Resin, key ingredient in handball

For those who have never played handball in competition, the experience is radical. Try to return a ball out of bounds and you will understand the importance of a parameter that can escape the general public. Resin, which is sometimes even stored on the players’ shoes, plays a fundamental role in this sport. To the point that it can leave you with a ball in your palm – and a few grams of glue as a bonus – when you want to help out…

The omnipresence of resin in handball

When they step onto the court, it is not uncommon to see handball players applying resin on their fingertips. The pot is always close to the bench. This glue, which obviously enhances grip, allows them both to better control the ball, develop more power in shots and passes, add effects, or secure the game with one hand…

Without glue, everything changes…except defense

Winger and captain of the CLCH, Jeanne Godey is clear: “Handball without glue, it changes a lot in the way of playing, especially in terms of ball handling and execution speed.” The Alfortville team is used to it. Second in the standings, they win everything at home, often by a wide margin. Colombelles sees it as a real challenge, despite their series of 18 wins in 18 championship matches…

Without resin, it’s almost not the same sport. You’ll have to accept missing shots, missing passes.” – Paul Vardon, coach of CL Colombelles Handball

The adaptation will have to be continuous. “Without resin, the ball slides more,” emphasizes Jeanne Godey. Long passes, powerful shots, and feints require a cleaner technique. It’s a real disruptive factor when you’re not used to it…

Specific balls

Colombelles does not intend to revolutionize its game, based in part on a strong defense and fast attacks. Nevertheless, the Colombelloises hope to discover balls adapted to the unique configuration at the Alfortville venue. “As there is less grip, we must prioritize specific balls without glue that do not have the same technical characteristics as those we play with the rest of the time,” indicates Jeanne Godey…

A real issue for municipalities

Brands have tried to develop a ball that allows players to put the glue away, but none have completely convinced. So we have to deal with municipalities that refuse resin on their floors and walls. “It gets dirty, but it can be cleaned,” says Paul Vardon. “It’s like removing cleats from footballers because it damages the grass. Resin is an essential tool for handball players.”