How does play start and restart after a goal in handball?
I · Intermediate · Restarts · 3 of 6With a throw-off from the centre of the court, taken within three seconds of the referee's whistle. The team that conceded takes it after a goal, and the defenders need not be back in their own half. That is why teams sprint to the centre to restart before the scorers have reorganised.
How it works
- At the start: the team that wins the coin toss chooses the ball or an end.
- The second half: the teams change ends and the other team throws off.
- After a goal: "play is resumed with a throw-off taken by the team that conceded the goal".
- On the whistle: it is always preceded by a whistle and "must be taken within 3 seconds".
- From the centre line: the thrower has one foot on the line, within about 1.5 metres of the centre, until the ball is released.
- From the throw-off area: where there is a 4-metre circle, the ball and thrower must be completely inside it before the whistle.
- Inside the circle: the thrower may move and may throw while running, but may not bounce the ball or jump.
- Team-mates: may not cross the centre line before the whistle.
- Opponents after a goal: "are allowed to be in both halves of the court".
- Opponents' distance: three metres from a thrower on the centre line, or wholly outside the circle.
- At the start of a half: every player must be in their own half.
- Any direction: the throw-off may go forwards, sideways or backwards.
The glossary has the throw-off, the throw-off area, the fast break, the goal, the half and the referee.
Tricky cases
The scoring team is still in the attacking half when the throw-off is taken. Is that offside?
No. Handball has no offside, and after a goal the opponents may be in either half.
The thrower in the circle bounces the ball once after the whistle. What happens?
A free throw to the other team. Bouncing the ball after the whistle is not allowed in the throw-off area.
A defender stands inside the circle to slow the throw-off down. What is the punishment?
Unsportsmanlike conduct. Defenders must be outside the area and may not touch the ball or an opponent inside it until the throw is taken.
Can a goal be scored straight from a throw-off?
Yes. A goal may be scored directly from any throw.
Why the rule exists
Letting the conceding team restart while opponents are still upfield rewards speed and punishes a team that celebrates. The circle was added to make the fast throw-off simpler: the thrower no longer has to find the line and stand still on it. The rule book tells referees not to be pedantic about it.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| IHF events and senior professional leagues | The throw-off area is compulsory | IHF 1:9, note |
| Other competitions | It is optional, and the centre line is used | IHF 1:9, note; IHF 10:3a |
| Start of a half | All players in their own half | IHF 10:4 |
| After a goal | Opponents may be anywhere | IHF 10:4 |
From the rule book
International Handball Federation, Rules of the Game: Indoor Handball (1 July 2025), Rule 10 and Clarification No. 5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IX. Rules of the Game, a) Indoor Handball (PDF).