The History Of Handball: How Was It Invented And Where Did It All Start?

man in red and white nike tank top and white shorts

Exploring the History of Handball

It’s a sport that combines elements of soccer, basketball and netball. It’s played in more than 150 countries around the world by millions of people. But when was handball invented?

The Early Origins Of Handball

Though exact records are hard to come by, some experts believe the game dates back as far as medieval times. Evidence from paintings found in Scotland suggests that an early form of handball may have been played there during the 15th century. It is thought that this version used two goals on opposite sides with players passing and catching balls made out of animal skins or leather.

During 19th century Germany, another version called ‘flore’ became popular among students at universities across Europe – and it later spread to other parts of the continent too. This game was similar to modern-day handball but did not involve any team formation or tactics; instead, it focused solely on ball skills such as passing, shooting, and dribbling.

Modern Day Handball

In 1906, field handballs were officially introduced into German sports clubs for men and women alike – but it wasn’t until 1925 that Max Heiser put together formal set rules for modern-day teams at a meeting in Berlin which established The International Amateur Hand Ball Federation (IAHF). Since then, there have been many changes to the way games are played, including court sizes and team formations – but one thing has remained constant: its popularity amongst athletes worldwide!

Conclusion

Handball is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports throughout Europe – with fans being found all over the world today! Though its exact origins remain unclear, evidence suggests it has been around since medieval times, while modern day rules were formally established in 1925 at The IAHF meeting held in Berlin. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, why not try this exciting sport?