goalball

/ ˈɡəʊlˌbɔːl /

noun

1. a game played by two teams who compete to score goals by throwing a ball that emits audible sound when in motion. Players, who may be blind or sighted, are blindfolded during play
2. the ball used in this game

Example Sentences

Goalball couldn’t be more simple.

From Los Angeles Times

Much like in volleyball or basketball, the court is marked with painted lines, except in goalball, the lines are slightly raised, just enough to feel with your foot or hand.

From Los Angeles Times

Goalball is played by visually impaired athletes and a special rule means there is no need for classification.

From BBC

Boccia is one of two Paralympic sports – along with goalball – which does not have an Olympic counterpart.

From BBC

ParalympicsGB will compete in 19 sports in Paris, having failed to qualify in blind football, goalball and sitting volleyball.

From BBC

More About Goalball

What does goalball mean?

Goalball is a sport played by two teams of blind or blindfolded players. The teams try to score points by getting a sound-emitting ball into the other team’s goal.

Goalball was started in 1946 as a sport for blind or visually impaired World War II veterans. In 1976, it was played as an exhibition at the Toronto Paralympic Games and has remained a part of the Paralympics since then. Between Paralympics, teams can compete to play in the Goalball World Championships. 

Goalball is also the ball used to play in the game. 

Example: Sevda practiced her throwing for hours in hopes of making the goalball team.

Where does goalball come from?

The first records of the term goalball come from around the 1940s. It combines the terms goal and ball.

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with goalball? 

• goal
• ball
• goalkeeper
• goalie
• baseball
• basketball

What are some words that often get used in discussing goalball?

• beep
• blind
• blindfold
• goal
• net
• Paralympics
• players
• reflexes
• sound

How is goalball used in real life?

Goalball is a popular sport played mostly by blind and visually impaired athletes. It’s one of the most popular events in the Paralympics. 

Brazil have won their first ever #Goalball #Gold medal!

They won 7-2 over China, who took #Silver

Which was your favourite goal?#Tokyo202 #Paralympics

— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) September 3, 2021

What do you think Canada?

Are you watching goalball for the first time?

Time to rally for the Canadians down 3-0.

— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) August 25, 2021

A tremendous campaign for GB comes to an end. Bronze was not to be. We are proud of the dedication of the players, coaches and thankful to all our supporters. We, as a sport & a team, continue to move forward.

We are Goalball UK 🔵💙🇬🇧#AspirationFund #PeterHarrisonFoundation

— Goalball UK (@GoalballUK) October 13, 2019

 

Try using goalball!

Is goalball used correctly in the following sentence?

“In goalball, the object is to throw the goalball into the other team’s net.”