Get Into the Game with Handball Equipment
With roots tracing back to ancient Greece, the sport of handball can be great exercise and a fun social experience. Traditionally most popular throughout Europe, it has gained a worldwide following since being reintroduced into the Olympics in 1972. While it is a fairly easy sport to take up, most regular players will require some handball equipment to actively participate.
Boots and balls
The first piece of handball equipment a player may require is handball shoes. These are a special type of sports shoe that are specifically designed to suit the speed and style of play. Generally speaking, these shoes are very lightweight and made from materials that breathe well.
One thing to be aware of when choosing handball shoes is the width. Most manufacturers of handball shoes only produce one standard width (D for men, B for women) for each size. As such, if your foot is wider or flatter than average, you may need to go up a size. Alternatively, other types of sport shoes (e.g. badminton shoes) may be appropriate.
You should also consider the type of handball you will be playing. While the sport is generally played on indoor courts, some competitions also use outdoor courts. As these are quite different surfaces, different types of shoes may be required.
Obviously, the ball is also an important bit of handball gear. To make play easier, the weight and size of the ball is matched to the age and experience of those playing. As such, it is important to make sure you get the right sized ball for people that will be using it.
Pads, braces, and other handball equipment
Due to the physical nature of handball, some protective equipment may be required. Elbow and knee pads can be particularly useful in preventing injuries when diving. Some players also like to use compression sleeves and socks to encourage blood flow and speed up recovery.
If you have an injury, or are worried about a particular joint, you may also require additional support and protection.