The throw-off
IHF · 2025Who restarts and when · Centre line or throw-off area
Who restarts and when
The coin-toss winner chooses the first possession or the ends; the opponent receives the other choice. The other team starts the second half, and a new toss precedes each overtime period. After a goal, the conceding team restarts. Every throw-off follows a whistle and must be taken within three seconds. At the beginning of a half, players must be in their own half or, where applicable, inside the throw-off area.
Centre line or throw-off area
At a centre-line throw-off, one foot stays on the line and the other on or behind it; opponents stay three metres away. For the area option, the ball and thrower must be entirely inside before the whistle. No part of the thrower’s body may cross its boundary until the throw is completed. Running is allowed, jumping and post-whistle bouncing are not. Completion occurs when the released ball fully leaves the area or a teammate touches or controls the pass inside. Defenders remain entirely outside and cannot interfere inside before completion.
Sources & approach ↗