Throwball is a fast-paced team sport that combines quick reactions, accurate throwing and coordinated teamwork. Although it looks similar to volleyball, the two sports have important differences. In throwball, players catch the ball with both hands and throw it over the net instead of hitting or volleying it.
The game is played widely in schools, colleges, clubs and competitive tournaments, particularly in India and other parts of Asia. While the basic concept is easy to understand, competitive throwball follows specific rules covering court dimensions, player positions, service, catching, throwing, scoring, substitutions and faults.
Whether you are a beginner, student, coach, PE teacher or someone preparing for a throwball tournament, this guide explains the throwball rules and regulations you need to know.
What is Throwball?
Throwball is a net-based team sport played between two teams. The objective is to throw the ball over the net and make it land inside the opponent’s court while preventing the opposing team from doing the same.
The biggest difference between throwball and volleyball is how players handle the ball. In volleyball, players hit, set, bump or spike the ball. In throwball, the ball is caught with both hands and thrown back to the opposing side.
Players have only a limited amount of time to control and release the ball, which makes quick decision-making and accurate throwing important parts of the game.
Throwball Court Dimensions
The official throwball court dimensions depend on the age category. Under the Throwball Federation of India (TFI) rules, senior, youth and junior competitions use a larger court, while sub-junior and mini categories use a smaller playing area.
| Category | Court Length | Court Width | Net Height |
| Senior | 18.30 m | 12.20 m | 2.30 m |
| Youth | 18.30 m | 12.20 m | 2.30 m |
| Junior | 18.30 m | 12.20 m | 2.20 m |
| Sub-Junior | 15.30 m | 9.20 m | 2.00 m |
| Mini | 15.30 m | 9.20 m | 2.00 m |
The court is divided into two playing areas by a net. A neutral or box zone is marked around the centre line. For senior, youth and junior categories, this zone is 1.5 metres, while it is 1 metre for sub-junior and mini categories. The court lines are 5 cm wide. Competitive courts also require an appropriate free zone around the playing area.
How Many Players are in Throwball?
Each team has seven players on the court during play. A team can have up to 15 players in its squad under the TFI regulations. The players on court occupy designated positions across the front, centre and back zones.
Unlike volleyball, where six players are on court, throwball has seven players per side. This additional player gives teams more defensive and attacking options.
Players must also follow the prescribed rotation and positioning system. Incorrect positioning can result in a positional fault.
Throwball Player Positions and Rotation
Throwball players are arranged across three main areas of the court:
- Front zone
- Centre zone
- Back zone
The seven players follow a designated rotation order. The player occupying position 7 serves. When a team gains the right to serve, players rotate according to the prescribed rotation system. Players must also be in their correct positions when the service is made.
Understanding the rotation order is important because a team can be penalised for a positional fault if players are not correctly placed.
Read More: Throwball Court Dimensions
Basic Throwball Rules and Regulations
The fundamental rules of throwball are straightforward, but players must follow specific requirements when catching and throwing the ball.
1. Catching the Ball
A player must receive the ball with both hands. The official rules place restrictions on how and where the ball can be caught. A player cannot simply use one hand to catch the ball and immediately throw it back.
Players must also avoid jumping while catching the ball. At least one foot must remain in contact with the ground during the catch. The ball should be received within the permitted area of the body, rather than above the head or below the trunk.
2. Throwing the Ball
After catching the ball, a player must throw it back over the net within the permitted time. The important throwing rules include:
- The ball must be released above shoulder level.
- The player must release the ball within three seconds.
- The throw must be a continuous action.
- Players cannot deliberately tap, push or punch the ball.
- Players cannot shift the ball from one side of the body to the other before throwing it.
These rules distinguish a legal throw from an illegal carry, push or shifting action.
3. Three-Second Rule
One of the most important throwball regulations is the three-second rule.
Once a player catches the ball, they cannot hold it indefinitely. The ball must be released within three seconds. This rule keeps the game fast and prevents players from gaining an advantage by holding the ball for too long.
For beginners, the easiest way to remember the rule is to catch, control, and throw quickly.
Throwball Service Rules
The service starts the rally and must be performed according to specific regulations. The main throwball service rules include:
- The server must serve after the referee’s whistle.
- The service must be completed within five seconds of the referee’s signal.
- The server must remain within the designated service area.
- The server must not touch or cross the end line while serving.
- The ball must be served using the palm of one hand.
- Serving before the referee’s whistle is a fault.
The player in position 7 is responsible for serving according to the prescribed rotation. A delay in serving can result in the team losing the service and the opponent receiving the corresponding point.
Throwball Scoring Rules
Throwball uses a rally scoring system, meaning a point is awarded after every rally.
Under the TFI rules, a standard set is played to 25 points. When the score reaches 24-24, the set continues until one team establishes the required two-point advantage. Depending on the competition, matches can be played as best of three or best of five sets.
In a deciding set, teams change sides when one team reaches 13 points, while maintaining their prescribed player order. Because rally scoring is used, every mistake can directly affect the score. A team does not have to be serving to win a point.
Throwball Ball In and Out Rules
Knowing whether the ball is in or out is essential during a match.
Generally:
- A ball landing on a playing-area boundary line is considered in.
- A ball landing outside the playing area is out.
- A ball touching the antenna is considered out.
- A ball landing in or on the neutral box line is considered a dead ball under the prescribed rules.
The neutral zone is particularly important because players need to control their throws carefully to avoid sending the ball into this area.
Common Throwball Fouls
A fault occurs when a player or team violates one of the rules of the game. Common throwball fouls include:
- Holding the ball for more than three seconds.
- Catching the ball with one hand when a two-handed catch is required.
- Throwing the ball below shoulder level.
- Jumping while catching the ball.
- Taking more than the permitted step after receiving the ball.
- Shifting the ball from one side of the body to the other.
- Tapping, pushing or deliberately manipulating the ball.
- Touching the neutral box line.
- Touching the antenna.
- Serving before the referee’s whistle.
- Taking longer than five seconds to serve.
- Making a positional or rotation fault.
- Allowing the ball to land outside the opponent’s playing area.
The exact penalty depends on the nature and timing of the fault, but a fault generally results in the opposing team gaining the rally.
Throwball Substitution Rules
Substitutions are allowed during a match but are controlled by the competition regulations.
Under the official rules:
- A team can make a maximum of five substitutions per set.
- A player can be substituted only once during a set.
- Substitution is normally made on a one-for-one basis.
- The captain or coach requests the substitution.
- The substitute enters after the outgoing player has left the court.
- A player expelled from a set cannot be replaced through a normal substitution.
- The service position, position 7, has specific substitution restrictions.
In case of injury or other exceptional circumstances, the referee may apply the provisions provided in the official regulations.
Throwball Time-Out Rules
Each team is allowed two time-outs per set, with each time-out lasting 30 seconds.
A time-out can be requested by the captain or coach. It gives teams an opportunity to discuss tactics, make adjustments and allow players a short break.
Throwball Equipment Rules
The main equipment required for throwball includes a regulation court, net, posts and ball. The official TFI ball has a circumference of approximately 70 cm and weighs 450 ± 10 grams. It is made from synthetic leather and is designed for catching and throwing.
For senior, youth and junior competitions, the net is 12.50 metres long and 1 metre wide. The net specifications differ for smaller age categories.
Players should also wear suitable sports clothing and footwear. Items that could cause injury during play are not permitted.
Throwball vs Volleyball
Throwball and volleyball may look similar because both are played across a net, but their gameplay is quite different. The catch-and-throw mechanic is the defining feature that makes throwball different from volleyball.
| Feature | Throwball | Volleyball |
| Players per side | 7 | 6 |
| Main action | Catch and throw | Hit, pass and spike |
| Ball handling | Ball is caught | Ball is generally struck |
| Holding the ball | Permitted briefly within throwball rules | Not permitted |
| Three-second throw rule | Yes | No |
| Blocking | Not played like conventional volleyball blocking | Blocking is an established volleyball skill |
| Scoring | Rally scoring | Rally scoring |
Conclusion
Understanding the throwball rules and regulations is essential for anyone who wants to play, coach, officiate or organise a throwball match. While the basic concept is simple- catching the ball and throwing it over the net- the competitive game has detailed rules governing court dimensions, player positions, rotation, service, catching, throwing, scoring and substitutions.
The most important rules to remember are the seven-player format, three-second throwing limit, five-second service limit, rally scoring system and prescribed rotation. Once players understand these fundamentals, they can focus on improving their throwing accuracy, movement, positioning and teamwork.
Download Playo on Android or iOS, or visit playo.co to start playing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Seven players from each team are on the court during play. Under the TFI regulations, a team can have a maximum squad strength of 15 players.
A player must release the ball within three seconds after catching it. Holding it longer is a fault.
For senior, youth and junior categories, the official court measures 18.30 m × 12.20 m. Sub-junior and mini categories use a 15.30 m × 9.20 m court.
A standard set is played to 25 points. At 24-24, play continues until the required two-point advantage is achieved.
Throwball does not use blocking in the same way as volleyball. Players defend by positioning themselves correctly and catching the opponent’s throw.
Under the official regulations, a maximum of five substitutions is permitted per set.
