moments when the sport has changed and adapted to modern realities, while retaining its essence.

Rules and dynamics of the game

Two teams of 7 players face off on a 40 metre long and 20 metre wide court. The game is played in two halves of 30 minutes and its main objective is to throw the ball into the opponent’s goal, which requires not only physical endurance but also a clear strategy.

Each member of the team has a clear role: the goalkeeper defends the goal, the field players organise the attack, defend the area and assist the goalkeeper if necessary. An important part of any form of handball is the possibility of quick substitutions, which adds rhythm and constant movement to the process. Substitutions take place an unlimited number of times, which requires co-ordinated teamwork and a clear distribution of tasks.

Athletes must have good physical fitness, reaction speed, endurance and the ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions on the court, which makes handball an extremely intense and dynamic sport.

Features:

1. The size of the court is 40 metres long and 20 metres wide, allowing players to manoeuvre freely and develop complex combinations for attack and defence.
2. The weight of the ball varies from 425 to 475 grams and the circumference is 58-60 cm. The ball should be light enough for easy throwing and dribbling, but at the same time heavy enough for accurate passes.

Beach handball: golden sands and a sea of drive

What is the difference between beach handball and classic handball? The game has transferred all the dynamics of traditional handball to the sandy shore. There are several differences between the two. First of all, the size of the field: here they play on an area of 27×12 metres, which is almost half the size of the classic version. The teams consist of only 4 players, which makes the process more open and full of interaction.

Beach variant is more than just a sporting competition, it is a show where athletes perform incredible jumps and acrobatic stunts. Matches are usually set to music, with spectators savouring every spectacular throw. Everything from the size of the pitch to the atmosphere in the stands works to create the unique, relaxed spirit of a beach holiday.

Rules of beach handball

The rules differ significantly from the classic version. Games are played in two 10-minute periods, and each goal can be awarded 1 or 2 points, depending on the difficulty of the shot. Additional points are awarded for acrobatic jumps or overhand throws, which makes the process even more spectacular.

Athletes play barefoot, which adds a certain complexity to the movements in the sand. Sand is not always predictable and this adds an element of surprise that should not be underestimated. Nuances:

1. Dynamic play: Due to the smaller field size and the small number of players, the game becomes very dynamic, with quick changes of attack and defence. It is often the case that teams have several shots in one minute.
2. Acrobatic elements: Turn throws and other acrobatic movements are awarded extra points, making the game not only a competition but also a real show.

Types of handball include the beach version as the most fun and entertaining, especially due to the teamwork and emphasis on interaction between athletes.

Mini Handball: big emotions in a small format

A version specially designed for children and beginners. The field is smaller – about 20×13 metres and the teams consist of 4-6 players. The rules are very simple, which makes it ideal for learning the basics of handball. There are no hard limits, and the emphasis is on developing co-ordination and team spirit.

The mini version is a great way for children to get acquainted with the world of sport, learn to work in a team and improve their physical fitness. Classes are in a game format, making the training process fun and engaging.

Features:

1. Field Size: The mini handball field measures 20×13 metres, allowing children to move around easily and learn basic skills of the game without being overwhelmed.
2. Simplified rules: The focus is on teaching basic ball skills, co-ordination and team decision making. There are no penalty shots or rigid tactical schemes, which reduces the pressure on children.
3. Main objective: Mini handball helps to develop co-ordination, improve physical activity and teach children the basics of teamwork, which is especially important for their overall physical development and social adaptation.

Conclusion

The types of handball represent a veritable kaleidoscope of possibilities for sports fans of all ages. From the intense classic variant to the lightness and spectacle of beach handball and, of course, the accessible mini handball. Each offers its own unique emotions and experiences, and everyone can find something different in this variety.

Try your hand at one of the variations and discover a world of active emotions and team spirit. Whether on the sand, in the gym or on the school playground, handball will always give you the joy of movement and the feeling of being part of a team.