One small step with the ball to deke the defender, a large step to get away, a pivot to find a teammate on the other side of the defender, and a second pivot to go the other way. The lane opens up and a great pass is made to a teammate down the court! Sadly, the play is called as traveling, and possession turned over to the opponent. Why?! Due to a violation of the 3 step rule.
In handball, a player is allowed 3 steps before they need to dribble, pass or shoot, and a pivot actually counts as one of these steps. Every player is permitted to take a maximum of 3 steps with the ball, and a step can essentially be defined as anytime his/her foot touches the floor. It might be easier to think of the 3 step rule as the 3 touches rule.
The following scenarios are all examples of one “step”:
- You have both feet on the ground then lift one foot and put it down again, like when you do a little stomp to make a player bite.
- You move one foot from one place to the other in a very tactical pivot, as if you are channeling your inner LeBron James as you deke out your defender.
- You hop on one foot, because you felt like a bunny for a moment.
- You make a spectacular jump catch and almost stick the landing, but ended up taking a little stutter step.
Understanding the 3 step rule in handball can be a little tricky, but to avoid a traveling infraction while playing just think of it as the 3 touch rule - every time your foot makes contact with the ground it’s likely considered a step. Don’t fret though, after 3 steps are up you still have lots of options! You can dribble the ball and take 3 more steps, you can pass it to an open player, or take the shot!
