Handball and Health

What are the cons-indications to the practice of handball?

handballDr Jançon: There is no specific indication against-the practice of handball. Only the general cons-indications to the practice of any sport exist. Each person must undergo a medical examination to determine whether he can play sports, including handball.

Doctissimo: What are the health benefits related to the practice of handball?

Dr. Jançon: The handball is a complete sport. It makes work both arms, even if it is true that one arm works more than the other, and legs, with displacements in the axis but also lateral movement. It is a sport with short, fast efforts rather than an endurance sport. It does not require significant aerobic capacity, but above all the ability to develop those brief and intense efforts. It is an intelligent team sport in which the social character is important.

Doctissimo: What are the most common injuries to the practice of handball?

Dr. Jançon: The injury is the number one ankle sprain. Then we meet sprains finger, including the thumb joint, in contact with the ball. Finally, there can be problems related to the cruciate ligaments of the knee.

Doctissimo: What are the age limits?

Dr. Jançon: From 6 to 8 years, children can go to "school handball": they play with adapted rules and there is no competition. Then there are different championships: under 11, under 13 and under 15. Up to 11 teams are mixed, as there is no difference in strength between girls and boys. Handball is also the most popular sport in schools. For older people, there is no age limit. From 34 years, players take a veteran license. Yet there is no veteran category: people continue to play senior. I know such a person of 68 years who still plays senior. In addition, we introduced two new types of licenses: recreation and discovery. The license provides access to discovery practice without the championships: it allows young people to try handball. The recreational license allows people, including veterans, playing from time to time and make friendly matches.

Doctissimo: What are the recommended protective equipment?

Dr. Jançon: It is generally recommended that wingers and pivots to kneepads. However, the best protection remains healthy lifestyle: not smoking, not drinking, going to bed early, get it stretches and have a good diet. Then, we must above all take good care of his injuries and did not play again until the doctor does not think that one is restored.