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Beach handball, which is also called sandball, is a team sport similar to European team handball, but is played on sand instead of a hard court.  Unlike the physicality of team handball, Beach Handball emphasizes flair and creativity.

The sport is played by two teams with four players on each team, rather than seven players per team on the indoor version. Beach Handball is also played on a smaller field, and has a focus on quick, acrobatic plays.

The aim is for the teams to pass and bounce the ball, and then attempt to throw it in the opposing team’s goal. As it is difficult to bounce the ball on the sand, players tend to pass the ball more often. For scoring, when a goalkeeper scores, the team is given 2 points, when the court player scores, it is only 1 point. Players are also awarded two points for stylish goals, such as 360-degree spins or alley-oops.

The game is divided into two sets, and if each team wins a set, a "shootout" determines the winner, which is more akin to penalty shots in other sports.

The overall atmosphere of Beach Handball is more relaxed and informal, reflecting its roots as a beach sport, contrasting with the more structured and intense environment of indoor team handball.

Similar Sports

• (Team) Handball — a sport usually played indoors played between teams of seven players, who pass a ball to throw it into the goal of the other team.
• Beach Handball — a variation of handball played on sand instead of indoors. This sport is sometimes called Sandball.
• Field Handball — the original version of handball played outdoors on a larger field and with more players. It is also known as Outdoor Handball or Grass Handball.
• Czech Handball — a very similar game to Team Handball, played outdoors

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Related Pages

• About Beach Sports
• Complete list of sports
• The Encyclopedia of Sports