Whether you’re a seasoned coach, a curious player, or someone who just loves a good challenge, this handball quiz is packed with over 60 questions designed to test every corner of your knowledge. From Olympic history to player positions, each section has clear, factual answers — no opinions or grey areas.
Scroll down and see how many you can get right. Perfect for club socials, team bonding sessions or just a bit of fun!
🏛️ Handball History
- In which year was modern handball first played indoors?
Answer: 1925 - Which country is credited with inventing modern team handball?
Answer: Germany - When was handball first included in the Olympic Games for men?
Answer: 1936 - In which year did women’s handball make its Olympic debut?
Answer: 1976 - Which governing body oversees international handball competitions?
Answer: International Handball Federation (IHF) - Where was the first official Handball World Championship held for men?
Answer: Germany, 1938 - Where was the first Women’s World Championship held?
Answer: Yugoslavia, 1957 - Which two sports were combined to form early versions of handball?
Answer: Football and basketball
📏 Rules & Scoring
- How many players are allowed on court per team during play (including goalkeeper)?
Answer: 7 - How long is a standard senior handball match?
Answer: 60 minutes - How many halves are there in a handball match?
Answer: 2 - How many minutes does each half last?
Answer: 30 minutes - How long is the half-time interval?
Answer: 10 minutes - What is the procedure if a knockout match ends in a draw after normal time?
Answer: Extra time (2 x 5 minutes) followed by penalty throws if necessary - What is the maximum number of steps a player can take without dribbling the ball?
Answer: 3 - What is the maximum time a player can hold the ball without moving or passing?
Answer: 3 seconds - What kind of throw is awarded when a foul stops a clear scoring opportunity?
Answer: 7-metre throw - Are goalkeepers allowed to leave their goal area during open play?
Answer: Yes - Are field players allowed inside the goal area during play?
Answer: No - How many referees officiate a professional handball match?
Answer: 2 - Which colour card indicates player disqualification?
Answer: Red - What disciplinary action is given to a player for a serious foul, requiring temporary removal?
Answer: 2-minute suspension - Can teams make substitutions without limit during a handball match?
Answer: Yes
🧤 Player Roles & Positions
- How many goalkeepers can be on court per team at the same time?
Answer: 1 - Which position is responsible for organising the attack in the centre of the court?
Answer: Centre back - Which positions usually operate near the sides of the court?
Answer: Wingers - Which position plays near the opponent’s goal area to receive close passes and create chances?
Answer: Pivot
🌍 International Competitions
- Which country has won the most Men’s World Handball Championships?
Answer: France - Which country has won the most Women’s World Handball Championships?
Answer: Russia - Which countries co-hosted the 2023 Men’s World Championship?
Answer: Poland and Sweden - Which nation won gold in men’s handball at the 2020 Olympics?
Answer: France - Which nation won gold in women’s handball at the 2020 Olympics?
Answer: France - What is the maximum number of teams allowed in a Handball World Championship?
Answer: 32 - How frequently is the IHF World Championship held?
Answer: Every two years - What is the premier club competition in European handball?
Answer: EHF Champions League
🏐 Handball Equipment
- What is the standard circumference range of a men’s handball?
Answer: 58–60 cm - What is the standard weight range of a men’s handball?
Answer: 425–475 grams - What is the standard circumference range of a women’s handball?
Answer: 54–56 cm - What is the standard weight range of a women’s handball?
Answer: 325–400 grams - What are the official goal dimensions in handball?
Answer: 3 metres wide and 2 metres high - How long is a standard handball court?
Answer: 40 metres - How wide is a standard handball court?
Answer: 20 metres - What does the 6-metre line mark on the court?
Answer: The goal area - What is the purpose of the 7-metre line?
Answer: Penalty throw line - What does the 9-metre line represent?
Answer: Free throw line
🇬🇧 Handball in the UK
- What is the name of the national governing body for handball in England?
Answer: England Handball Association - What is the top national competition for handball clubs in England?
Answer: Premier Handball League - Which city hosted the handball events during the London 2012 Olympics?
Answer: London - Has Great Britain qualified for the Olympics in handball outside of being the host nation?
Answer: No
🎯 True or False (Bonus Round)
- A handball match may end in a draw during the group stage of a tournament.
Answer: True - Players are allowed to intentionally kick the ball during play.
Answer: False - The ball used in handball must be made of rubber.
Answer: False - A player can score directly from the throw-off.
Answer: True - Goalkeepers can leave the goal area to join the attack.
Answer: True - All fouls result in a two-minute suspension.
Answer: False - Only the pivot player can enter the goal area during play.
Answer: False
🧠 Expert-Level Questions
- What does EHF stand for?
Answer: European Handball Federation - In which year was the International Handball Federation (IHF) founded?
Answer: 1946 - Which team won the Women’s EHF Champions League in 2024?
Answer: Győri Audi ETO KC - Who holds the record for most goals in a single men’s World Championship?
Answer: Kiril Lazarov - What is the maximum number of players allowed on a team’s match squad?
Answer: 16
⚡ Tiebreaker Question
- How many goals did Kiril Lazarov score in the 2009 IHF Men’s World Championship? (Closest answer wins)
Answer: 92
Please note these questions and answers are acurate as of July 2025
