How to calculate points playing Handball

In handball, points are calculated simply: each goal scored is worth one point. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins the game.
How Goals Are Scored and Counted
A goal is awarded when the entire ball completely crosses the goal line between the goalposts, provided that no rule violation has been committed by the thrower or a teammate. The referee must signal for the goal to count.
Goals can be scored from all formal throws, including throw-ins, throw-offs, free throws, and goal throws by the goalie.
Goals do not count if an attacking player enters the goal area (the 6-meter semi-circle line) before releasing the ball for a shot. An exception is if a player jumps from outside the goal area line, shoots the ball in mid-air, and lands inside the area after the ball has left their hand.
Winning the Game
The final score is a simple tally of each team's total goals.
In regular league play, a draw may be recorded if both teams have the same number of goals at the end of the match.
In tournaments or knockout stages where a winner is required, a tie after regulation time leads to periods of overtime. If the score is still tied after overtime, a penalty shootout (7-meter throws) is used to determine the winner.
In group stages of major tournaments like the Olympics, teams earn points for the standings: two points for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. Tiebreakers in the standings are then determined by goal differential and the total number of goals scored.

Here are 10 essential skills for playing handball:
Dribbling: Bouncing the ball with fingertips while moving to maintain possession and create space, keeping your head up.
Passing: Delivering the ball to teammates using chest passes, bounce passes, or overhead passes, requiring accuracy and timing.
Catching/Reception: Securely receiving the ball with both hands, absorbing the impact, notes Scribd and Cranford High School | Home.
Shooting: Throwing the ball powerfully and accurately at the goal, utilizing various techniques like standing, jump, or rolling shots, say Filo and Scribd.
Defense: Blocking opponents, intercepting passes, and applying pressure to prevent scoring opportunities, notes Filo.
Feints/Fakes: Deceiving defenders with body movements to create openings for shots or passes, explains Scribd.
Jumping & Spinning: Executing jump shots and spins (like the "windmill") while airborne to bypass defenders.
Footwork & Movement: Quick changes in direction, steps, and body positioning, crucial for offense and defense, mention BBC.
Decision-Making: Reading the game, knowing when to shoot, pass, or dribble, and understanding set plays, highlights Sport plan.
Goalkeeping/Position Play: Specialized skills for goalies (saves) or pivots (holding the ball near the goal), notes NBC Olympics and European Handball Federation.

Offensive Techniques (Ball Handling & Movement)
Dribbling: Pushing the ball down with one hand, not rotating the wrist like basketball.
Chest Pass: A quick, direct pass to a teammate's chest.
Bounce Pass: Bouncing the ball to a teammate, often used for close-range deception.
Sidearm Pass: A powerful, sweeping pass from the side, useful for longer distances.
Hook Pass: A one-handed pass released with a hook motion, often over a defender.
Overhead Pass (Two-Handed): Throwing from above the head for long distances.
Ground Pass/Roller: Rolling the ball along the ground, good for penetrating defenses.
Hand-off/Close Hand-off: Transferring the ball directly to a teammate's hands.
Catching/Reception: Forming a diamond with thumbs and fingers to secure the ball.
Fakes/Feints: Deceptive movements (shoulder, body) to trick defenders before passing or shooting.

Shooting Techniques (Scoring)
Jump Shot: Jumping into the shot to gain height and power, often from outside the 9m line.
Standing Shot: Shooting from a stationary position, relying on arm strength and technique.
Dive Shot (Fly Shot): Diving towards the goal while shooting to get closer to the goal area.
Side Shot: Shooting from a side angle, often after a step-through.
Lob Shot: Throwing the ball high over the goalkeeper's head.
Kneeling Shot/Sitting Shot: Shooting from a low position, often when falling or close to the ground.
Pistol Shot: A one-handed, powerful shot often used by back players.
Defensive Techniques (Stopping Offense)
Defensive Stance: Low center of gravity, wide arm stance, small quick steps.
Blocking: Using arms and body to obstruct shots and passes.
Angling: Positioning the body to guide attackers away from the goal area.
Advanced Plays/Tactics
Screens/Picks: Setting "picks" to free teammates, similar to basketball.
Counter-Attack: Fast breaks after a defensive stop, using quick passes and dribbles.

Game structure
Adults: Two 30-minute halves (total 60 mins).
Halftime: 10-minute break (or up to 15 mins in major events).
Youth (Ages 12-16): Two 25-minute halves.
Youth (Ages 8-11): Two 20-minute halves.
Overtime (if needed)
A 5-minute break after regulation.
Two 5-minute halves (1-minute break between them).
If still tied, another 5-minute period (two more 5-min halves).
If still tied, a penalty shootout.

Calculating a goal in handball is a straightforward process based on specific rules, rather than a 20-step process. The primary principle is that a goal is awarded when the entire ball passes wholly over the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided no rules were violated by the attacking team. 
Here are the key steps and rules that determine if a goal is scored and counted:
 

Sequence of a Valid Goal:
Possession: An attacking player must be in legal possession of the ball, adhering to rules such as a maximum of three steps with the ball and holding it for no more than three seconds without dribbling.
Positioning: The player must be outside the 6-meter goal area line when shooting, or jump from outside the line and shoot before landing inside the area.
The Throw: The player throws the ball towards the opponent's goal.
Ball Crossing the Line: The entire ball must cross the goal line for a goal to be awarded.
Referee Confirmation: The referee or timekeeper must not have whistled to interrupt the game before the ball fully crosses the line.
Goal Awarded: If the criteria are met, one point is awarded to the scoring team. 
 

Conditions That Invalidate a Goal:
Goal Area Infringement: The goal is disallowed if an attacking player enters the goal area (6-meter line) to gain an advantage, such as shooting from within the area.
Foul: The goal does not count if the player committed a foul (e.g., charging into a defender, pushing, hitting an opponent) during the scoring attempt.
Referee's Whistle: If the referee whistles before the entire ball crosses the line (e.g., for a foul, time-out, or end of play), the goal is void.
Ball Below the Knee (Field Players): Field players are not allowed to touch the ball with their feet or legs below the knee.
Goalkeeper Exception: The only player allowed to use any part of their body to defend the goal within the goal area is the goalkeeper. 
 

After a Goal is Scored:
Throw-Off: The game restarts with a throw-off from the center of the court by the team that did not just score.
Winning Team: The team with the greater number of goals at the end of the match wins. 
Tracking goals involves keeping a simple count of each point scored by the respective teams on a scoreboard or scoresheet.

Scoring Basics
Goal Definition: A goal is scored when the entire ball completely crosses the goal line between the goalposts, provided no rules were violated by the scoring team.
Scoring Area: Goals are typically scored by throwing the ball from outside the 6-meter goal area line. Players may jump into the area to shoot, but the ball must be released before they land.
Winning the Match: A standard match consists of two 30-minute halves. The team that scores more total goals is the winner. If both teams have the same number of goals, a draw is recorded, though some tournaments use penalty shoot-outs to determine a winner in knockout matches.
Tournament Points: In a league or group stage, points are awarded for the match result:
Win: 2 points.
Draw: 1 point.
Loss: 0 points.
Variations in Other Formats
While a standard match uses a simple one-point per goal system, some variations have different scoring rules:
Street Handball/Youth Tournaments: These variations may award different points for specific actions to encourage spectacular play or inclusion.
1 Point: A standard goal.
2 Points: May be awarded for goals scored by a goalkeeper, via a penalty shot, with a "spectacular action" (like an in-flight or pirouette shot), or by a female player in mixed-gender games.
Performance Tracking
Professional leagues like the German Handball Bundesliga (HBL) use an additional, complex system called the Handball Performance Index (HPI) to statistically evaluate individual player performance. This system assigns plus and minus points for nearly every action on the court (goals, assists, saves, technical errors, etc.), but this index is for performance analysis and fantasy leagues, not the official game score.

In conclusion, playing handball is a dynamic sport demanding skill, strategy, and teamwork, offering significant physical (speed, stamina, fitness) and socio-emotional benefits (resilience, cooperation, social inclusion). Mastery comes through developing core techniques, tactical awareness (fast breaks, zone defense), and strong fitness, fostering discipline, communication, and a healthy lifestyle that extends beyond the court, making it a valuable activity for personal growth and community building.
 

Key Takeaways:
Skill & Strategy: Success relies on quick passing, accurate shooting, tactical defense (like the 6-0 zone or pressing), and exploiting fast breaks, requiring high aerobic capacity and agility.
Physical Development: It significantly improves fitness, strength, speed, and resistance, making players well-rounded athletes.
Socio-Emotional Growth: Handball builds teamwork, communication, discipline, and resilience, teaching valuable life lessons about effort and cooperation.
Social Inclusion: It's a great way to meet diverse people and foster cultural integration through shared passion for the sport.
Beyond the Court: The principles learned in handball, such as strategic thinking and perseverance, are transferable to school, work, and personal relationships.