Last half term, year 4 learnt how to play handball in their games lessons. While braving the cold and wet, they enjoyed learning the skills and rules of the game. By the end of the six weeks, small teams were able to play against each other very successfully and the children thoroughly enjoyed the game.

However, handball is not the most commonly known sport around and therefore many adults and children do not understand the game and what it involves. So here is a quick, brief outline.

Handball is a fascinating game played throughout five continents, by over 180 countries and 19 million people of all ages. Combining speed, strength, stamina, agility, technical precision, skill and teamwork, handball has become one of the fastest-paced and exciting Olympic sports.

The objective of the game is to throw the ball into the opponent's goal. Defenders may use their body to make contact with attackers to prevent them from having a clear shot at goal. Attackers attempt to break through the defence or shoot over the top of them to score a goal. Two teams compete with 6 court players and 1 goalkeeper playing per team. Each goal counts as 1 point and games regularly finish with teams having scored over 20 points.

Make a point of watching out for the game of handball in this year’s Olympics and perhaps spend some quality family time together watching it. Happy watching!