Team handball should not be confused with the game of handball that is played with two players, four walls, and one rubber ball. Special Olympics offers a variety of team handball events for athletes with cognitive disabilities, including full team competition and individual skill competitions. There are two goals about half the size of soccer goals. A goal zone, similar to the three-point circle in basketball, is off limits to all players but the goalie. Rules Athletes who are deaf use the rules established by the International Team Handball Governing body.
Team handball is played with seven players per side, six court players, and one goalkeeper.
A maximum of 12 players may participate per side with unlimited substitutions. Two referees officiate. The clock runs with no time-outs except for injury. Play begins with a throw in at mid-court, which is repeated after every score. Players may dribble the ball as in basketball but are allowed three steps before and after the dribble.