# Short line

> The line a served ball must pass beyond.

From the rulebook:

> Lines and zones Handball courts shall be divided and marked on the floors with 2-inch wide lines. Recommended colors are white, yellow, or red. The lines shall be marked as follows: 1) Short line. The short line runs parallel to the wall, between the side lines, with its back edge 16 feet from the wall. 2) Long line. The long line runs parallel to the wall, between the side lines, with its back edge 34 feet from the wall. 3) Top line. The top line runs parallel to the floor, between the side lin…

— [One-wall · Rule 2.1 Courts](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/one-wall/2.1/b.md)

## Where it shows up

- [One-wall · Rule 2.1 Courts](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/one-wall/2.1.md): b
- [One-wall · Rule 3.6 Line judges](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/one-wall/3.6.md): a, b
- [One-wall · Rule 4.1 Serve](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/one-wall/4.1.md): c
- [One-wall · Rule 4.3 Defective serves](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/one-wall/4.3.md): c
- [One-wall · Rule 4.4 Return of Serve](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/one-wall/4.4.md): a, b
- [Four-wall · Rule 2.1 Courts](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/four-wall/2.1.md): b
- [Four-wall · Rule 4.1 Serve](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/four-wall/4.1.md): c, d
- [Four-wall · Rule 4.2 Doubles](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/four-wall/4.2.md): b
- [Four-wall · Rule 4.3 Defective serves](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/four-wall/4.3.md): c
- [Four-wall · Rule 4.4 Return of Serve](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/four-wall/4.4.md): a, b
- [Four-wall · Rule 2.1-one Courts](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rules/four-wall/2.1-one.md): b, d

## Related

- [Service zone](https://handball.theperfectship.com/service-zone.md)
- [Short serve](https://handball.theperfectship.com/short-serve.md)

## In GAA / 60×30 rules

- GAA 60×30: the outside edge of the short line is 32.5 ft from the front wall (GAA rule 2.1.C).

## Ref questions

- [All Serve depth questions (21)](https://handball.theperfectship.com/referee/serve-depth.md)

Rules text: United States Handball Association, used with written permission — https://www.ushandball.org/