player positions

Each team is allowed seven players on the court; players are not allowed to take more than three steps with the ball or to hold it for more than three seconds.

center back

Position in the center court area between the backs; this player is the team’s offensive leader.

left back

Position behind the wingers on the left side of the court; an excellent shooter, this player also defends against the opponent’s line player or back.

left winger

Position that covers the left side of the court; using speed and agility, this player is often at the sideline stretching the defense and creating scoring chances.

center forward

Position in the center court area between the wingers; this player tries to slip through the defense and create holes in it.

right winger

Position that covers the right side of the court; using speed and agility, this player is often at the sideline stretching the defense and creating scoring chances.

right back

Position behind the wingers on the right side of the field; an excellent shooter, this player also defends against an opposing line player or back.

goalkeeper

Position whose role is to prevent the ball from entering the net; this player is the only one allowed to touch the ball with the feet.

handball

Inflated ball usually covered with leather; it has a circumference of 21 in (women) to 24 in (men) and can be thrown, hit with the fist or dribbled.