Beach Handball is a form of team handball where two teams pass and bounce a rubber ball with the intention of throwing it in the opposing team's goal. The game is similar to team handball, but is played on sand instead of an indoor floor.

Beach handball is the sport of choice for vacationing handball enthusiasts. Played on sand, teams of 7 players attempt to score goals by advancing the ball up a rectangular court. The ball can only be moved by dribbling and passing to teammates. Goals are scored by shooting the ball past a designated goalkeeper. The team with the most goals at the end of the game is the winner. The first team to win two games wins the match.

Score more goals than the opposing team by dribbling and passing a ball up a rectangular sand court, and shooting it past a goalkeeper.

Team handball is played on rectangular sand courts, with a goal at each end. Court size varies dependent on type of league and amount of space. Teams consist of 7 players on the court, with up to 7 substitutes on the bench. Matches consist of three games, with two 30-minute periods and a 10-minute half time. The first team to win 2 games wins the match. Players can advance the ball with any part of their bodies that lie above the knee. Upon receiving possession of the ball, players can remain stationary for three seconds or take three steps. They must then either shoot, pass or dribble. Goalkeepers can move freely within the goal perimeter, but cannot cross the goal perimeter line while carrying or dribbling the ball. Special throws are awarded after scored goals, off-court balls, turnovers, timeouts, etc. Penalties are called for fouls that require more punishment. These include reaching, holding, pushing, hitting or tripping. Penalties can result in suspensions and/or ejections.

Forms of team handball were first played in ancient Greece and Rome. These informal games were passed along through tradition, until the end of the 19th century, when the first set of rules was written. These rules were updated in 1919, and were used in the first international games. In 1946 the International Handball Federation was established to serve as the sport's governing body. Beach handball was first played on beaches in Spain, Portugal and France in the 1970's. Due to the easy set-up of the game and desirable playing location, the sport quickly grew in popularity. Today, professional and amateur leagues exist in many countries across Western Europe.

Ball
Goals

Injury to the legs and knees can occur due to the court's sand surface. These can be minimized by properly stretching all leg muscles and joints prior to competing.

Players must possess strong legs to compete on sand. Running drills, mild weight training and aerobic exercise can help to develop key muscles and joints.

Falling Shot - a throw made while in a falling motion

Throw-In - given to the team that didn't touch the ball last when the ball goes out of bounds

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_handball