Handball
Goals come fast. The score keeps up.
Two 30-minute halves, every goal in one tap.
Score a matchGoal after goal, never losing count.
Start the clock at the throw-off, then tap the color that scored. Try it!
- 2 × 30 min
- 7 players on court
- Draws allowed
- Pick handball, and name the two teams.
- Start the clock at the throw-off, stop it for time-outs. On every goal, tap the color that scored.
- At halftime, the app tells you to switch sides. The referee calls every goal out loud.
The rules, in short.
What the IHF rules say, and nothing more.
- 2 × 30
Playing time
From age 16, two 30-minute halves and a 10-minute break. From 12 to 16, 2 × 25 minutes; from 8 to 12, 2 × 20 minutes.
IHF, Rules of the Game, Indoor Handball, edition of July 1, 2025 (French edition), Rule 2:1 - 1
The goal
A goal counts when the whole ball has crossed the goal line. The team that scores more wins; if it’s level, the match is a draw.
IHF, Rules of the Game, Indoor Handball, edition of July 1, 2025 (French edition), Rules 9:1 and 9:3 - 6 m
The goal area
Only the goalkeeper may enter the 6-meter goal area. An attacker who enters it with the ball loses the ball: goalkeeper throw. A defender who enters it to stop a clear chance to score gives away a 7-meter throw.
IHF, Rules of the Game, Indoor Handball, edition of July 1, 2025 (French edition), Rules 6:1 and 6:2 - 5
When a winner is needed
After a 5-minute break, overtime of two 5-minute periods. Still tied: a second overtime, then whatever the competition decides, often 7-meter throws.
IHF, Rules of the Game, Indoor Handball, edition of July 1, 2025 (French edition), Rule 2:2 - 5
7-meter throws
5 throwers per team, one throw each, taking turns. Still tied: a new round, and the winner is decided as soon as there’s a difference after the same number of throws.
IHF, Rules of the Game, Indoor Handball, edition of July 1, 2025 (French edition), Rule 2:2, comment - 1
The team time-out
One minute, once in each half for each team, and never in overtime.
IHF, Rules of the Game, Indoor Handball, edition of July 1, 2025 (French edition), Rule 2:10 - 2
Suspensions
A suspension always lasts 2 minutes. On the third, the player is disqualified.
IHF, Rules of the Game, Indoor Handball, edition of July 1, 2025 (French edition), Rule 16:5
Or from the bench.
One press per goal, on your watch or the three buttons on your earbuds: ⏮ for pink, ⏭ for yellow. ⏯ starts or stops the clock; two quick presses undo the last goal.
The questions people ask.
How many players are on a handball team?
7 on the court at once per team, goalkeeper included. The others wait on the bench.
IHF, Rules of the Game, Indoor Handball, edition of July 1, 2025 (French edition), Rule 4:1How long is a handball match?
Two 30-minute halves from age 16, with a 10-minute break. Shorter for younger players.
IHF, Rules of the Game, Indoor Handball, edition of July 1, 2025 (French edition), Rule 2:1Can a handball match end in a draw?
Yes. When a winner is needed, there’s overtime of two 5-minute periods, then a second one, then whatever the competition decides.
IHF, Rules of the Game, Indoor Handball, edition of July 1, 2025 (French edition), Rules 2:2 and 9:3How many time-outs are there in handball?
One time-out of one minute for each team in each half. Some competitions allow three in the match, with at most two in each half.
IHF, Rules of the Game, Indoor Handball, edition of July 1, 2025 (French edition), Rule 2:10 and its noteHow long is a suspension in handball?
It is always 2 minutes. A player suspended for the third time is disqualified.
IHF, Rules of the Game, Indoor Handball, edition of July 1, 2025 (French edition), Rule 16:5Does a goal still count when the defending team breaks the rules?
Yes: if the ball goes in despite a foul by the defense, the goal counts. It is disallowed if the shooter, a teammate or a team official committed a foul before or during the shot.
IHF, Rules of the Game, Indoor Handball, edition of July 1, 2025 (French edition), Rule 9:1