Handball is a team sport with two teams of seven players each (six outfield players and a goalkeeper on each team). Players pass a ball to throw it into the goal of the other team. A standard match consists of two periods of 30 minutes, and the team that scores more goals wins. Modern handball is usually played indoors, but outdoor variants exist.
It is quite fast and includes body contact, as the defenders try to stop the attackers from approaching the goal. Contact is allowed only when the defensive player is completely in front of the offensive player; i.e., between the offensive player and the goal. Any contact from the side or especially from behind is considered dangerous and is usually met with penalties. Players are allowed an unlimited number of faults, which are considered good defense and disruptive to the attacking team’s rhythm.When a defender successfully stops an attacking player (who loses the ball over a line), the play is stopped and restarted by the attacking team from the spot of the infraction or on the 9-metre line.
Certain elements of the game are reminiscent of rugby. For example, the degree of force that defense may use to stop the attacker with the ball. Also the lack of protections and helmets are other similaralities.
Goals are scored quite frequently as usually both teams score at least 20 goals each. It is not uncommon for both teams to score more than 30 goals.
