Court Handball is a sport similar to racquetball and squash. The game may be played between two, or four players. The important difference between it and racquetball and squash is that the players hit the ball with a gloved hand instead of a racket.
The modern game of handball originated in Ireland and Scotland. From where immigrants took the game to many countries in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is still played in England, Wales, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand.
Handball is played in a court, the most common form of which measures 12.2 m by 6.1 m (40 feet by 20 feet) with a front wall 6.1 m (20 feet) high, off which the ball must be struck.
All ages, both male and female, may take part in Court Handball. As with most other ball games men and women are separated in competition, (with exception of mixed doubles).
In Court Handball both the left and right hand can be used, depending on where the ball is hit. This major difference is what makes handball a much more complex and difficult game to play, when compared with other court games.
The objective of a game is to score a set total of points before your opponent does. Points are only scored by the person serving the ball. In other words, if a player wins a rally but did not serve, they only win the right to serve, and thus the chance to score after a subsequent rally. The serving player has two opportunities to hit the ball, from the service area (between the two parallel lines), off the front wall and across the service line (which is located half-way down the court).
Players take turns at hitting the ball off the front wall before the ball bounces twice following their opponent's previous shot. Most handball games take place in a four-walled court but there are also three-walled and one-wall versions of the game.
A world championship takes place every three years with representatives of all ages, both male and female, taking part.
Court Handball bears similarities to other ball games such as Racquetball 484, Squash 578, Pelota 460, Fist Ball, Eton Fives 246, Rugby Fives 700 and Jai Alai 460.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
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