Handball is a sport that's played on a court either inside or outside. Unlike Racquetball and Tennis, Handball, as it's name implies, is played by using your hand to hit the ball instead of using a racquet.
Once in play, the ball is then hit against a wall. Your opponent must then hit the ball back before it bounces more than one time.
As with any other sport, Handball has its share of injuries. But, you can decrease your chance of injuries and increase your chance of playing safe games by following these safety tips and by wearing the recommended equipment.
Tip 1 - Legal/Illegal Drug Use
Follow the rules of the facility you are playing at and don't play Handball while you are under the influence of illegal drugs. Not only can your loss of clear mental thinking and reflexes cause you to injure yourself, but you can also injure others.
Even if you're playing at a private court, you should avoid illegal drug use. When you are engaging in sports activities, you should take only legal, doctor prescribed drugs.
Tip 2 - Alcohol Use
Alcohol affects your motor skills, as well as your mental clarity. Therefore, you should avoid it too while you are playing Handball.
Tip 3 - Wearing Jewelry
Before you start a game, while you are suiting up, you should remove all jewelry possible. This includes wrist watches, bracelets, earrings, long necklaces, large or protruding rings, and body piercing accessories. Since Handball is an extremely active sport, jewelry can become broken, lost, torn from your body, or it can injure other players.
If you choose to leave any exterior body piercing accessories in place while you play the game, you may use tape to cover them up with. Examples include eyebrow rings, nose jewelry, et cetera.
Tip 4 - Proper Level of Play
Handball is a progressive game. That means that you can start out at the entry level. Then, you can continue to learn and play the sport and advance to more competitive levels.
To ensure that you can have fun and play more safely, you should start out at your own skill level. Don't try to play with the "Big Boys and Girls" until you are ready!
Tip 5 - Rules and Regulations of Handball
Before you step out onto the court, make sure that you know and understand the rules and regulations of Handball. For example, make sure that there is adequate space between you and the next player before you hit the ball. Following these guidelines will help to make your game safer and more fun.
Speaking of safety, you should also wear protective equipment everytime you play Handball. These items include the following:
1. Protective Goggles- These can effectively protect your eyes from injuries.
2. Padded or Unpadded Gloves- Gloves can help to protect your hands - especially your fingers- from bruises and fractures. Some players choose to tape their fingers before they put their gloves on for added protection.
3. Mouth Guard - This piece of equipment is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). You can buy a generic guard or you can have your dentist fit one especially for your mouth.
Just make sure that your mouth guard covers your gums, fits your mouth correctly, and that it is durable. A mouth guard will help protect your mouth, teeth, lips, cheeks, and your jaws.
4. Shoes and Outfit - You should also wear comfortable shoes that offer your feet and ankles ample support. And, your outfit should be comfortable and appropriate for play. Most Handball players wear shorts, or sweat pants, and a short sleeve, or long sleeve shirt.
