Charge Foul Meaning in Handball

A charge foul happens when an attacking player runs into a stationary defender. The defender must establish a legal position with both feet on the court floor. Attacking players cannot use their body weight to push through a standing opponent. This foul results in a turnover and a free throw for the defense. Referees watch for players lowering their shoulders to initiate the physical contact. An attacker earns a charge foul by colliding with a defender’s chest during a drive. This rule prevents offensive players from using dangerous force to reach the goal. Defenders must stay outside the goal area line for the charge to count. Proper defensive positioning relies on predicting the path of the offensive player’s movement. Avoiding a charge foul requires the attacker to change direction or pass the ball.