Rule 10 - The Throw-Off

10:1
At the start of the game, the throw-off is taken by the team which wins the coin toss and elects to start with the ball in its possession. The opponents then have the right to choose ends. Alternatively, if the team which wins the coin toss prefers to choose ends, then the opponents take the throw-off.

The throw-off at the start of the second half is taken by the team which did not have the throw-off at the start of the game.

A new coin toss is undertaken prior to each overtime period.

10:2
After a goal has been scored, play is resumed with a throw-off taken by the team which conceded the goal (see, however, Note 9:2).

10:3
The throw-off is taken from the center of the court in any direction. It is preceded by a whistle signal, following which it must be taken within 3 seconds (13:1h). The player taking the throw-off must have one foot on the center line until the ball has left his hand.

Players of the team which is taking the throw-off are not allowed to cross the center line until the ball has left the thrower's hand (16:1).

If a teammate crosses the center line, after the whistle signal for the execution but before the ball has left the hand of the thrower, there shall be a free-throw awarded to the opponents (13:1h).

10:4
For the throw-off at the start of each half (incl. any period of overtime), all players must be in their own half of the court.

However, for the throw-off after a goal has been scored, the opponents are allowed to be in both halves of the court.

In both cases, the opponents must be at least 3 meters away from the player taking the throw-off (16:7).

9. Scoring === Contents of IHF Rules === 11. The Throw-In