Playing the ball and passive play
IHF · 2025Three seconds and three steps · The passive-play warning
Three seconds and three steps
A player may hold the ball for up to three seconds and take at most three steps. After catching while airborne, the first landing on one foot or both feet together does not count as a step. Dribbling with one hand is allowed; after collecting the ball, the three-second and three-step limits apply again and a new dribble is not allowed without an intervening touch by another player or the goal. Deliberate use of the foot or lower leg is generally prohibited.
The passive-play warning
After the raised-arm warning, the attack normally has at most four passes to shoot; receiving a fifth brings a free throw to the opponents. Referees may penalise inactivity earlier. An ordinary free throw does not reset the count. Clarification 4 permits one extra pass after specified restarts or blocked shots following the fourth pass. A shot rebounding from the goal or goalkeeper, or a personal punishment against the defence, can cancel the warning. National age or ability adaptations may allow up to six passes.
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