What is "handball" in football?

What is "handball" in football?

• A. When the ball accidentally touches a player's hand
• B. When a player deliberately handles the ball with their hand or arm
• C. When a player uses their shoulder to play the ball
• D. When the ball goes out of play off a player's arm

Answer: (B)

Handball in football refers specifically to the act of a player deliberately handling the ball with their hand or arm. This infraction is considered a foul and can lead to a free kick or penalty kick being awarded to the opposing team, depending on the location of the incident. The Laws of the Game define this as a deliberate action, where the player intentionally moves their hand or arm to make contact with the ball. While an accidental touch of the ball by a player's hand can sometimes result in a stoppage of play, it is not classified as handball unless there is intention behind the action. Consequently, the idea that simply touching the ball with the hand or arm—whether intentional or not—could be classified as handball is incorrect in the context of this rule. This distinction is crucial for understanding how fouls are judged in a match and what constitutes illegal play regarding hand contact.

Handball in football refers specifically to the act of a player deliberately handling the ball with their hand or arm. This infraction is considered a foul and can lead to a free kick or penalty kick being awarded to the opposing team, depending on the location of the incident. The Laws of the Game define this as a deliberate action, where the player intentionally moves their hand or arm to make contact with the ball.

While an accidental touch of the ball by a player's hand can sometimes result in a stoppage of play, it is not classified as handball unless there is intention behind the action. Consequently, the idea that simply touching the ball with the hand or arm—whether intentional or not—could be classified as handball is incorrect in the context of this rule. This distinction is crucial for understanding how fouls are judged in a match and what constitutes illegal play regarding hand contact.