How Long Is An Olympic Team Handball Game?

Handball is a popular sport in Europe that is part of the Olympic Summer Games. Typically, handball is played in two halves of 30 minutes each, but is Olympic handball any different? Read on to learn all about how long an Olympic handball game lasts.

How Long is an Olympic Handball Game?

An Olympic handball match is 60 minutes long. They are divided into two 30-minute periods, with a 10-minute break at halftime, during which the teams can go to the locker room. During the game, the clock counts up from zero to 30 minutes. Once the clock reaches 30 minutes, all action is stopped, and no goals scored after time has ended are counted.

Handball is a fast-paced game with few interruptions. The clock doesn’t stop, and players must pass or shoot within three seconds.. In total, a typical Olympic handball match lasts around 1.5 hours.

Ties and Overtime

If the handball match is still tied at the end of the second 30-minute half, overtime will be played. In handball, overtime consists of 10 more minutes of gameplay, divided into two periods with a one-minute break. If, after those 10 extra minutes, the teams are still tied, there won't be any more extra time added. Instead, teams will do shootouts to decide the winner of the match.