Beach Handball

Four-a-side sand version of handball — spectacular flying shots earn double points.

👥4 per team🌤outdoor
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What is Beach Handball?

Beach handball is played four-a-side on a 27 × 12 m sand court. Games are decided in two 10-minute sets with a shootout on ties. Creative shots — 360° spins, in-flight passes and dives — earn two points instead of one, driving a spectacular attacking style. It has been contested at the World Beach Games and IHF World Championships since 2004.

Quick facts

Category

Ball Sports

Type

Team sport

Players

4 per team

Where played

outdoor

Country of origin

🇮🇹 Italy

Estimated origin

Late 1980s, Italy (Ponza)

Olympic

No

Popularity

major

Sources & provenance

Last verified 2026-08-24.verified