Women’s handball offers a wealth of players across positions who demonstrate skill, creativity, and athleticism. Like in the men’s game, certain players are especially useful to study depending on your style of play and physical characteristics. This guide highlights the best women’s players to watch, whether you are tall, agile, powerful, or versatile.
Playmakers and Centre Backs
For those who thrive on vision and leadership in attack, these players are perfect viewing.
- Cristina Neagu (Romania, CSM Bucharest) – Often regarded as the best female handball player of her generation, Neagu (1.80m) is a master of playmaking and outside shooting, ideal for players who want to balance creativity and scoring.
- Stine Bredal Oftedal (Norway, Győri Audi ETO KC) – At 1.70m, Oftedal proves that height is not essential for playmakers. Her speed, decision-making, and movement make her essential for players learning how to manage the flow of the game.
Backcourt Powerhouses
Tall and strong backcourt shooters dominate in women’s handball, just like in the men’s game.
- Nora Mørk (Norway, CSM Bucharest) – Standing at 1.67m, Mørk demonstrates that even smaller backs can thrive with explosiveness and accuracy. Her ability to break through larger defenders is invaluable learning material.
- Anna Vyakhireva (Russia, CSKA Moscow) – At 1.68m, Vyakhireva is another example of a shorter player excelling in the backcourt, with her deceptive movement and creativity making her one of the most exciting players to study.
- Lois Abbingh (Netherlands, Odense) – At 1.77m, Abbingh shows how a taller shooter can dominate with outside shots and powerful breakthroughs.
Wingers and Finishers
Wingers rely on agility, quick reactions, and composure under pressure.
- Camilla Herrem (Norway, Sola HK) – At 1.69m, Herrem has been one of the most reliable wingers in women’s handball for years, showing how smaller players can become elite finishers through precision and movement.
- Dora Hornyak (Hungary) – Taller wingers like Hornyak (1.82m) show how height can add a different dynamic to wing play, particularly when defending on the flank.
Pivots and Line Players
The pivot position in women’s handball also rewards strength and timing.
- Dragana Cvijić (Serbia, Krim Mercator) – At 1.83m, Cvijić is one of the most dominant pivots in recent years, showing how strength and positioning can overpower even the best defenders.
- Kari Brattset Dale (Norway, Győri Audi ETO KC) – At 1.85m, Brattset Dale uses her size effectively but also demonstrates agility and movement off the ball.
Goalkeepers to Watch
Goalkeepers in women’s handball vary widely in style, making it useful to study both taller and shorter examples.
- Amandine Leynaud (France, retired) – At 1.78m, Leynaud showed how reflexes and anticipation can make a keeper world-class without being the tallest.
- Sandra Toft (Denmark, Győri Audi ETO KC) – Standing 1.76m, Toft is a brilliant example of consistent positioning and resilience under pressure.
Matching Height and Playstyle
Shorter players (<1.70m) should watch Oftedal or Mørk to see how speed and decision-making can overcome size disadvantages..
Taller players (1.80m+) should look to pivots like Cvijić and Brattset Dale or backcourt shooters like Abbingh, who use size to their advantage.
Average-height players (1.70m–1.80m) can learn from versatile playmakers like Neagu or goalkeepers like Leynaud.
