Handball in Nigeria

Handball in Nigeria

One of Nigeria’s fastest-growing sports

The game of handball is one of the fastest growing sports in Nigeria, and just like other popular sports like basketball and soccer, the federation which coordinates the game in Nigeria is working towards making it one of the competitive sports in the country.

Handball Game which is also known as Team Handball or European Handball is a team sport in which two teams of seven players each (six court players and a goalkeeper) try to score goals by throwing or hitting a large ball with their hand with the aim of throwing it into the goal of the other team.

Handball game is played in two periods of 30 minutes, of which the team that scores the highest goal wins the game. Handball game is basically played indoors but there are other versions such as field handball, Czech handball and beach handball which can be played outdoors too although they are not very common.

The Handball Federation of Nigeria organizes training camps for athletes who are involved in handball so as to increase the commitment and passion of the sport. It is a game with lots of action and allows controlled body contact, but pushing, holding and hitting are not allowed because they are considered dangerous. Illegal contact causes offensive and defensive fouls, caused by either the attacking or the defending player.

The game was first played in Scandinavia and Germany at the end of 19th century and is most popular in European countries.

Benefits of handball

Handball game has a lot of benefits which include health and fitness benefit which are the following:

Handball game enhances the full body workout thereby increasing the body flexibility.

Handball game strengthens the arm muscle and other parts of the body, especially the chest area.

Handball game constitutes to healthy living through the cardiovascular workout which increases the heart rate and aerobic movement.

It keeps one fresh and refreshing all day long as it is continually being practised.

Handball game helps to burn up calories and fat in the body.

It helps to keep one focus and directed.

It keeps one coordinated especially hand and eye coordination when trying to figure out where the ball will end as timing and technique is required.

It aids in mental focus and helps to improve self-confidence. For one to play the game, he/she has to, first of all, have a mental focus on the right game strategy and also not to play under pressure by building up self-confidence.

Handball can be enjoyed for many years. The most common injuries are muscle strains in the shoulder and elbow and back pain, most of which can be prevented through proper conditioning and healthcare programs.

It keeps one in good shape and always active. The jumping, turning and slamming skills being exhibited, keep the body active throughout the game.

Handball game is a fun and exciting sport which comprises of much interesting benefit both physically and mentally.

Explore more on SitesNG

• Contact Nigerian Handball
• History of Handball in Nigeria
• Nigeria National Handball Teams
• All sports in Nigeria
• Nigerian athletes
• Nigerian sports statistics