Choosing the right model and size when buying a ball is never easy, but when it comes to buying a handball, it's even harder.
Looking for handballs? Don't know what size your child uses? Want to know which models are most suitable? Don't worry. These and other questions are very normal when we set out to buy a handball. We will try to clear up all your doubts with this simple post, in which we will summarize the most important points you should consider before selecting the ball for playing this sport.
Age and Size
These two characteristics are closely related when it comes to categorizing the different handballs available. Take note:
- Size 00 – A ball with an approximate diameter of 45 cm, recommended for children who are new to handball, such as pre-benjamins. Usage: between 6-8 years old.
- Size 0 – With a diameter of 48-50 cm, used in the benjamin and alevin categories. Usage: from 8 years old.
- Size 1 – Diameter of 50-52 cm, used in the male and female infantil categories, as well as in the female cadete category. Usage: from 12 years old.
- Size 2 – Ball with a diameter of 54-56 cm, used in the male cadete, female juvenil, and female senior categories. Usage: from 14 years old.
- Size 3 – Has a diameter of 58-60 cm, used in the male juvenil and male senior categories. Usage: from 16 years old.
Types
In handball, there are several types of balls. On one hand, there are court balls, and on the other hand, there are beach handballs. Among court balls, we can distinguish competition balls (official tournaments like the Ares by Rasán), training balls (such as the Kempa Accedo), and technical balls (like Kempa's weighted ball), which are specific, heavier balls used to improve technique and whose grip also differs from others.
Regarding beach balls, for example, the Parma ball by Rasán, the differences are quite noticeable at first glance. The rubber composition makes it a heavy ball (though not as heavy as the weighted ball) compared to regular court balls. This is because, among other things, bouncing is not allowed in beach handball.
Details you should know…
Resin is an element used to improve the player's grip on the ball. The method of use is simple with most resin products, with the common practice being to use the well-known "pinch" of resin (depending on the resin model, one or more "pinches" can be taken), which involves grasping a small amount of the product with the tips of the index and middle fingers and rubbing it evenly over the hands and the ball itself. As it is a compound with a certain hardness, resin begins to be used in size 2 for girls and size 3 for boys.
It should be noted that for smaller sizes, there are different models such as the Select Light Grippy balls, whose special HPU fabric makes them a completely reliable product for good grip, perfectly covering the absence of resin for early ages.
Finally, the coating of the vast majority of balls is made of PU (polyurethane elastomer), a material that helps the ball resist abrasion without losing lightness.
Leather is another product used in manufacturing that also provides the ball with a much more useful and durable life.