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How has handball evolved over time?

Kimberely Lanigan

Oh wow, handball has definitely gone through some changes over the years!

First off, did you know that handball was actually originally played as an outdoor sport on a field? It was only later on that it moved indoors and became the version of the game that we mostly see today.

In terms of the rules, there have been a few updates and tweaks. For example, back in the day, players could only take three steps while holding the ball before they had to pass it or shoot. But now, that's been upped to six steps, which definitely changes the pace of the game. There have also been changes to the penalty rules and how time is kept.

But perhaps the biggest evolution in handball has been in terms of its status as a sport. Back in the day, it was mostly played at schools or local clubs, and didn't get a ton of recognition. But now, it's actually an Olympic sport and has a pretty strong following in Europe especially. There are professional leagues and national teams, and handball players can actually make a decent living playing the game.

Another big shift in handball has been the role of technology. Like, did you know that there are sensors on the goals now that can tell if the ball has fully crossed the line? That's definitely a big change from just relying on the refs to make the call. And there are all sorts of stats and data available now, allowing teams to really analyze their performance and make improvements.

Of course, handball still has its challenges. There are still debates over whether certain moves or tackles should be allowed, and there are still plenty of countries where handball isn't a hugely popular sport. But overall, I'd say that handball has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a casual outdoor game.