Catch and throw
The ball must be caught cleanly with both hands and thrown back with one hand only. Volleying, dribbling, punching or pushing the ball is not allowed.
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COURT · ITF (International Throwball Federation) · TFI
Throwball
Throwball is a non-contact court sport popular across South Asia, played over a high net by two teams of nine. Unlike volleyball the ball is caught and thrown rather than volleyed, so play is a rhythm of clean catches and fast single-handed throws. Sets are won at 15 points and matches at the best of three.
group
PLAYERS
9 on court, 12 in the squad
schedule
DURATION
Best of 3 sets to 15 points
stadium
PLAYING AREA
Court 18.29 m × 12.19 m; net at 2.2 m (men) / 2 m (women)
scoreboard
SCORING
Rally scoring to 15, win by two
HOW IT IS PLAYED
Core Rules
Holding time
A player may hold the ball for no more than three seconds and may not take more than one step, or move from where the catch was made, before releasing it.
The serve
The right-back player serves from behind the end line, and the serve must cross the net without touching it. Only one attempt is allowed — a failed serve loses the rally.
One touch per side
The receiving team gets a single contact: the ball must be caught and thrown straight back. There is no passing between teammates.
Rotation
When a team regains the serve, its players rotate one position clockwise. Serving out of rotation loses the rally and gives the point to the opponents.
Catching above the shoulder
A ball must be caught above shoulder level with both hands. Catching below the waist or with one hand is a fault.
The net and centre line
Touching the net at any time while the ball is live is a fault, as is crossing the centre line under the net into the opponent's half.
Double touch
The ball may only be handled by the player who catches it. A second player touching the same ball before it crosses the net is a fault.
Winning a set
A set is won at 15 points with a two-point margin. Teams change ends after each set and, in a deciding set, when the leading score reaches 8.
WATCH OUT
Fouls & Penalties
- errorThrowing with two hands, or catching with one.
- errorHolding the ball longer than three seconds or moving from the catching position.
- errorTouching the net, or crossing the centre line.
- errorCatching the ball below the waist, or letting it touch any part of the body other than the hands.
- errorRotation fault, or a serve touching the net or landing out.
WHO DECIDES
Match Officials
- sportsReferee — controls the match from the stand beside the net.
- sportsUmpire — works opposite, watching the centre line and rotations.
- sportsScorer — records points, rotations and time-outs.
- sportsLine judges — call the ball in or out on the boundary lines.
GOVERNED BY ITF (INTERNATIONAL THROWBALL FEDERATION) · TFI
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