Handball player equipment
The handball equipment page brings together what supports the player outside of shoes and balls: technical socks, protective gear, training equipment, bags, and care products, from Select, Kempa, Hummel, Errea, Mizuno, or Massy. Club players, goalkeepers, coaches, and supporters can find their gear, from evening training sessions to weekend matches.
Everything that supports the player, apart from shoes and balls.
High, low or team-coloured socks
In handball, the socks take the impact from footfalls, jumps and stops on the court. Technical models from Kempa, Select or Errea often add padding at the heel and under the forefoot to cushion landings and reduce blisters. The high socks, like the long Select ones or the high Kempa, cover the shin and protect it from friction during falls; the low models, like the Hummel Blaze Pro, which are cooler, are reserved for training or worn under an ankle brace. The Hummel socks in the colours of the French Handball Federation, those of the Massy club and the October Pink edition from Hummel fit both players and supporters.
Knee pads, elbow pads and ankle braces: protecting joints
The padded knee pads cushion falls on the court: pivots, goalkeepers and wingers diving into the zone benefit the most. Elbow pads serve the same purpose for players who land on their forearms after a jump shot. The ankle brace, either laced or with crossed straps, supports the most vulnerable joint of a handball player: sprains often occur when landing a jump, as the foot comes down on that of an opponent. The goalkeeper often adds padded shorts and a cup, which are essential against close-range shots. Any protection must remain flexible so as not to hinder footwork or changes of direction.
Bag, care and training equipment
A handball sports bag benefits from having a separate compartment, often ventilated, that keeps indoor shoes away from the rest of the kit; the ball bag, made of mesh, allows the coach to transport the team equipment. Regarding care, the club's kit includes strapping tape to secure fingers, instant cold packs, disinfectant and resin for ball handling, where permitted in the venue; a specific cleaner then removes it from hands and balls. The training equipment, including cones, hoops, agility ladders and bibs, is used for speed drills, footwork exercises, and small-sided games.
The selection
Equipment is organised by type:
- Accessories, socks and small equipment.
- Protective gear, knee pads, elbow pads and ankle braces.
- Training equipment, for sessions.
- Bags, sports bags and ball bags.
- Care, strapping, cold and resin.
- Club space, for equipping a team.
The gear is complemented by shoes, textiles, balls, supporter items, on the handball page.
Maintaining socks and protective gear after the match
Technical socks should be washed inside out, at thirty or forty degrees, without fabric softener which clogs the fibres and reduces their ability to wick moisture; they should air dry, never on a radiator as this hardens the padded areas. The neoprene or elastic fabric knee and ankle pads should be hand-washed in warm water, then laid flat to dry in order to maintain their shape. Resin marks on fabric come off more easily with a dedicated cleaner applied before washing. A loose protection, which slips during play or no longer supports the joint, should be replaced: it no longer serves its purpose and may hinder footwork.
Frequently asked questions
Do the socks have to be the same in a handball team?
The socks are part of the kit: players on the field of the same team generally wear the same model, in the club's colours. The goalkeeper, who must stand out, often wears a colour that matches their own shirt.
How to choose your size for handball socks?
Socks are sold in size ranges: choose the one that includes yours. A well-fitted sock should not have any folds under the foot, where blisters are likely to form due to repeated impact.
Are protective gears necessary from the youth categories?
They are not mandatory, but a pair of knee pads reassures young goalkeepers and players learning to dive. An ankle brace is particularly justified after a sprain, on the advice of a doctor or physiotherapist.
How to strap fingers in handball?
Secure the injured finger to its neighbour by wrapping the tape between the joints, never over the top, to maintain flexibility. The strap should not cause the finger to turn blue or be too tight: if pain persists, consult a professional.
How to prevent blisters in handball?
Wear technical socks without folds and well-laced shoes, which prevent the foot from slipping. At the start of warm-ups, a preventative bandage on sensitive areas can stop redness from turning into a blister.
