Handball Goalkeeper Jerseys
In a handball team, all the goalkeepers wear the same colour, different from that of the players on field from both teams and the opposing goalkeeper: the handball goalkeeper jersey is therefore chosen firstly by its shade.
Then comes the sleeve length, forearm protection, and the fit, in adult or junior size.
Goalkeeper shirt colour: what the rules say
Rule 4:7 of the IHF is clear: all players used in the goalkeeper position on a team must wear the same colour, distinct from the outfield players of both teams and the opposing goalkeeper(s). A club must therefore have at least two goalkeeper shirt colours to adapt to the opponent. The number, from 1 to 99, follows the same size requirements as for outfield players, and a player switching from goalkeeper to outfield player keeps the same number.
Long-sleeve or short-sleeve goalkeeper shirts: protecting the arms
The handball goalkeeper spreads their arms, dives and often touches the floor. Long sleeves protect the forearms from friction on the court and impacts from the ball. Short sleeves provide more freshness and freedom, at the cost of less protection. Having both in your bag allows you to choose based on the hall and your style.
Goalkeeper shirts from elite clubs
This page also offers goalkeeper shirts from elite clubs: Brest Bretagne Handball in yellow or pink for female goalkeepers, Pays d'Aix Université Club Handball in white at home and black away, Fenix Toulouse Handball and Limoges Handball in white. Enough to wear your club's colours in the position you play.
Hand or football goalkeeper shirt: check the details
A large part of the shirts on the page comes from football, where goalkeepers also wear long-sleeve shirts in bright colours. They are suitable for handball, provided the colour contrasts with those of the teams. Check the details for the material, weight, and presence of elbow pads before choosing.
Hummel, Macron, Erima, Craft, Acerbis, Jako: the brands for the position
Hummel offers its Essential goalkeeper shirt in blue, brown, orange, and black or fluorescent yellow. Macron is the most represented brand, with the long-sleeve Corvus Eco, the Scorpio, and the Aquarius in bright colours. Erima also offers goalkeeper shirts in its team ranges. Craft dresses Brest Bretagne Handball. Acerbis and Jako complete the offering with models often sourced from football.
Trousers, sweats and good deals for the goalkeeper's outfit
The shirt isn't the only part of the outfit. The goalkeeper trousers protect the legs on the floor, and the goalkeeper sweats are for warming up. The complete goalkeeper outfit can be found on the goalkeepers page. To equip a young goalkeeper without spending too much, check the clearance sale page or the textile sales page.
Frequently asked questions
Can a handball goalkeeper wear elbow pads?
Yes. The IHF regulations allow elbow pads and knee pads of any colour, as long as no rigid part is exposed. They go well with a long-sleeve shirt for floor saves.
Can a handball goalkeeper play with gloves?
No, unlike in football. Gloves are prohibited in handball, including for the goalkeeper. Saves are made barehanded, hence the importance of a shirt that protects the forearms.
How many goalkeeper shirts does a club need?
At least two colours, to avoid being in the same shade as the opponent or their goalkeeper. All goalkeepers in the team wear the same colour during the match. Make sure to get the sizes for everyone in both colours.
What size shirt for a young goalkeeper?
Take their usual size, without much leeway. An overly loose shirt hinders saves and obscures the position of the arms. The junior sizes on the page are made for the younger ones.
Does the goalkeeper's shirt need to be numbered?
In competitions, yes: it carries a number of at least 20 cm on the back and 10 cm on the chest, in a colour that contrasts with the shirt. Remember to have the same number on your two shirt colours.
