Playing Offense

Shooting:

Players may not be able to stand in the goal area, but they can soar over it, as long as they throw the ball before they land. So, you'll see jump shots, in which players run up to the wall of defenders at the six-metre line and leap above them for a clear shot at the goal.

Still more spectacular is the wing shot, in which the shooter lunges through the air, twisting into a nearly horizontal position and not releasing the ball until he or she has feinted the goalkeeper once or twice and is about to hit the ground. As it's name suggests, this shot is almost always taken from the wing position.

However, neither the jump shot nor the fall-away is as powerful as the stem shot, which can be made while standing still or on the run. Backcourt players often use this shot, trying to surprise the goalkeeper or simply if an attacker has a clear lane to the goal.

The highest-percentage shot of all - the penalty throw is awarded when a player is fouled. Penalty shots are taken from the seven-metre line with no one but the goalkeeper standing between them and the goal.

Scoring:

Only one point is awarded per goal but team handball is still a high-scoring game, with scores like 27-24 common, offering spectators ample opportunity for cheering. To further ensure exciting offence, rules are in place to keep the ball moving; players can only hold the ball for three seconds, and the referee can call passive play if he or she decides the offense isn't trying hard enough to score.

Crisp, creative ball movement, and good old-fashioned teamwork is paramount to setting up scoring opportunities in team handball. Since no players are allowed inside the six-metre crease that outlines the goal area, the offensive team works the ball quickly around the perimeter to find the best scoring opportunity.