Everything you need to know about goals in ball sports

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  March 15 2023

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A goal is a score made in a ball sport. In football, the goal is to ball to get between the posts, in hockey to shoot the puck into the goal, in handball to throw the ball and in ice hockey to shoot the puck into the goal.

In this article you can read all about goals in different ball sports and how they are made.

What is a goal

Which sports use a target?

Many team sports use a goal, such as football, hockey, handball and basketball. In these sports, the goal is often the most important part of the game. The goal ensures that there is a clear goal to work towards and that it is possible to score.

Individual sports

Goals can also be used in individual sports, such as tennis and golf. In this case, the target is often smaller and serves more as an aiming point than as a goal to score.

Recreational sports

A goal can also be used in recreational sports, such as jeu de boules and kubb. The goal is often less important here than in team sports, but it does provide a clear goal to work towards.

How do you score a goal in different ball sports?

In soccer, the goal is to shoot the ball into the opponent's soccer goal. The football goal has a standard size of 7,32 meters wide and 2,44 meters high. The frame of the goal is made of coated steel tubes that are welded at the corner joints and internally reinforced to prevent deflection. The football goal meets the official dimensions and is ideal for this energetic activity. The price of a football goal varies depending on the size and quality of the material. To score a goal, the ball must be shot between the posts and under the crossbar of the goal. It is essential to have the correct positioning and standing in the right spot to receive the ball from teammates. Characteristics such as poor ball control or a lack of speed can lead to a missed opportunity in some cases. The team that scores the most goals is the winner.

Handball

In handball, the aim is to throw the ball into the opponent's goal. The handball goal has a size of 2 meters high and 3 meters wide. The target area is indicated by a circle with a radius of 6 meters around the target. Only the goalkeeper may enter this area. The goal is similar to a football goal, but smaller. To score a goal, the ball must be thrown into the goal. It does not matter whether the ball is hit with the hands or with a hockey stick. The team that scores the most goals is the winner.

Ice hockey

In ice hockey, the goal is to shoot the puck into the opponent's goal. The ice hockey goal has a size of 1,83 meters wide and 1,22 meters high. The target is attached to the ice surface and can move slightly when skated against it. Flexible pegs are used to keep the goal in place. The goal is an important part of the game, as it determines the team's defensive setup. To score a goal, the puck must be shot between the posts and under the crossbar of the goal. The team that scores the most goals is the winner.

Basketball

In basketball, the goal is to throw the ball through the opponent's basket. The basket measures 46 centimeters in diameter and is attached to a backboard that is 1,05 meters wide and 1,80 meters high. The board is attached to a pole and can be adjusted in height. To score a goal, the ball must be thrown through the basket. The team that scores the most goals is the winner.

Conclusion

A goal is the most important part of a game and ensures that it is clear what you are working towards.

If you don't practice the sport yet, try one of the goals. Maybe it's your thing!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of referees.eu is a content marketer, father and loves to write about all kinds of sports, and has also played a lot of sports himself for most of his life. Now since 2016, he and his team have been creating helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with their sports activities.