Handball at 2024 Paris Olympics: How it works, stars to watch, what else to know

Just because it’s not popular in the U.S. doesn’t mean it’s not fun to watch.

Handball will once again be on the world stage at the Paris Olympics this summer, giving American fans a fleeting opportunity to witness the elite level of a sport they probably associate with middle school PE class. And with similarities to basketball, lacrosse and soccer, among other popular U.S. team sports, they might like what they see.

Here's what you need to know about handball at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

When did handball become an Olympic sport?

Excluding the one-time inclusion of “field handball,” which was played outside, the men have been competing at the Summer Games since 1972. The women’s event was added in 1976.

How does Olympic handball work?

A handball court vaguely resembles a basketball court, with one line at mid-court and a distinct semi-circular goal area (similar to the key in basketball) around the goal (instead of the hoop). The goal itself resemebles a soccer or lacrosse goal.

Handball’s rules require more frequent passing but allow more steps without dribbling than basketball. The objective is to throw the ball past the goalie and into the net, but without (or before) stepping foot in the goal area – which results in some acrobatic shots, released as players soar into the goal area.

Who are the top Team USA athletes in handball?

The U.S. did not qualify for the field in Paris in either the men or women's competition. It last competed in Olympic handball in 1996, when it was awarded spots in both the men’s and women’s fields as the host nation.

What's the international landscape in Olympic handball?

European countries have ruled this sport in both genders; In fact, China and South Korea are the only non-European countries to have ever won an Olympic medal in handball.

On the men’s side, France has won three of the past four Olympic gold medals, with Denmark and Spain among the other nations that are constantly in the mix. France is also the defending women’s champion, though a trio of Scandinavian countries – Denmark, Norway and Sweden – have historically been the sport’s dominant powers.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Handball at 2024 Paris Olympics: How it works, what to know