Handball rule explained
A handball is called when a soccer player (other than a goalkeeper in their own penalty area) deliberately touches the ball with the arm from the bottom of the armpit down, or when the arm is in an unnatural position that makes the body unnaturally bigger.
Three ways it's called
- Deliberate: Player moves the arm to the ball.
- Unnatural silhouette: Arm is away from the body making it bigger, even if the movement isn't deliberate.
- Immediate goal-scoring outcome: Any handling by an attacker that directly leads to a goal or a clear goal-scoring chance.
What is NOT a handball
- Ball strikes the arm when it is tight against the body.
- Ball deflects off a defender's own body onto their arm from close range.
- Player is falling and using the arm to break the fall.
- Shoulder contact (shoulder is not counted as arm).
Punishment
Outside the penalty area: direct free kick to the opposing team. Inside the offender's own penalty area: penalty kick. Persistent or cynical handling can also draw a yellow card.
Frequently asked questions
What is a handball in soccer?+
A handball is when a player (other than the goalkeeper in their own penalty area) touches the ball with their hand or arm from the bottom of the armpit down. Deliberate handling or handling that makes the body 'unnaturally bigger' is punished.
Is it a handball if the ball hits your arm?+
Not always. Under IFAB Law 12, it is a handball only if the player deliberately touches the ball, gains possession/scores from handling, or if the arm is in an 'unnatural position' that makes the body bigger.
Is it a handball if it hits your hand accidentally?+
An accidental handball is not an offense unless it leads directly to a goal or a goal-scoring chance. The 2021 IFAB clarification removed the automatic penalty for any ball-to-hand contact.
Can a goalkeeper handle the ball outside the box?+
No. Even a goalkeeper is treated as a field player outside their own penalty area and cannot use hands.
What is the penalty for a handball in the box?+
A deliberate handball or a handball that meets the unnatural-position criteria inside the defender's own penalty area is a penalty kick.
Do youth soccer handball rules differ from adult?+
No. Youth soccer uses the same IFAB Law 12 as the adult game across US Soccer, US Club, AYSO, and Canada Soccer.