Handball (Australian rules football)
The Handball or handpass is a ball-passing skill in the sport of Australian rules football. As throwing the ball is not allowed in Australian football, passing to a fellow player are executed either by kicking, or by a controlled "punch" with one hand holding the ball while the other knocking it into flight. Handballing is the primary means of disposing the ball quickly and over short distances in Australian football.
Luke Hodge preparing to execute a handball. In a properly executed handball, the player holds the ball with one hand and punches the ball away with the clenched fist of the other hand.
Neville Jetta handballing with his left. Australian rules players use opposite fists to pass to the left or right.
Heath Scotland executes a right hand rocket handpass to a teammate while under pressure.
West Torrens Football Club captain Robert Hank demonstrates handballing technique with his right in 1950
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, also called Australian football or Aussie rules, or more simply football or footy, is a contact sport played between two teams of 18 players on an oval field, often a modified cricket ground. Points are scored by kicking the oval ball between the central goal posts, or between a central and outer post.
A ruckman leaps above his opponent to win the hit-out during a ball-up
Statue next to the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the approximate site of the 1858 football match between Melbourne Grammar and Scotch College. Tom Wills is depicted umpiring behind two young players contesting the ball. The plaque reads that Wills "did more than any other person – as a footballer and umpire, co-writer of the rules and promoter of the game – to develop Australian football during its first decade."
Engraving of a football match at the Richmond Paddock, 1866. The MCG and its first pavilion are visible in the background, as are kick-off posts, the forerunner of today's behind posts.
Engraving of the first intercolonial football match between Victoria and South Australia, East Melbourne Cricket Ground, 1879