About Us
Founded in 2004, Portland Sasquatch is one of the Pacific Northwest's longest-running team handball clubs. What started as a small group of players looking to bring the sport to Portland has grown into a welcoming community for athletes of all levels, from first-timers to seasoned veterans. We train, compete, and grow the game together — on and off the court. Come find out why we've stuck around for over two decades.
What is Team Handball?
Team handball is a fast-paced Olympic sport that combines elements of basketball, soccer, and water polo. Two teams of seven players (six court players plus a goalkeeper) compete on an indoor court, passing and dribbling a ball with their hands as they work toward the opponent's goal. Players score by throwing the ball past the goalkeeper into a net, often leaping through the air from the edge of a marked goal area to shoot. Games move quickly, with high-scoring action, physical defense, and constant transitions between offense and defense.
Though it's hugely popular in Europe — especially in countries like Germany, France, Denmark, and Spain, where it draws large crowds and professional leagues — team handball is still growing in the United States. It's known for being an especially welcoming sport for athletes coming from other backgrounds like basketball, soccer, or water polo, since it rewards speed, agility, and good hands more than any single specialized skill. Whether you're new to the game or have played for years, team handball offers a dynamic, team-oriented way to stay competitive and have fun.
Here are some videos to demonstrate what Team Handball is all about!