The return of handball with Kempa
The selection Kempa for the new season brings together gear from the German brand dedicated to handball: training and match balls, lightweight balls for learning, bags, socks and training wear. Players, coaches and parents will find everything they need to get back to club training with equipment designed for the court, from school handball to senior teams.
The brand bears the name of a handball legend.
Bernhard Kempa, the man behind the name
The brand bears the name of Bernhard Kempa (1920-2017), a prominent figure in post-war German handball. A world champion in eleven-player handball in 1952 and 1955, he led Frisch Auf Göppingen to national titles as a player, and then as a coach, before winning the European Cup for clubs in 1960. His name has remained in the game's vocabulary thanks to the kempa, the move he invented in 1954: a lobbed pass to a teammate who jumps above the area, catches the ball in mid-air, and shoots before landing. Staying true to this legacy, the brand has made handball its specialty, from the balls to the team kits.
Match ball or training ball: two uses
The Kempa balls are divided according to the level of play. The brand's premium match balls are based on a construction with many panels, around thirty on the best models, which guarantees a consistent trajectory and a rebound without deviation; their soft surface, embossed with the logo, ensures a good grip, and their latex bladder lined with textile maintains pressure from one session to the next. The training balls, lighter and covered with soft foam, are aimed at children and teenagers: the catch becomes less impressive, and they come in sizes zero to three to support players from handball school to youth categories.
What size handball according to age and category
The size of the ball depends on the age and gender of the player, according to the international federation's rules. The size one, measuring fifty to fifty-two centimeters in circumference, is suitable for boys aged eight to twelve and girls aged eight to fourteen. The size two, ranging from fifty-four to fifty-six centimeters for three hundred twenty-five to three hundred seventy-five grams, is for women, girls over fourteen, and boys aged twelve to sixteen. The size three, from fifty-eight to sixty centimeters for four hundred twenty-five to four hundred seventy-five grams, is for men and boys over sixteen. The size zero, even smaller, is used for mini-handball.
Other training brands
The selection also includes Select balls, Macron teamwear, Sporti France equipment, Tremblay CT, Lynx Sport, and Leader Fit fitness on the training equipment and gear page.
Getting your bag ready for training resumed
Returning to handball requires a complete bag: breathable training outfit, high padded socks at the heel, water bottle, strapping tape for fingers and, for older players, resin if the gym allows it. Handball jerseys are worn close to the body to avoid giving defenders an advantage when shooting, and Kempa team kits come in both child and adult sizes to dress an entire club in the same colours. A bag with a separate compartment keeps wet items apart after showering. September is also a good time to check the pressure of the balls and the condition of protections before the first matches.
Frequently asked questions
Do Kempa balls support resin?
The brand's training balls are designed for play with or without resin; for the others, the product sheet specifies the recommended usage. After the session, a specific cleaner removes excess glue and preserves the feel of the ball.
What’s the difference between a training ball and a match ball?
The match ball prioritises feel, trajectory control and rebound consistency. The training ball focuses on durability, able to withstand hundreds of shots per week against walls and posts.
Do Kempa clothes fit large or small?
The Kempa textile generally follows a classic fit, with snug jerseys for the game. Compare your measurements to the product sheet's guide and take the next size up if you wear a base layer.
How to inflate a handball properly?
Use the pressure indicated near the valve and check it with a gauge. Moisturise the needle before inserting it to avoid damaging the valve: an over-inflated ball becomes hard to catch, while an under-inflated ball bounces poorly.
How to prolong the life of a handball?
Store it away from heat and moisture, and don’t leave it in a car boot in full sun. Wipe it with a damp cloth after your session and regularly clean the resin to maintain its weight and shape.
