Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Recreation And Sports
  4. / Sports
  5. / Handball

by davoomac on May 2nd, 2006

davoomac

Question

Help answer this question below.

What are the origins of handball?

  • Like
  • Report
Share:
Other

Answers. 1 helpful answer below.

  • by Alatea on May 3rd, 2006

    Alatea

    Handball - The Perfect Game

    The origin of handball is shrouded in antiquity and will defy all attempts to specifically identify either a location or a period where it all started. It is safe to say that from the time walls were constructed they were seen as a backdrop for games that involved throwing an object or projecting it by hitting it with a hand.

    One of the theories on the origin of the game claims that it started with the invention of the ball by the Egyptians in Thebes around 2000 BC. There is, however evidence of an object being struck by the hand in drawings found in tombs from an earlier period of the Pharaohs in Egypt.

    In the writings of Homer, the Greek Philosopher, there are references to handball and he credits invention of the game to Princess Anagalla of Sparta. Alexander the Great is thought to have brought the game to Italy where it spread throughout the Roman Empire. This would explain the many forms of handball that exist today.

    Whatever the ancient origins of handball there is ample proof that the modern game as we know it evolved in Ireland. Historical writings and Irish literature over many centuries make reference to it. The first known depiction however did not appear until 1785 in a painting by John Nixon called Castle Blaney. It shows two individuals playing handball against one of the walls of the castle ruins with a third individual, arms crossed in the pose of a spectator or referee.

    The game was played extensively in the small towns and villages of Ireland for hundreds of years with no uniform rules and frequently played for money. In 1886, the Gaelic Athletic Association, the governing body for Irish National Sports laid down the first set of rules for handball

    When the Irish emigrated in large numbers to America, Canada and Australia they took the game with them. The game spread to South and Central America and Japan. The World Handball Council was formed to administer the sport on the International level. The first World Championships were held in New York in 1964 and are now held every three years.

    All versions of the sport evolved from the one-wall game. Over the centuries the game was played outdoors against any available wall and with any available ball. When walls were built specifically for handball, two sidewalls were added to create stability. These walls sloped from the full height of the front wall to the ground. started using the sidewalls and hence the three-wall game evolved. When the sport moved indoors, the walls were raised to the same height and a ceiling was added creating the four-wall game of today.

    Why has handball endured over the centuries? The answer is simple: it is the perfect game. The rules are simple, the equipment is minimal and it is a game for all ages. It requires a high level of fitness, endurance, dexterity, mobility and hand/eye coordination. At its highest level it is the ultimate contest requiring great skill and strategy. Handball exercises the brain and the intellect to an extent that no other sport can lay claim. It is also said to require every muscle in the body to play it well.

    http://www.2006-worlds.ca/ah.asp?sub=2

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading What are the origins of handball?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

ANSWERBAG BUZZ

What is the origin of handball
Handball origin
Origin of handball
Origin of handball report
Origins of handball

Answerbag

a Demand Media company