Hand Balls

Hand Balls

Hand balls refer to a violation in various ball games, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and handball, where a player touches the ball with their hand or arm intentionally or unintentionally. In soccer, for instance, a hand ball occurs when a player touches the ball with their hand or arm deliberately, including when the hand or arm is away from the body and makes the player's body bigger. However, if the ball touches the player's hand or arm unintentionally, or if the player's hand or arm is in a natural position, the referee may not award a hand ball. In basketball, a hand ball occurs when a player touches the ball with their hand or arm while it is in play. However, if the ball touches the player's hand or arm while it is in contact with the ground, the referee may not call a hand ball. Similarly, in volleyball, a hand ball occurs when a player touches the ball with their hand or arm, including when the ball hits the hand or arm accidentally. However, if the ball touches the player's hand or arm while it is below the waist, the referee may not call a hand ball. In handball, a hand ball is a legal move, and players can use their hands to handle the ball. However, they must not touch the ball with their feet or any other part of the body, except for the goalkeeper, who can use their feet within the goal area. Overall, hand balls are violations that can result in a free kick, penalty kick, or a change of possession, depending on the game and the severity of the offense.

violation, soccer, basketball, volleyball, handball

— Matthew Williams

CITATION : "Matthew Williams. 'Hand Balls.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/hand-balls?E=313252 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"