In throwball, players catch the ball with two hands and throw it over the net. In the seven-player format described by the Throwball Federation of India, teams play on an 18.30 m × 12.20 m court. Matches use rally scoring, with sets played to 25 points and a deciding set to 15 points.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the official throwball rules for 2026.
You will learn how many players are in a throwball team, the basic skills, the official court size, and the equipment used in competitive matches. These rules show how Indian schools and tournaments usually play this game.
Throwball is a rapid team sport where players throw and catch a ball over a net with their hands. The game played in schools and tournaments across India requires quick reactions and good positioning.
Players must catch and control the ball before hitting it back within the time limit.
Throwball is often confused with volleyball, but the two sports follow very different rules. In throwball, players must catch the ball cleanly and return it within a fixed time. This places greater importance on positioning, timing, and teamwork rather than raw power.
This guide helps students, beginners, and teachers easily learn the essential rules of throwball by 2026.
Official ThrowBall Rules 2026: (Quick Overview)
- Players per team: 7 players
- Match format: Best of three sets
- Points per set: 25 points (Deciding set: 15 points)
- Court size: 18.30 m × 12.20 m
- Net height: 2.20 to 2.30 m
- Time limit to throw: Within 3 seconds after catching
| Rule | Standard |
|---|---|
| Players | 7 per team |
| Court | 18.30 m × 12.20 m |
| Match | Best of 3 sets |
| Regular set | 25 points |
| Deciding set | 15 points |
| Holding time | 3 seconds |
| Net height | 2.20 m senior level |
| Scoring | Rally scoring |
How many players are in a Throwball team?
In throwball matches, a team consists of seven or nine players, depending on the level and format of the competition. Indian schools and colleges mostly use the seven-player format in matches, including inter-school and inter-college tournaments.
Some state-level and open tournaments allow nine players on the court. In addition to the players on the court, teams can include substitute players. Teams can make substitutions during breaks in play according to the competition rules. A match cannot continue if a team has fewer than the minimum required players on the court.
Format Variations in India
- Official TFI tournaments: Strictly follow the 7-player format
- School and college competitions: Also follow the 7-player format under SGFI and university norms
- Local or friendly matches: Some organisers allow 9 players for participation purposes, but these matches are not recognised for official rankings
To continue a match, most organized competitions require teams to keep a minimum number of active players on the court.
Official Throwball Court Size and Measurements
Accurate court marking is essential for valid service, defensive positioning, and officiating. A throwball court is larger than a volleyball court, allowing space for catching and throwing actions.
Standard Court Dimensions (Senior and Junior)
- Length: 18.30 meters
- Width: 12.20 meters
- Half court: 9.15 m × 12.20 m per team
Neutral Zone (Box Area)
- A 1-meter neutral zone is marked on both sides of the net
- Players must not step into this zone while catching or throwing
- Entering the box during play results in a fault
Net and Pole Specifications
- Net height: 2.20 meters (standard senior level)
- Junior competitions: May reduce net height to 2.10 meters
- Net width: 1 meter
- Net length: 12.20 meters
Antennae
- Flexible rods fixed on both sides of the net above the sidelines
- Height: 1.80 meters (80 cm above the net)
- The ball must pass between the antennae to be considered in play
Official Scoring System in Throwball Matches
Throwball follows a rally scoring system.
- A point is awarded on every rally, regardless of which team served
- A set is won by the team that reaches 25 points first
- If both teams reach 24–24, play continues until a 2-point lead is achieved
- The deciding third set is usually played to 15 points
Service Rules in Throwball (2026)
The service begins every rally and is strictly regulated.
- The server must stand behind the end line in the service zone
- At least one foot must remain in contact with the ground while serving
- Jumping during service is a foul
- The ball must cross the net without touching the net or antenna
- The server must release the ball within 5 seconds of the referee’s whistle
- The ball must be released from above the shoulder line using the palm of one hand in a single continuous action.
Catching and Throwing Rules (Rally Play)
These rules define the identity of throwball.
Catching Rules
- The ball must be caught cleanly with both hands at the same time
- There must be no fumbling, rebound, or audible slap
- In organized throwball matches, the game played requires players to catch the ball simultaneously with both hands to avoid fouls such as dubs or double touches.
Throwing Rules
- The ball must be thrown using one hand only
- The throw must be released from shoulder level or above
- Players may jump while throwing during a rally
The 3-Second Rule
- A player must release the ball within 3 seconds of catching
- Holding the ball longer results in an immediate point for the opponent
Common Fouls in Throwball
A team loses the rally if any of the following occur:
- Dubs: Unclean or noisy catch
- Double touch: Ball touching the hands more than once
- Body touch: Ball touching any body part other than the hands
- Net touch: Contact with the net or poles during play
- Box violation: Entering the neutral zone while catching or throwing
- Shifting: Transferring the ball from one hand to the other before throwing
- Time violation: Holding the ball for more than 3 seconds
Substitution and Time-Out Rules
- Maximum 5 substitutions per set
- Substitutions are allowed only during dead-ball situations
- A substituted player may re-enter later in the same set
- Each team is allowed two time-outs per set
- Each time-out lasts 30 seconds
Essential Throwball Equipment (Detailed)
The Ball
- Material: Leather or synthetic rubber
- Circumference: 70–72 cm
- Weight: 400–450 grams
- Only balls approved by competition organisers are allowed
The Net
- Made of cotton or nylon
- Mesh size: 10 cm × 10 cm
- Reinforced tape at the top and bottom
Poles
- Height: Approximately 2.30 meters
- Made of metal or rigid material
- Positioned 0.5 meters outside the court
Player Uniform
- Jersey with visible front and back numbers (1–12)
- Shorts or skirt
- Non-marking court shoes for grip and injury prevention
Prohibited Items
- Headgear not approved by match officials
- Jewellery, watches, chains, or metal objects
Throwball vs Volleyball: Key Differences
| Metrics | Throwball | Volleyball |
|---|---|---|
| Ball contact | Catch and throw | Hit or volley |
| Hands | Two-hand catch, one-hand throw | Fingertips or palm |
| Time limit | 3 seconds holding allowed | No holding |
| Player action | Same player catches and throws | Team passing allowed |
| Holding time | Up to 3 seconds | No holding |
| Scoring | Rally scoring | Rally scoring |
| Player movement | Controlled, fixed zones | Free rotation |
Unlike volleyball, throwball is a game played with controlled catching and throwing techniques, where players are expected to catch the ball simultaneously before making a legal return.
Is jumping allowed in throwball matches?
Jumping is allowed during a rally in throwball, but it is not allowed while serving. During service, at least one foot must remain in contact with the ground. Jumping while serving is a foul and results in a point for the opposing team.
What age is best to start throwball?
The best age to start playing throwball is between 8 and 10 years.
At this age, children have enough coordination and strength to learn basic catching, throwing, and positioning skills safely. Schools in India often introduce throwball at the upper primary level, with competitive play becoming more common from ages 11 to 14.
How to Serve in Throwball?
To serve legally in throwball, the server must stand inside the service zone behind the end line. The server must throw the ball over the net using the palm of one hand and release it from above shoulder level. The server must complete the serve within 5 seconds of the referee’s whistle.
Stepping on or crossing the end line, using both hands, or delaying the serve results in a fault.
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Krishanu Das is the founder and lead writer of Sports Dribble. With more than five years of experience in sports writing, he specializes in creating well-researched guides, sports rules, player rankings, tournament explainers, and match analysis across cricket, football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and many other sports.
Although he works as an accountant by profession, sports have always been his lifelong interest. That passion inspired him to build Sports Dribble, where he focuses on publishing accurate, easy-to-understand, and regularly updated content for sports fans around the world.
Before every article is published, Krishanu researches official rulebooks, governing bodies, tournament regulations, trusted statistics, and reliable sources to ensure readers receive factual and up-to-date information. His goal is simple: help every reader understand the game with clear explanations, practical insights, and information they can trust.
