The playing area for beach handball is considerably smaller than a regular size handball court. It is 27 meters long and 12 meters wide. The playing area is 15 meters long and 12 meters wide.

The Goals

The goals are 3 meters long and 2 meters high and placed in the centre of the goal line. In front of each goal there is a goal area.

Players

Players can be men, women or mixed teams. There are 3 players plus a goalkeeper. A team can also have up to 4 substitutes.

The Ball

The beach handball must be a non-slippery rubber ball. For men, women and children a different size of ball is used. Men: 54-56 cm Women: 50-52 cm Children: smaller than 50cm. Since this is beach handball and it is played on the sand, shoes are not permitted.

Playing time

The game consists of two halves, which are scored separately. Each half is 10 minutes long and there is a 5 minute break in between. If the score is even at the end of a half, the "Golden Goal" rule is used. The winner of each half is awarded one point. If both halves are won by the same team, this team is the overall winner, with the score of 2:0 If each team wins a half, the result is a tie. In that case the "Shoot-out" (one player against the goal keeper) is used.

Goalkeeper

Only the goalkeeper is allowed in the goal area. The goalkeeper is allowed to leave the goal area and participate in the play.

Playing the game

It is permitted to:

• throw, catch, stop, push or hit the ball, by using hands (open or closed) arms head, torso, thighs and knees;

• diving for the ball when it is lying or rolling on the ground;

• hold the ball for a maximum of 3 seconds, step 3 steps with the ball.

It is permitted to:

• use an open hand to play the ball away from the opponent from any direction

• use the body to obstruct an opponent, even when the opponent is not in possession of the ball;

• make body contact with an opponent, when facing him and with bent arms,

• and maintain this contact in order to monitor and follow the opponent.

• pull or hit the ball out of the hands of an opponent;

• block or force away an opponent with arms, hands or legs;

• restrain, hold, push, run or jump into an opponent;

• interfere with, impede or endanger an opponent (with or without the ball) in contravention of the rules.

A throw in is taken when the ball crosses the side line. A free throw is taken not within 1 meter of opponent's goal area line. A 6 meter throw is taken when a clear scoring chance is destroyed.


For any further information on Beach Handball Rules please download the PDF.