Handball may be played by 2, 3 or 4 players. It is played outdoors (one-wall and three-wall versions) as well as indoors in a four-wall court. Handball players wear form-fitting gloves, usually made of soft leather.

The purpose of the game is to hit the ball against a wall with either hand in such a way that the opponent or opponents cannot return the ball?that is, drive the ball back against a wall, before it has hit the floor twice. The open palm or the clenched fist may be used in hitting the ball. Server is a awarded a point if the ball is missed by the receiver. If during the volley the server misses a return, the opponent, becomes the server. The achievement of 21 points wins a game. Usually the best of three games wins a match.

Handball should not be confused with the Olympic sport called "Team Handball", although it is very common in international circles to call Team Handball just Handball.