Teams of seven players dribble and pass the ball toward their opponent’s net and attempt to score by throwing the ball into the net. The goal is protected by a goalkeeper and there is a 6-meter capital D-shaped area around the net that players cannot enter. They can jump into the area to make a shot attempt, but must release the ball before they hit the ground. There is also a free-throw line 9 meters from the goal. Matches consist of two 30-minute halves.
Players can only be in possession of the ball for a maximum of three seconds and can only take a maximum of three steps with the ball. Handball is a contact sport and contact from the front is not considered a penalty. Actions directed at opposing players such as holding, tripping, as well as contact from the side result in a penalty shot from 7 meters out. Dangerous actions such as those targeting the head or throat can result in a yellow card, with three yellow resulting in a red card that results in an ejection from the game. For particularly egregious fouls, referees may suspend a player for two minutes, foregoing the warning yellow card.
Handball takes place from July 24 to Aug. 8.
Venue and access information
Handball will be held at Yoyogi National Stadium, which has a capacity of 10,200. It is about five minutes from Harajuku Station on the Yamanote Line and Meiji-jingu Station on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin subway lines.
[olympic_schedule sport=handball]
