Beach Handball

Explore Activity Types

After exploring this page below, and discovering all about the activity, and deciding that you wish to learn more, progress as a Trailblazor by exploring the Activity types to decide which one interests you.
On Activity Type Pages, you will have the opportunity to attempt Simply Grow Missions to develop your skills, and decide if you wish to challenge yourself with Simply Inspire Missions to progress as an Activity Ambassador.

Beach Handball

Indoor Handball

Mini Handball

Wheelchair Handball

Love the game, but interested in investigating other pathways, opportunities or ways of getting involved. Keep exploring...

Simply Snapfacts

Why do beach handball players spin before shooting?
Spin shots can score extra points because of their difficulty and style.
Beach Handball
0
Why are handball matches often extremely high scoring?
Fast attacks and close-range shooting create constant goal-scoring opportunities.
Indoor Handball
0
Why is mini handball played with smaller balls?
Smaller balls help children grip and throw correctly while learning the sport.
Mini Handball
0
Why does wheelchair handball require rapid passing?
Fast ball movement helps players create space before defenders can reposition.
Wheelchair Handball
0

Competitive Formats

Rugby is a diverse and inclusive sport that, the aim is to advance the ball forward, to score a try. Whether you enjoy fast-paced running games, physical challenges, strategic teamwork or adaptive formats, there is a version of rugby to suit different interests, abilities and goals. Each format has its own rules, number of players, playing environment, playing time and, in many cases, its own governing body or competition structure. While every version is unique, all share rugby’s core values of respect, teamwork, confidence and belonging.

Non-Contact Rugby

Non-contact rugby includes formats where tackling is replaced by touches, tags or other methods of stopping play, making the game more accessible while still retaining many of rugby’s core skills and principles. It focuses on passing, movement, teamwork, decision-making and spatial awareness, often with fewer stoppages and a faster flow of play. Each format has its own rules, number of players, playing time, pace and governing body. Non-contact rugby can also be adapted to support players of different ages, abilities and needs, and always searching for new ways that more people can enjoy and participate in the game.

  • Touch Rugby
  • Tag Rugby
  • T1 Rugby

Contact Rugby

Contact rugby includes formats where touches or tags are replaced with unique elements like scrums, rucks, mauls and line-outs. These elements of the game are introduced after game is stopped by penalty or tackling and physical contact that form part of the game.  Games can  differ significantly in rules, number of players, playing time, pace, playing environment and governing bodies. Many formats can too feature unique elements such as kicking contests and set pieces, while adaptive formats may modify or replace some of these aspects and can be either contact or non-contact depending on the version being played. Each offers its own challenges, requiring skill, teamwork, determination and resilience.

  • Rugby Union
  • Wheelchair Rugby
  • Rugby League
  • Beach Rugby
  • Rugby Sevens

Inclusive Rugby

Rugby has continued to develop new formats to engage all individuals, irrespective of ability, experience or circumstances to participate, challenge themselves and enjoy being part of the game. Every individual is encouraged to contribute, support others and recognise the unique strengths that each person brings to the team. By working together, players learn how different skills, perspectives and abilities can unite to achieve a common goal. The games can take on one or a combination of rugby disciplines, based on participants and programme. Whether participating recreationally or competitively, inclusive rugby demonstrates that success is defined by resilience, character, commitment and the willingness to work alongside others. It reflects the spirit of rugby at its best, where everyone has a role to play, every contribution is valued and teams become stronger through collaboration, trust and mutual respect.

  • Mixed ability Rugby
  • Visually Impaired Rugby
  • Walking Rugby

Core Skills

Click to Explore other Activities that build these core skills.

Competitive Pathways

Competitive pathways provide a general guide to some of the adventures and opportunities that may be available as you grow, develop and gain experience. They are designed to show what is possible, not define your pathway.

We all have different goals, and those goals can change over time. You may want to have fun, learn new skills, make friends, stay active, compete, or simply try something new. Different activity formats, countries and governing bodies may offer different pathways and experiences.

Explore the possibilities, discover what you enjoy, and choose the pathway that best supports your own Simply Story.

July 5
tag rugby 6
Early Years Foundation

Discover movement, play, coordination and basic skills through fun, age-appropriate activities.

February 2
tag rugby 9
Mini's

Learn the fundamentals, develop confidence and begin playing in simple games and team environments.

January 31
Juniors

Build skills, understanding and experience through regular training, competition and personal development.

January 31
Regional

Represent a wider area, competing against stronger opposition and demonstrating advanced ability and commitment.

January 31
National

Compete or represent at a national level, performing among the highest standard of players in the country.

January 31
Olympics / ParaOlympics

Compete on the world stage, representing your country at elite international competitions, Olympic or Paralympic events.

Search for a Local Club

Simply FACT

Simply History

1871

Rugby Union
Rugby Union was formally organised in 1871 when the Rugby Football Union was founded in England to standardise the rules.

1883

Rugby Sevens
Rugby Sevens was created in Melrose, Scotland, in 1883 by Ned Haig and David Sanderson as a fundraising tournament.

1895

Rugby League
Rugby League was created in 1895 when northern English clubs split from Rugby Union over payments for players who missed work.

1960

Touch Rugby
Touch Rugby developed strongly in Australia in the 1960s and 1970s as a non-contact rugby-style sport.

1977

Wheelchair Rugby
Wheelchair Rugby was originally called Murderball when it was created in Canada in 1977 by athletes with quadriplegia.

2000's

Tag Rugby
Tag Rugby became widely used in schools in the late 20th century as a non-contact way to teach passing, movement and teamwork.

2023

T1 Rugby
T1 Rugby was launched by World Rugby in 2023 as a new non-contact version of rugby designed to make the sport faster, safer, and more accessible for players of all ages and abilities.

Simply Scorecards

Try

Wheelchair Handball
Beach Handball
Indoor Handball
Mini Handball

Conversion

Wheelchair Handball
Beach Handball
Indoor Handball
Mini Handball

Drop Kick

Wheelchair Handball
Beach Handball
Indoor Handball
Mini Handball

Penalty

Wheelchair Handball
Beach Handball
Indoor Handball
Mini Handball

Simply Comparisons

Starting Age

Wheelchair Handball
7+ Years
Beach Handball
7+ Years
Indoor Handball
7+ Years
Mini Handball
7+ Years

Players

Wheelchair Handball
6 per team
Beach Handball
4 per team
Indoor Handball
7 per team
Mini Handball
Small teams; varies by age

Length of Play

Wheelchair Handball
40–60 minutes
Beach Handball
20 minutes
Indoor Handball
60 minutes
Mini Handball
20–40 minutes

What is it all about?

Wheelchair Handball
An adapted version where wheelchair players pass, block and shoot using teamwork and tactics.
Beach Handball
Handball played on sand, with quick attacks, spins and creative scoring chances.
Indoor Handball
Two teams pass, dribble and throw the ball into goals on an indoor court.
Mini Handball
A child-friendly version with smaller courts, softer balls and simpler rules.

Olympic Status

Wheelchair Handball
Non-Olympic
Beach Handball
Non-Olympic
Indoor Handball
Summer Olympics, 1936
Mini Handball
Non-Olympic

Player Positions

Wheelchair Handball
Player, Goalkeeper, Wing, Pivot, Backcourt Player, Captain, Coach, Referee
Beach Handball
Player, Goalkeeper, Wing, Pivot, Backcourt Player, Captain, Coach, Referee
Indoor Handball
Player, Goalkeeper, Wing, Pivot, Backcourt Player, Captain, Coach, Referee
Mini Handball
Player, Goalkeeper, Wing, Pivot, Backcourt Player, Captain, Coach, Referee

Simply Try

Let the Journey Begin

The Discovery Missions are designed to introduce the sport, in a fun and inclusive way.

  1. Read the Discovery Mission and learn what you’ll be doing.
  2. Discover what you’ll learn and the skills you’ll develop.
  3. Complete the Mission and have fun!
  4. If you wish to, Record and reflect on your experience by writing in your Personal Journal.
  5. Earn an Adventurer Badge for each completed Discovery Mission.
  6. Unlock your Adventurer Certificate when you have successfully completed 3 of your chosen Discovery Missions.

Browse Equipment

Browse Pre-Loved

Pre-loved shopping is a smart and sustainable way to find quality items at great value. From sports equipment and books to games, hobbies and everyday essentials, many pre-loved items have been carefully looked after and are ready for their next adventure. Browse trusted brands, discover hidden gems and find products that have already stood the test of time.

Browse New

Spending money is an important decision, so it’s worth exploring your options before you buy. Browse a variety of stores to compare products, prices and services, helping you find the right item at the right value. Whether you’re looking for sports equipment, books, games or hobby supplies, take the time to shop around and make an informed choice.

Simply Tip: Create a wishlist for birthdays, save or earn pocket money by doing chores.

Test your friends & family's knowledge by flipping Simply Snapfacts
Inspire-Me Galleries Challenge-Me Galleries |

Where did netball develop from basketball?
Netball developed from early women's basketball rules in England and other Commonwealth countries in the late 1800s.
Beach Netball
0
Where was modern badminton developed?
Modern badminton was developed in England in the 1870s from a game called Poona that British officers had played in India.
Para Badminton
0

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