What happens when the ball goes out of play in handball?
I · Intermediate · Restarts · 4 of 6It depends on which line and who touched it last. Over the side line, the other team has a throw-in from that spot. Over the outer goal line off a defending court player, the attackers throw in from the corner. Over the outer goal line off the goalkeeper or an attacker, the goalkeeper restarts with a goalkeeper throw.
How it works
- Side line: a throw-in "when the ball has completely crossed the side line", to the opponents of the last player to touch it.
- Off a defender over the end line: a throw-in to the attackers, from where the side line meets the outer goal line.
- Ceiling: a throw-in when the ball touches the ceiling or a fixture above the court.
- How: with a foot on the side line, without a whistle. Opponents stay three metres away.
- Goalkeeper throw, when: the ball crosses the outer goal line last touched by the goalkeeper or an attacker.
- Also when: the goalkeeper controls the ball in the goal area, the ball lies still there or an attacker enters the goal area.
- How: "from the goal area out over the goal area line", without a whistle.
- Taken: when the ball has completely crossed the goal-area line.
- Opponents: may stand immediately outside the line but may not touch the ball until it has crossed.
- Rolling ball: a ball rolling in the goal area is still in play, but only the goalkeeper may touch it.
- A goal from either: a goal may be scored directly from a throw-in or a goalkeeper throw.
The glossary has the throw-in, the goalkeeper throw, the goal line and outer goal line entry, the goalkeeper, the goal area and the save.
Tricky cases
The goalkeeper tips a shot over the end line. Do the attackers get a corner?
No. The goalkeeper's team has a goalkeeper throw.
A defender in the wall blocks a shot and it goes over the end line. Whose ball?
The attackers', with a throw-in from the corner on that side.
A high pass hits the roof of the hall. What happens?
A throw-in to the other team, from the nearest point on the nearest side line.
An attacker picks up a ball that is rolling inside the goal area. What is the decision?
A goalkeeper throw. An opponent may not touch a ball rolling on the floor in the goal area.
Why the rule exists
The one unusual rule here protects goalkeepers: a save that goes behind is not punished with a corner. If it were, every good save would hand the attackers the ball in a dangerous place. A block by a court player does give the ball back, so defenders cannot knock everything behind for free.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Throw-in | One foot on the side line | IHF 11:4 |
| Goalkeeper throw | No fixed spot, and no foot rule | IHF 12:2; IHF 15:1 |
| A team with no goalkeeper on court | Must bring one on to take the goalkeeper throw | IHF 12:2 |
| Both | No whistle needed unless there has been a delay or a time-out | IHF 15:5 |
From the rule book
International Handball Federation, Rules of the Game: Indoor Handball (1 July 2025), Rules 6:4, 6:5, 11 and 12. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IX. Rules of the Game, a) Indoor Handball (PDF).