Australian handball facts for kids
| Years active | 1847 to present |
|---|---|
| Players | One player vs another, or is in doubles – as in 2 on 2 |
| Setup time | Minimal, if any |
| Random chance | None |
| Skill(s) required | Manual dexterity Social skills Walking Gross motor skill Running |
Australian handball is an exciting sport where players use their hands to hit a ball against walls. It's a bit like squash, but you don't use a racquet. This game has been played for a long time, since 1847!
How to Play Australian Handball
In Australian handball, the main goal is to hit the ball against a wall so your opponent can't hit it back.
Serving the Ball
- To start, a player serves the ball.
- The ball must hit the front wall directly.
- It cannot bounce on the ground before hitting the front wall.
Returning the Ball
- After the serve, the other player must hit the ball back.
- They need to hit it to the front wall.
- The ball must hit the front wall before it bounces on the ground twice.
- Players can use side walls to help their shot.
- But, once a player hits the ball, it must touch the front wall first.
Game Formats
- Australian handball can be played in two ways:
- Singles: One player plays against another player.
- Doubles: Two players team up against another team of two.
- There are different types of courts. Some have 1, 3, or 4 walls.
- In Australia, most courts have three walls. Many of these courts are found in private Catholic Colleges.
Famous Players
Over the years, many talented players have become champions in Australian handball. Some of the well-known names from the first half of the 20th Century include The Legendary Jmaz, Tim Tucker, and George Macris. In the second half of the century, champions like John Hughes, Paul Fallon, Lou Ravesi, Vic DeLuzio, and Geoff Walsh made their mark. These players showed great skill and dedication to the sport.
See also
In Spanish: Handball australiano para niños
