🤾 The Birth of Handball
Handball was created in the early 20th century as a winter alternative to football. In Denmark in 1906, physical education teacher Holger Nielsen created the first rules for the game "håndbold". Around the same time, the game also developed in Germany, where it was called "Torball".
Initially handball was played 11×11 on a football pitch (field handball). The 7×7 indoor variant became dominant in the mid-20th century. At the 1972 Munich Olympics, indoor handball became an Olympic sport (men's), and in 1976 — also women's.
📋 Handball Rules and the Essence of the Game
Handball — a fast, dynamic game in which 7-player teams (6 court players + goalkeeper) try to throw the ball into the opponents' goal. Players may take up to 3 steps with the ball and hold it for up to 3 seconds. A match lasts 2×30 minutes.
- Court: 40×20 m, goal: 3×2 m
- 7-metre penalty — awarded for a foul on an opponent who had a clear goal-scoring opportunity
- The goalkeeper is the only one who may touch the ball with their foot (in the goal area)
- The game is extremely fast — an average of 25-35 goals are scored per match
- A contact sport — body contact is allowed against an opponent with the ball
🌍 International Handball
Denmark
The absolute superpower of modern handball. The men's national team — 3 Olympic golds, 3 world champion titles.
France
6 world champion titles — dominated from 1995-2017. Renowned for tactical versatility.
Norway
The women's national team — dominates women's handball: 4 Olympic golds, 4 world champion titles.
Spain
2 world champion titles. One of the most consistent teams in international handball.
🏆 Handball Competition System
| Tournament | Frequency | First tournament | Most titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Games | Every 4 years (Summer) | 1972 (men), 1976 (women) | Denmark, France (men) / Denmark (women) |
| World Championship | Every 2 years | 1938 (men), 1957 (women) | France (6, men) / Norway, Russia (4, women) |
| European Championship | Every 2 years | 1994 m. | Sweden (5, men) / Norway (9, women) |
| EHF Champions League | Annually (for clubs) | 1956 m. | FC Barcelona (11) |
🇱🇹 Lithuanian Handball
Handball began to be played in Lithuania in the mid-20th century. During the Soviet occupation, Lithuanians successfully competed in USSR championships. After the restoration of Independence, Lithuanian national teams participate in European and World Championship qualifiers. The most famous Lithuanian handball players played in European clubs: in Germany, Spain, Denmark.
Currently, the Lithuanian Handball League is actively developing. The strongest clubs: "Dragūnas" (Klaipėda), "Granitas" (Kaunas), VHC "Šviesa" (Vilnius). Youth handball schools operate in major Lithuanian cities.
🥗 Athlete Nutrition and Historical Diet
The history of sport is inseparable from the evolution of nutrition. Every sport has its own nutritional traditions and requirements. Athletes in all eras have sought ways to improve their performance through food.
- Protein — for muscle repair and growth. For athletes, 1,6-2,2 g/kg of body weight per day is recommended
- Carbohydrates — the main energy source for intense training
- Healthy fats — for hormone production and reducing inflammation
- Vitamins and minerals — micronutrients essential for optimal body functioning
- Hydration — even 2% dehydration can reduce athletic performance