Beach Handball is the outdoor version of the popular Olympic team sport. The rules of beach handball are slightly different to indoor handball. Played four against four, the game is played with a rubber ball, on a smaller sand court with extra points on offer for spectacular goals. The emphasis is on fun and anybody can play this exciting game!

How to play

A coin toss determines the choice of ends. The game begins with a referee throw. After every goal that is scored, the game continues with a goalkeeper throw. During play, the goalkeeper is allowed to play in the playing area along with the rest of the team. Running more than three steps with the ball and double dribbling are illegal.

Scoring

A normal goal: 1 point
A spectacular goal (at the discretion of the referees: 2 points
A goal scored by the goalkeeper: 2 points
A goal scored from a six meter penalty throw: 2 points

Winning a game

The winner of each half is awarded one point. (One point is awarded even if the score result is 10- 0.) If the score is even at the end of a half, the "golden goal" method is applied. (The winner is determined by the next goal.) If the same team wins both halves, the team wins with the score 2-0. If each team wins a half, the result is a tie. The "player versus the goalkeeper" method is applied to determine the winner. (A match is played with one player against the goalkeeper).

Rules of the game

Click here to dowload the IHF Beach Handball Rules.