Handball (Offence)
In football (soccer), the offence of a player illegally handling the ball with the hand or arm.
Definition
A handball offence occurs when a player other than the goalkeeper within their own penalty area makes contact with the ball using a hand or arm in a way the Laws prohibit. Modern interpretation focuses on whether the arm was in an unnatural position that made the body unnaturally bigger, and on deliberate handling, so purely accidental contact is not always penalised. The offence is punished with a free kick, or a penalty kick if it occurs inside the penalty area.
The wording has been revised repeatedly, making handball one of the most debated calls in the game, especially since the arrival of video review. It should not be confused with the separate team sport also called handball, nor with Australian rules football and Gaelic football, where a 'handball' or hand pass is a legal, deliberate way of moving the ball to a teammate.
Scope: This entry covers the handling offence in football, not the team sport also named handball.
Meaning by sport
This term is used differently across sports:
- Football
- An illegal handling offence punished by a free kick or penalty kick.
- Australian rules football
- A legal hand pass used to move the ball, not an offence.
- Gaelic football
- A legal hand pass, a permitted method of passing the ball.
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Rules
- Handball offenceA foul in football committed when an outfield player deliberately handles or controls the ball with the hand or arm.
- TravelingA basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.
- Out of boundsThe rule that a ball or player leaving the marked playing area is out of play and possession is decided at the boundary.
- Ball-handling faultsVolleyball faults for catching, carrying or double-contacting the ball rather than cleanly hitting it.
- Throw-inThe method of restarting football when the ball fully crosses a side line, taken by throwing it back into play.
Equipment
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- Football boots (cleats)Studded footwear that grips the pitch for football and other field sports.
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
- Pickleball paddleA solid, flat paddle used to hit the perforated plastic ball in pickleball.
Techniques
- HeaderA technique for controlling or striking the ball with the forehead in football, used to pass, shoot or clear the ball in the air.
- One-Handed BackhandA backhand groundstroke struck with a single hand on the grip, driving through the ball with a full extension of the hitting arm.
- Inside-of-the-Foot PassThe most reliable short pass in football, played with the inside surface of the foot for accuracy over a short to medium distance.
- Volleyball SetAn overhead pass using the fingertips of both hands to place the ball accurately for a teammate to attack.
- Crossover DribbleA basketball dribbling move that switches the ball quickly from one hand to the other to change direction and get past a defender.
Officiating
- Out-of-Bounds CallAn official's ruling that the ball or a player in possession has left the legal playing area, stopping play and handing a restart or possession to the opponent.
- Line JudgeA boundary-line official who calls whether the ball or player is in or out and flags foot faults, working under the head referee across many sports.
- Foul callA foul call is an official's ruling that a player broke a rule of contact or conduct, triggering a penalty such as a free kick, free throw or penalty.
- AdvantageIn many sports, officials let play continue after a foul when stopping would help the offender, so the fouled team keeps the advantage it has gained.
Positions
- GoalkeeperThe goalkeeper is the last line of defence in football and the only player allowed to handle the ball inside their own penalty area.
- Point guardThe point guard is basketball’s primary ball-handler and playmaker, running the offence and setting up teammates to score.
- Centre-backA centre-back is a central defender in football whose main job is to stop opposing attackers and clear the ball from dangerous areas.
- StrikerA striker is the main attacking player in football, positioned furthest forward with the primary job of scoring goals.
- PivotThe pivot is a handball attacker who plays close to the opposition defence, setting screens and looking for chances near the goal area.