Goalball was invented in 1946 by Austrian, Hanz Lorenzen, and a German, Sepp Reindle, in an effort to help in the rehabilitation of blinded war veterans.

The game was introduced to the world in 1976 at the Paralympics in Toronto, Canada and has been played at every Paralympics since that time.
As well every four years a World Competitions has been held with the first being in Austria in 1978. Since that time the popularity of goal ball has increased to where it is played competitively in all IBSA regions. Goalball is played on an indoor court measuring 18 x 9 meters.

A team consists of 3 players, all of whom must wear eyeshades (which are blacked out), so that everyone is equal.
There are also up to a maximum of 3 substitute players. The object of the game is to get the ball in the net of the other team. In order to defend the goal, the players must defend their goal by blocking the ball with their bodies.
The ball contains bells inside it allowing the players to hear the ball. The players position themselves by using the tactile markings on the court. (String taped onto the floor).

The game requires fast reactions and teamwork as the game can become fast and furious, with balls reaching speeds of up to 75 km/h.

You also can watch two little video's from a goalball game.

To see an overview video please click here or click the logo.
(Courtesy of Mr. Mick McGuire).

To see a more close-up video please click here or click the logo.
(Courtesy of Mr. Mick McGuire).