Handball Glossary Back line A line across the end of the court, but not including the goal line; also called the "outer goal line". Centre back A player centred largely around midcourt who directs the offence and shoots or tries to penetrate the defence; also called a "playmaker". Centre line A line across the court dividing it into two halves. Corner throw An offensive player's throw from a corner at the offensive end of the court, restarting play after the ball went over the back line when a defender other than the goalkeeper touched it. Court The playing area for handball. Court player Any player on the court except a goalkeeper; also known as a "field player". Dribble To move the ball by bouncing it on the floor. Exclusion When a player is ejected from the game with no replacement allowed. Field player Any player on the court except a goalkeeper; also known as a "court player". Four-metre line A line four metres in front of a goal that marks the limit of where a goalkeeper may advance to defend against a penalty throw; also known as the "goalkeeper's restraining line". Free throw A fresh start to offensive play without interference from the defence, awarded for a minor offence by the opponent. Free-throw line An arcing dotted line extending nine metres from the goal, marking where an attacking team resumes play after being fouled inside the line; also called the "nine-metre line". Goal area The D-shaped area extending six metres from the goal and occupied only by the goalkeeper. Goal area line An arcing line that defines the goal area; also called the "six-metre line". Goal line The line the ball must cross to score a goal. Goal throw A throw-in from a goalkeeper to a team-mate, restarting play after the goalkeeper or the opposition last touched the ball before it passed over the back line. Goalkeeper The player in charge of defending the goal. Goalkeeper's restraining line A line four metres in front of a goal that marks the limit of where a goalkeeper may advance to defend against a penalty throw; also known as the "four-metre line". Harpaston An ancient Roman team sport believed to be a forerunner to handball, in which players threw a small ball to team-mates while trying to avoid opposing players. Jump shot A shot attempted while leaping. Line player An offensive player who plays largely around the six-metre line; also called a "pivot". Nine-metre line An arcing dotted line extending nine metres from the goal, marking where an attacking team resumes play after being fouled inside the line; also called the "free-throw line". Outer goal line A line across the end of the court, but not including the goal line; also called the "back line". Penalty line A one-metre line seven metres in front of the goal where penalty throws are attempted; also called the "seven-metre line". Penalty shoot-out A tie-breaking system where, after a tie game, players on each team try to score against the opposing goalkeeper from the penalty line to determine a winner. Penalty throw A seven-metre shot at goal defended only by the goalkeeper and awarded for a serious offence or because the defence illegally spoiled a clear chance to score a goal; also called a "seven-metre throw". Pivot An offensive player who plays largely around the six-metre line; also called a "line player". Playmaker A player centred largely around midcourt who directs the offence and shoots or tries to penetrate the defence; also called a "centre back". Red card A card signifying a referee has ejected a player from the game. Referee throw Similar to a jump ball in basketball, a throw into the air by the referee so a player on each team can jump and try to control the ball. Running shot A shot attempted while running. Seven-metre line A one-metre line seven metres in front of the goal where penalty throws are attempted; also called the "penalty line". Seven-metre throw A seven-metre shot at goal defended only by the goalkeeper and awarded for a serious offence or because the defence illegally spoiled a clear chance to score a goal; also called a "penalty throw". Shooter A player, usually tall and a good jumper, who shoots from the backcourt. Sideline A boundary line marking a side of the court. Six-metre line An arcing line that defines the goal area; also called the "goal area line". Throw-in A throw from the side of the court to restart play after the ball has gone over the sidelines. Throw-off A throw from the centre line to a team-mate at least three metres away and behind the line, used to restart play. Two-minute suspension The penalty for a second warning from the referee or for any severe foul or unsportsmanlike behaviour. Wing A player who plays largely along the side of the court. Yellow card A card signifying the referee has warned a player about an infraction. © 1996-2000 SOCOG and IBM. All rights reserved.