Handicap
A numerical allowance that adjusts scores or conditions so players of differing ability can compete fairly.
Definition
In golf, a handicap is a measure of a player's ability expressed as a number of strokes; subtracting it from the gross score gives a "net" score, letting a weaker player compete on even terms with a stronger one. Lower handicaps indicate better players, and the figure is calculated from a player's recent scores relative to course difficulty.
The word is used differently elsewhere: in horse racing a handicap race assigns heavier weights to stronger horses to level the field, and in ten-pin bowling handicap leagues add pins to lower-average bowlers' scores. In each case the aim is competitive balance, but the mechanism, whether strokes, weight, or added points, depends on the sport.
Scope: A scoring and levelling term whose mechanism differs by sport; not a reference to disability sport, which is handled through adaptive sport classification systems.
Meaning by sport
This term is used differently across sports:
- Golf
- A stroke allowance based on ability; gross score minus handicap gives the net score used to compare players.
- horse racing
- A race in which stronger horses carry more weight to equalise the field.
- bowling
- Extra pins added to a lower-average bowler's score to level competition.
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Adaptive sports
- Inclusive sportsSport designed or delivered so that disabled and non-disabled people can play together, side by side, in the same activity.
- Wheelchair SportsSports played from a wheelchair — often a specialised sports chair — so that wheelchair users can take part, train and compete.
- Adaptive sportsSport adjusted in its equipment, rules or format so that people with disabilities can take part, compete and enjoy it.
- Adaptive coachingCoaching that adjusts how it teaches — communication, planning and pace — so that people with a disability can learn, improve and enjoy a sport.
- Ambulant Para SportsPara sports for athletes who compete standing or on foot — walking or running — rather than from a wheelchair or seated position.
Player roles
- PlaymakerThe playmaker is a team's creative hub — the player who orchestrates attacks, controls the tempo and distributes the ball so teammates can score.
- Utility playerA dependable, versatile player who can competently fill several different positions as the team needs, rather than specialising in just one.
- CaptainThe captain is a team's on-field leader who communicates, makes in-game decisions and sets standards — a role any player can hold, not a fixed position.
- Ball-winnerA ball-winner is the player tasked with regaining possession through pressing, tackling and interceptions — a team's tireless defensive workhorse.
Positions
- Goal shooterThe goal shooter is a netball attacker who scores goals and is one of only two players allowed to shoot, working within the attacking goal third and circle.
- Goal attackThe goal attack is a versatile netball attacker who both feeds the shooter and scores goals, moving through the centre and attacking thirds.
- Small forwardThe small forward is a versatile wing player in basketball who can score inside and outside while also defending multiple positions.
Physical qualities
- Muscular enduranceThe ability of a muscle group to keep working for many repetitions without tiring.
- Muscular strengthHow much force your muscles can produce in a single effort.
- SpeedHow quickly you can move your body or a part of it from one point to another.
- Core stabilityThe ability of the muscles around your trunk to keep it stable while your limbs move.
- Cardiovascular enduranceThe ability to sustain whole-body activity for a long time while your heart, lungs and muscles keep up.
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How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Term
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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