Event Dates: Saturday July 28 – Sunday August 12
Medal Events: 2
Athletes: 336 (168 men / 168 women)
Geeks on Sports previewer Tim Blacksmith here today to tell you all about Handball, it’s like soccer, except you use your hands. Wait…what?
Handball is a mix between Water Polo (insert link) and indoor soccer. I know, you’re thinking…what the hell? Yeah, it’s kinda strange, but I’ll break it down for you.
Each team has seven players including a goal keeper. Players can only maintain possession of the ball for a limited amount of time and can only take a limited amount of steps whilst possessing the ball before dribbling. There is a large area around the goal which offensive players are not allowed to enter and points are scored by throwing the ball past the goalie.
How does this equate to water polo and indoor soccer? Well, the field is very similar to indoor soccer and the rules surrounding possession and how goals are scored is akin to water polo.
This is a high energy, fast and furious sport riddled with contact as players jostle for position and an opportunity to burst forward and rifle a shot at the goal.
With amazing and acrobatic saves often involved there’s regularly something to cheer about. That’s not to discount some fantastic goals occur as well. The sport is a pretty enjoyable amalgamation of flash and skill rules mostly by European and Asian countries. The United States has no presence in this sport, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tune in.
To see where to watch this or your other favorite sports, check out NBC’s coverage in your local area.
I hope you have enjoyed this preview of the 2012 London Olympics Handball event. Continue to check 8DaysAGeek for more previews of Olympic events.
This is Geeks on Sports previewer Tim Blacksmith signing off.