Handball 101

Becca started to play handball in 2nd grade and still loves to play. The kids spent quite a bit of time over the spring break playing handball against the garage and had a lot of fun! Back when she was just learning the game of "handball," she was an "easy." Apparently now she is a "hardy." It's interesting to hear the kids talk about handball and all the rules. I wonder if the rules are universal or if each elementary school just develops their own and they are passed down from grade to grade. When kids start out, they are all considered an "easy." When they get a little better, they become a "medium," and when they have mastered the sport of handball, they become a "hardy." I guess it's a self-declared title, however, Becca did tell me that even her friend, who is a "mega-hardy," told her that she was definately a "hardy."

Here are some important handball terms used at our elementary school - maybe they're the same at yours?:

1. POPPY - When the ball hits the wall and the ground at the same time. You're out.
2. STRAIT A - When you hit the ball on the wall without bouncing it. You're out.
3. OUT of COURT - When the ball goes out of bounds. You're out.
4. DOUBLE BOUNCY - When the ball bounces twice. You're out.
5. BACK COURTS - When the ball goes past the back line. This is o.k.
6. WATERFALL - When the ball slides down the wall. You're out.
7. SLICEY - When the ball rolls down a little on the wall. This is o.k.
8. TREETOP - When the ball goes over the wall. You're out.

So, there you go. Now, you're ready to head out to the handball courts and get started. Remember to let people know you're an "easy." With a lot of practice, someday you can be a "hardy."