Handball combines high-speed jump shots, explosive pivots, and frequent contact with defenders. That’s what makes it a very demanding sport for the shoulder, overworked by the shooting motion, and for the knee, put to the test by pivots and changes of direction. HOPP was designed by FIFA-certified sports physiotherapists to help you understand your injury and get back to it without getting hurt a second time.
The most common handball injuries
The shoulder and knee account for most handball injuries, due to the volume of jump shots and explosive pivots.
The most common, and why
Shoulder tendinitis
— nicknamed “handballer’s shoulder,” linked to the volume of jump shots.Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain
— linked to pivots and sudden changes of direction.Ankle sprain
— very common during jump landings and contact.Finger sprain
— linked to catching the ball and contact on the ball.Patellar tendinopathy
— knee overload linked to the volume of jumps for shooting.
Find your handballer’s injury
8 handball-related injuries are covered by the HOPP app. Select the one that matches your situation to access dedicated content: how the injury happens, the likely cause, and a suitable programme.
Not sure exactly what you have?
Take the HOPP test and get a clear answer about your injury.
Cause #1: a poorly dosed volume of shots and pivots
The court, contact from defenders: these factors play a role, but the most common cause of handball injuries lies elsewhere. In the vast majority of cases, it’s a volume of jump shots or pivots increased too fast, combined with a lack of shoulder mobility or knee control, that exposes you to injury.
The most common mistakes
Neglecting mobility and rotator cuff strengthening work
Increasing training shot volume too quickly
Neglecting knee control during pivots and changes of direction
Returning to competition without full return-to-play training after an injury
HOPP physio tip
before blaming just the contact or the shooting motion, the first question to ask yourself is almost always the same: is my shoulder mobility and my knee control good enough for how much I play? That’s the factor most often at fault, and also the easiest to fix once identified.
The risks of doing nothing
Continuing to play without understanding what’s going on is never a good strategy. Without proper care, a handballer’s injury almost always follows the same script.
What you risk without proper care
An injury that gets worse if you keep playing without adjusting your load
A longer recovery period than with prompt care
A higher risk of relapse on your return, if the cause hasn’t been treated
HOPP takes care of every type of handball player
A competitive club player, a weekend recreational player, someone getting back to handball after an injury: every profile has different needs, but none is left out by HOPP.
The profiles HOPP supports
How HOPP supports you, day after day
Since shoulder mobility and knee control are the first line of defence against handball injuries, that’s also the first thing HOPP helps you work on. Every morning, you indicate how you feel, and your programme adjusts accordingly: a bit more load if all is well, a bit less if the area is complaining. The programme helps you get back on the court in the best possible conditions.
Good to know
HOPP is an injury information tool designed by sports physiotherapists. It doesn’t replace a doctor’s opinion.
Frequently asked questions
Does HOPP replace a medical consultation?
No. HOPP is an injury information tool designed by sports physiotherapists, it doesn’t replace a doctor’s opinion. It gives you clear, quick guidance to understand your situation and know how to act, and directs you to a professional if needed.
Do I need to stop playing handball completely during the programme?
Not necessarily. The programme adapts to your injury and how you feel each day: depending on the case, you may be able to keep up certain training sessions while shots or pivots are temporarily reduced, rather than stopping everything at once.
I’m just starting out in handball, is HOPP right for me?
Yes. The programme is calibrated to your actual practice, whether you’re just starting out or have played for a club for years. It’s not designed only for experienced players.
How long before I feel an improvement?
It depends on the injury and how long you’ve had it. You get a first clear explanation in 3 minutes, then the care programme gives you a realistic return trajectory, adjusted every day based on how you feel.
What if my condition doesn’t improve with the programme?
You can talk it through by teleconsultation with an expert sports physiotherapist to review your situation. HOPP also directs you to a medical consultation if your symptoms require it.
Is the 3-minute test really free?
Yes, the test that explains your injury is free and with no commitment. You then freely choose whether you want to start a suitable care programme.
Ready to get back to handball without delay?
Start your personalised programme today, without waiting.