Handball is played with seven players per side. The goalkeeper defends the goal (the only player allowed in the goal area). The two wings play wide and are fast, agile finishers from tight angles. The two backs (left and right) are tall, powerful long-range shooters. The centre back is the playmaker — handball’s equivalent of a quarterback, organising the attack. The pivot (line player) operates among the defenders near the goal area, screening and finishing close-range chances. Each position has distinct physical and technical demands.
Key points
- Goalkeeper, 2 wings, 2 backs, centre back, pivot
- Wings: fast, agile, angled shooting
- Backs: tall, powerful long-range shooters
- Centre back: playmaker; pivot: physical line player