HANDBALL

Summary of the event. What actually happens?

What actually happens in Handball is that there are 2 goalies, one on each team.  There can be up to 14 players on each team.  Seven players can be on the court at one time including the goalie.  There is a leather ball about 60 centimeters and the players can take up to three steps then they have to pass or shoot.  The goalie has a crease that is the length of a three point line in basketball.  None of the players can step into the crease and the goalie can not step out.  If the defensive team steps in their goalies crease, it is a penalty shot from the end of the goalies crease.  If the opposing team steps into the crease it is the defending teams ball.  The normal playing times for all teams are two 30 minute halves and only a ten minute break.  If the game is tied at the end of the game, it goes into a seven meter throwing shoot out to decide the winner.  There is a men’s team and there is a woman’s team.  The best men and best woman from around the world all from different countries.   

What does it feel like to participate?

There are not as many crowds and fans for handball as there is for hockey, swimming or sprinting.  It is still in the Olympics and it is still popular.  They compete for gold medals just like everyone else does and they feel the same way all the other athletes feel like when they win.  It takes great skill to compete in Handball in the Olympics.  The court is 40 meters long and 20 meters wide.  It is a fast pace game that goes non stop and there is lots of running.  There is USA Deaf Team Handballs coach for the 2006 Olympics.  He won it all and has had an interview for his passion of the game.  His name is Coach Criteria.  His words were about how he used to be a Handball player and that he never won anything big.  He won some city championships but nothing at the Olympics.  He retired and had more of a career coaching.  He won in 2006.    

What kind of training is involved?

Handball involves being in shape because it is nonstop running and there is only a ten minute break.  You have to be in shape to play this game.  Each team has a certain amount of trainers and they help the athletes jump, run, lift weights and take on dummies.  At the beginning of the tournament or season the teams do Dry land which involves stretches, pushups, sit ups, jumping, lifting and running.  The trainers don’t make the athletes go to the gym or exercise as much as hockey but they still do take it to them hard when needed to. 

What equipment do you need?

For equipment you need a ball with leather casing. It has to have a circumference of around 58 to 60 centimeters for men.  And the circumference for woman is 54to 56 centimeters.  For men the ball weighs around 425 to 475 grams.  And for woman it weighs about 325 to 400 grams.  You also need yourself of course, a team uniform and a team.  Shorts, t-shirt/team uniform and running shoes are needed as well. You also need running shoes.  Also you need two goalie nets, a handball court and an opposing team.

When and where is the event being held during the upcoming Olympics in Beijing?

The Olympics will be held August 9-24, 2008.  The Olympic Handball competitions will be held at the Olympic sports Center Gymnasium and the finals will be held at the National Indoor Stadium.