The spelling of the word "handballs" follows the basic rules of English pronunciation. The combination of the letters "hand" is pronounced as /hænd/. The letter "b" is silent, while the letter "a" is pronounced as /ɔː/. The combination of letters "ll" is pronounced as /l/. Lastly, the letter "s" at the end of the word is pronounced as /z/, indicating that the word is in its plural form. "Handballs" refers to a type of ball game that is played with the hands rather than the feet.
Handballs are balls that are specifically designed and used for playing handball, a team sport in which players use their hands to hit or throw the ball into the opponent's goal. Handball is a fast-paced sport that originated in Europe and is now played worldwide. The handballs used in this sport are round, solid, and made of rubber or synthetic materials. They have a circumference of approximately 58 to 60 centimeters and weigh between 425 to 475 grams, although the specific dimensions may vary depending on the age and gender of the players.
Handballs have a textured surface to provide players with a better grip and control. They are typically brightly colored to ensure good visibility during games. The materials used in their construction are durable and resistant to wear and tear, ensuring a long lifespan even with frequent use. Handballs are also designed to bounce well, allowing for dynamic and varied gameplay.
In addition to being used in handball, handballs may also refer to the act of intentionally hitting or touching a ball with one's hand in sports such as soccer, basketball, or volleyball, resulting in a foul or penalty. This definition of handballs focuses on the action or offense committed by a player, rather than the physical object itself.
The word "handball" has a straightforward etymology. It is derived from the combination of two words: "hand" and "ball".
The term "hand" originates from the Old English word "hand" which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "handuz". This root word is thought to be related to the ancient Sanskrit word "asán" meaning "hand" or "the hinged part of the arm". The word "hand" has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning throughout history.
The word "ball" has a more complex etymology. It can be traced back to the Old English word "beall" which is also derived from the Proto-Germanic word "balluz". This Proto-Germanic word likely originated from the Latin word "balla", which referred to various round objects such as a ball, ball-shaped platform, or swelling.