Sevenmeter

Sevenmeter, commonly written seven-meter throw, is a term used in handball to describe a penalty shot awarded to the attacking team after certain fouls by the defense inside the 6-meter goal area or for specific goalkeeper violations. The shot is taken from a fixed line located seven meters from the goal line. The rule is standardized by the International Handball Federation (IHF) and adopted by national federations and continental bodies such as the European Handball Federation.

Execution and rules: The ball is placed on the seven-meter line. After the whistle, the shooter attempts to score from behind the line, while the goalkeeper may move along the goal line to defend but must not cross the line before the ball is released. Defenders may try to distract the shooter, but must respect the line and the rules governing the dispute. A successful shot results in a goal; a save or a miss yields no score and play resumes as normal.

Significance and context: The seven-meter throw is one of the most high-stakes moments in a handball match, often deciding outcomes in tight games. It is analogous in its impact to a penalty kick in soccer, providing a direct scoring opportunity awarded for infringements within the goal area.

Origin and terminology: The term derives from the distance of seven meters from the goal line and reflects a long-standing element of competitive handball regulations governing fouls and scored opportunities.