Want to play handball? Perhaps you’re considering joining a team. You may be wondering who many players make up a handball team or how many players can be on the court at the same time?
A handball team consists of 7 players. 1 goalie and 6 outfield players. A team can have up to 7 reserve players on the bench. A full handball team roaster is made up of 15 people.
Both teams start the game with 7 players on the court. If one of the players is penalized for a severe foul, they may have to serve a 2-minute penalty break. In this case, their team will have to play for 2 minutes with only 6 players on the court.
The graphic below should explain how many players are needed for a handball team and introduce you to specific positions.
What Are the Positions in Handball?
Let’s take a look at the different positions in handball. Every team needs skilled players for specific tasks. There is something for everyone in handball. Before you start your first game, you will need to choose a position to play. It’s a good idea to know what each position is responsible for before you take on its role.
Here is a list of all the positions on the court:
- Goalkeeper
- Left Back
- Center Back or Center
- Right Back
- Left Winger
- Center Forward or Pivot, also knows as Circle Runner
- Right Winger
Goalkeepers play in their own goal zone and protect against shots coming from the opposing team. Left and right backs use their size to clog up passing lanes. Centers communicate strategies between players. Wingers use their speed along the outsides of the court. Forwards, also know as pivots or circle runners, get to take the most shots.
Everyone, except for the goalkeeper, needs to help in both attack and defense.
Take a look at my breakdown of each position in handball to see which one suits you best.
How Many Substitutions Can You Make in a Game of Handball?
Every good team needs a solid reserve squad on the bench for relief, change of strategy, and motivation. Competitive teams have skilled players in every position, including the bench. They usually rotate starting positions throughout the season.
A team can make an unlimited number of substitutions during a game of handball. Players can substitute at any moment during the game. They don’t need to wait for a stoppage in play. Before a new player enters the court, the exiting player must be off.
Each team can have up to 7 reserve players on the bench. Enough people for an entire second team in case of fatigue or injury. Players are free to make subs amongst themselves like they do in hockey. When a player is tired, they just run off the court and are replaced immediately by someone fresh.
No need to wait for a whistle or a break in the game. Players and coaches don’t need to inform the referees of substations either.
Can A Player Play More than One Position in Handball?
It is normal for professional players to have a defined position throughout an entire game or season. If you’re considering changing positions, you should speak with your teammates.
Players can play more than one position during a handball game. Even though most will stick to the same position thought their entire playing career, some may choose to try multiple positions, sometimes during one match.
Trying a new position can be a fantastic way of reinvigorating your enthusiasm for the game. If you want to control possession of the ball, consider playing as a pivot. If you are tired of running up and down the sides of the court, switch to a central position. Don’t like having to come off the court for a rest? Play goalkeeper next game!
I think it’s important for new handball players to try out every position on the team before deciding which responsibilities they want to take on.
Want to Know More About Handball?
If you want to learn all the rules of the game, I’ve put together an article with everything you need to know. It’s called Handball Rules, How to Play Handball. The guide is equipped with a bullet point list of all the rules you need to know to play the game. Regardless of if you play indoors or at a beach, the same rules apply.
There, you’ll find a downloadable PDF of all the rules and regulations. Feel free to download my guide and share it with your teammate and organization.
Keep playing this amazing game, and always remember to be competitive and have fun.