Handball is a  fast-paced indoor sport that combines aspects of basketball, soccer and water polo. It made its first appearance at the 1972 Summer Games.

Teams consist of seven players who work together to try to throw a small ball into their opponent’s goal. A goal results in a point, and the squad that racks up the most points before the completion of two 30-minute halves is the winner.

Players are not permitted to take more than three steps with the ball without dribbling and cannot hold the ball for more than three seconds, which leads to quick passing. Defenders are allowed to use physicality to obstruct offensive players from scoring.

France has won three Olympic gold medals in the sport, the most of any nation, while the United States is medal-less.

Qualifying nations will compete in two 12-team handball tournaments, one for men and one for women.

The 12 squads are divided into two groups of six, with each facing off against the other (within their group) in round-robin play. The top-four teams, record-wise, from each group move onto single elimination quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals winners advance to the semifinals and then the gold and bronze medal games.

Olympic handball is set to begin Wednesday, July 12, and end Friday, July 28.

These dates are subject to change. Check the NBC Olympics schedule page closer to the Games for more detailed viewing information.

All handball games will be held at Long Beach Arena, which hosts a number of sports and entertainment events. It is located within the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center in downtown Long Beach, California.

The venue hosted volleyball at the 1984 Olympic Games.