Handball
Throw-off, throw-in and free throws in handball
How IHF Rules 10, 11, 13 and 15 restart indoor handball after goals, boundary exits and ordinary infringements, including positioning and distance requirements.
Throw-off starts halves and restarts after goals
A throw-off starts the match and the second half, and after a goal it is taken by the team that conceded. Current IHF rules allow execution from the centre line or from the designated throw-off area where that setup applies. It is preceded by a whistle and must be taken within three seconds.
Throw-in returns the ball from the boundary
A throw-in is awarded when the ball completely crosses a side line, when a defending court player was last to touch it before it crosses that team’s outer goal line, or when the ball touches the ceiling or a fixture above the court. The thrower keeps one foot on the side line; opponents normally stay at least three metres away.
Free throws restart play after many infringements
A free throw is the normal restart for many rule violations that change or interrupt possession. Referees should preserve continuity when the non-offending team can continue. The throw is normally taken without a whistle from the place of the infringement or interruption, but never from inside the throwing team’s own goal area or inside the opponents’ free-throw line.
Common execution rules keep restarts fair
The thrower must be in the prescribed position with the ball before execution. Except for specific exceptions such as the goalkeeper throw and throw-off from the throw-off area, part of one foot stays in contact with the floor until release. After a whistle, the throw must be taken within three seconds; the thrower cannot play the ball again until it touches another player or the goal.