What is a high ball in goalball?
I · Intermediate · Penalties · 1 of 6Every throw must touch the floor in the right places. A high ball penalty is given if it does not land by the front of the thrower's own team area, a long ball if it misses the neutral area, and a short ball if it stops before the defenders' area. Each brings a penalty throw.
How it works
- High ball: must land by 6 m out.
- High ball line: part of the team area.
- Long ball: must touch the neutral area.
- Short ball: stops before the team area.
- Penalty: a personal penalty throw.
- Thrower: the one penalised.
- Defender: the thrower defends alone.
- Goal scored anyway: does not count.
The glossary has the high ball, the long ball, the short ball, the throw (goalball), the act of throwing and the penalty throw.
Tricky cases
The ball first lands on the high ball line. Legal?
Yes. The line is part of the team area.
A thrower's ball bounces once in the team area and flies over the neutral area. Penalty?
Long ball.
A slow ball stops in the neutral area. Penalty?
Short ball.
Who defends the penalty throw?
The player who committed it.
Why the rule exists
Throws must roll or bounce so defenders can hear them. Lobs would be silent until they land.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| High ball | Land by 6 m | 24 |
| Long ball | Touch neutral area | 25 |
| Short ball | Reach team area | 23 |
From the rule book
IBSA, Goalball Rules and Regulations 2025 (effective 1 January 2025), rules 23 to 25. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBSA Goalball Rules and Regulations 2025.