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History of Handball
History of Handball
The first record of a version of handball being played is from 2000 BCE in Egypt. However, modern day handball didn't begin until the mid to late 1800's in Ireland. Irish immigrants brought the game to the United States where it soared in popularity. Many other sports such as squash and racquetball were based off of handball.
Today, there are over 1,200 4-wall handball courts spread throughout the country, a pro tour with matches streamed on ESPN, and over 1,600 entrants in the latest 4-wall World Championships held in 2024.
In the Collegiate ranks, the game is growing with over 220 players playing in the 2024 Collegiate National Championships representing schools from all over the country from Portland, OR to New York City to Austin, TX and even Ireland!
Players cheer enthusiastically at the 2024 Collegiate National Championships
How to Play
How to Play
The rules are simple! If you are familiar with racquetball, it could be thought of as racquetball with your hands instead of the racquet. Here's the basics:
The goal is to hit the ball with your hand so that it reaches the front wall on the fly before bouncing on the floor twice.
If the ball bounces on the floor twice before you hit it or the ball doesn't hit the front wall on the fly, you lose the rally.
There are three main variations of handball: 4-wall, 3-wall, and 1-wall (check out the videos below). At UWM, almost all practices and tournaments will be 4-wall, but occasionally 3-wall and 1-wall are played too (mostly in the summer).
Matches can be played singles or doubles.
Sounds simple, but as soon as you step in the court, you'll realize there is a lot to learn. Think you've got what it takes? Give it a try and join a practice or class today!
4-WALL
4-WALL
3-WALL
3-WALL
1-WALL
1-WALL
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