What to Bring and Buy for a Handball Camp
A handball camp needs more than balls and goals. You will also need equipment for drills and matches, gear for registration and scoring, and enough serving supplies for meals, snacks and drinks. Plan the quantities around the number of participants, coaches and supervisors. Check the pump, needle set, first-aid supplies and coolers before shopping, because these are easy to overlook and difficult to replace at the last minute.
The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.
Tips
- Prepare at least one handball for every active playing group, plus several spares. Test all balls and inflate them before the camp starts; a pump and needle set should be packed with the sports equipment, not left at home.
- Bring enough reusable cups, plates and cutlery for one full meal service, plus about 10% extra. This covers items left on tables, dropped utensils and participants taking a second serving.
- Plan cooling capacity before buying food. Use enough coolers for drinks and perishable ingredients, and fill them before the first session so chilled drinks are ready when the players leave the pitch.
- Pack the small control items together: whistles, stopwatches, scoreboards, game blocks and marker cones. These are often forgotten even when the main sports equipment is already at the venue.
- Allow space for food preparation and serving, not just eating. Tables, chairs, cutting boards, a chef's knife, pitchers and food warmers should be ready before participants arrive, especially when meals are served between sessions.
Frequently asked questions
- How many handballs do I need for a handball camp?
- Plan at least one ball for each active drill or playing group, plus 2 to 4 spare balls for the whole camp. For example, four simultaneous groups need at least 6 to 8 usable handballs.
- How many reusable cups should I bring to a handball camp?
- Bring one cup per participant, coach and supervisor for each drink service, plus 10% extra. For 50 people, prepare at least 55 cups and set up a clear place for used cups.
- When should I buy food and drinks for a handball camp?
- Buy shelf-stable items 2 to 3 days beforehand and chilled or fresh food no earlier than 1 day before the camp. Fill the coolers on the morning of the event so drinks and perishable food stay cold.
- What handball equipment is easy to forget?
- The pump, needle set, whistles, stopwatches, scoreboards and game blocks are commonly missed. Check this small equipment at least 24 hours before setup, then pack it in one labelled bag.