A handball match lasts for a total of 60 minutes and is divided into two halves of 30 minutes each.

If a game is tied, overtime is played. The overtime period consists of two halves, each lasting five minutes. If the game remains tied after the first overtime, a second period is played.

If the game is still tied after the second overtime and a tie-breaker is necessary, then a 7-metre throwing is generally used. Here, each team selects five players, who take turns making one throw each. They alternate with players from the opposing team. 

If the score is still tied after the first round of five throws per team, sudden death ensues. In sudden death, the first team to build up a lead after both teams have taken an equal number of throws wins.

Balls used in handball matches are made of leather or synthetic material and must have a spherical shape. The surface of the ball should not be shiny or slippery. Typically, there are two categories of handballs - one made of resin and one without.

For resin handballs, the circumference ranges from 58 to 60cm and the weight is between 425 to 475g for men. For women, the ball circumference ranges from 54 to 56 cm, and the weight is between 325 to 375g.

For non-resin handballs, the circumference ranges from 55.5 to 57.5cm, and the weight is between 400 to 425g for men. For women, the ball circumference ranges from 51.5 to 53.5cm, and the weight is between 300 to 325g.