Sporting Schools is a $320 million Australian Government initiative designed to help schools to increase youth participation in sport, and to connect them with community sporting opportunities.
Handball Australia is delighted to offer its new Handball Introductory Program (HIP) into Sporting Schools programs as an introduction to handball for students in years 7 and 8. The focus of the HIP program is to give students a taste of this exciting Olympic Sport, through a fun, interactive and inclusive program.

Through engaging, active, and developmentally appropriate activities, the program promotes a lifelong enjoyment of sport. HIP holistically supports the development of physical literacy, fundamental movement skills, game sense, and social-emotional learning through the exciting, fast-paced sport of handball.

At the heart of HIP is mini handball — a modified, non-contact 4+1 format tailored for young and beginner players. Mixed-gender teams, smaller sides, and simplified rules ensure more touches, equal participation, and a welcoming environment for all.

Mini handball is played with a soft-skinned, modified ball, allowing players to try every position — including goalkeeper — in a safe and supportive setting. This builds confidence, lays the groundwork for progression in the sport, and keeps the focus on enjoyment, development, and learning through play — the core principles of the HIP approach.