30 Must-Know Handball Terms, Phrases and Slang (2024)

Leap into the high-octane universe of handball — where lightning-fast breaks and jaw-dropping goals reign supreme!

To truly get in the game, you’ve gotta talk the talk. With these 30 essential terms and phrases, you’ll shift from handball newbie to the star player in no time.

Ready to master the court jargon?

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Must-Know Handball Terms, Phrases and Slang:

1. Alley pass
2. Block
3. Check
4. Dive shot
5. Dribbling
6. Fast break
7. Goal area
8. Hattrick
9. Inflight
10. Jump shot
11. Keeper
12. Line player
13. Pivot
14. Rebound
15. Screen
16. Sideline throw
17. Suspension
18. Tactic board
19. Timeout
20. Wing player
21. 7-meter throw
22. Assisting
23. Circle runner
24. Crossover
25. Fake
26. Free throw
27. Man-to-man defense
28. Playmaker
29. Referee throw
30. Zone defense

#1 Alley pass

In handball, an alley pass is a long and precise throw that cuts through defenders to reach a teammate, often leading to a scoring opportunity. It’s a strategic move requiring skillful execution and timing.

#2 Block

A defensive move where a player attempts to stop or deflect an opponent’s throw or shot at the goal. Effective blocking can disrupt the opposing team’s play and prevent scoring chances.

#3 Check

To ‘check’ in handball is to apply defensive pressure to an opponent, restricting their movement and options. It’s a technique used to force errors or regain possession of the ball.

#4 Dive shot

A dynamic offensive technique where the player leaps towards the goal area line and shoots the ball while airborne. This acrobatic move is designed to evade blocks and increase scoring chances.

#5 Dribbling

In handball, dribbling is the action of bouncing the ball while moving across the court. It’s essential for advancing the ball and evading defenders but must be done within the rule-set to avoid violations.

#6 Fast break

A fast break is a swift offensive strategy where a team moves the ball quickly down the court after gaining possession, often leading to a scoring chance before the opposition can set up their defense.

#7 Goal area

The goal area, also known as the crease or goalkeeper’s area, is a zone near each goal in handball where only the goalkeeper is allowed to stand. This area is typically marked as a semicircle around the goal and is off-limits to field players, who cannot step into or land in this area with the ball.

#8 Hattrick

A hattrick in handball occurs when a player scores three goals in a single game. This term is commonly used across various sports to denote a similar achievement and is often celebrated as a significant individual accomplishment.

#9 Inflight

An action where a player receives the ball while jumping towards the goal and shoots before landing. It demonstrates athleticism and the ability to score under pressure.

#10 Jump Shot

A shot taken by a player who leaps into the air and releases the ball at the peak of their jump. This move is used to gain height and space from defenders, making it harder to block.

#11 Keeper

Also known as the goalkeeper, the keeper is the player responsible for guarding the goal area. They are the only player allowed to touch the ball with their hands within the goal area.

#12 Line Player

A position in handball where the player operates near the opponent’s goal line. They are pivotal in creating space and scoring opportunities, often receiving the ball in tight spaces.

#13 Pivot

A maneuver or player similar to the line player, the pivot rotates around a point to shield the ball or create space. Pivots often initiate offensive plays near the opponent’s goal area.

#14 Rebound

The act of gaining possession of the ball after it bounces off the goal post or is saved by the keeper. Players must react quickly to secure rebounds and maintain or regain control of the play.

#15 Screen

An action where a player uses their body to block or shield an opponent to help a teammate gain space. A well-set screen can be pivotal in opening pathways to the goal.

#16 Sideline Throw

A sideline throw in handball is awarded when the ball crosses a sideline and is last touched by a player from the defending team. The throw is taken from the point where the ball crossed the sideline, and it allows the offensive team to retain possession and continue their attack.

#17 Suspension

In handball, a suspension is a temporary punishment where a player is sent off the court for two minutes. It occurs after infractions such as rough play, and the penalized team must play with one fewer player during this time.

#18 Tactic Board

A tactic board is a tool used by handball coaches during timeouts or training to visually communicate strategies and player movements. It helps players understand positioning, plays, and defensive setups for effective in-game execution.

#19 Timeout

A timeout is a strategic break in the game called by the coach or requested by players, used for rest, tactical discussions, or to disrupt the opposing team’s momentum. Each team has a limited number to use per match.

#20 Wing Player

The wing player is a fast and agile position in handball, responsible for covering the sides of the court. They execute quick attacks, wide jumps, and sharp angles in shots to score from the wings.

#21 7-meter throw

Awarded after certain fouls or infractions within the goal area, a 7-meter throw is a free throw towards goal from the seven-meter mark. It’s a critical scoring opportunity against the goalkeeper, similar to penalty kicks in football.

#22 Assisting

In handball, assisting refers to the action of a player passing the ball to a teammate in a way that leads directly to a goal. It’s a key part of the teamwork required to dismantle defenses and score.

#23 Circle Runner

In handball, a circle runner is an alternative term for the line player, who operates around the six-meter line and tries to create scoring opportunities or block defenders. They are crucial in orchestrating offensive plays and setting screens.

#24 Crossover

A crossover in handball is a maneuver where two players switch positions quickly, intending to confuse the defense and create space for shots or passes. It often involves a swift exchange of the ball to exploit defensive gaps.

#25 Fake

A fake is a deceptive move where a handball player pretends to pass, shoot, or move in a certain direction to mislead opponents. It’s a skillful technique that can create openings for advancing the ball or taking a shot.

#26 Free Throw

After a minor foul or infringement, a free throw is awarded from the spot of the offense. The attacking team resumes play with a pass from the free-throw line, attempting to maintain their offensive momentum.

#27 Man-to-Man Defense

Man-to-Man defense is a strategy where each defender is responsible for marking and closely guarding a specific opponent. This approach can be physically demanding but effective in disrupting the flow of the opposing team’s play.

#28 Playmaker

The playmaker in handball is the central figure in offense, typically positioned at the backcourt. They coordinate the team’s movement, make strategic passes, and create scoring opportunities, much like a point guard in basketball.

#29 Referee Throw

A referee throw in handball occurs when play is stopped due to an infringement or situation where possession is contested (e.g., simultaneous violations by both teams), and the ball is dropped between two players by the referee to restart play.

#30 Zone Defense

Zone defense in handball is a defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for covering a specific area or “zone” of the court rather than marking a specific opponent. This tactic is used to disrupt the offensive flow by reducing passing lanes and forcing turnovers, relying on teamwork and spatial awareness to cover the court effectively.

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