EHF Champions League: a recap of the most prestigious club tournament in European handball

Faced with two vibrant and dynamic sports, many people wonder what is the difference between handball and rugby? At first glance, both seem to be about the ball, teamwork and the struggle to win, but in fact there are many key differences between them.

Handball and rugby: the key differences

The rules are so different that it is impossible to confuse them even with a superficial familiarisation. In handball, there are two teams of seven players, including the goalkeeper. The aim is to throw the ball into the opponent’s goal, and it can be passed with the hands, but it is forbidden to hold it for longer than three seconds or to take more than three steps without passing it. The match consists of two halves of 30 minutes each, making the process fast and requiring instant reaction.

In rugby, on the other hand, two teams of 15 players take the field and the match lasts 80 minutes: two halves of 40. The main goal is to get the ball into the opponent’s in-goal or to score a goal using your foot. Unlike handball, the ball in rugby is oval, which makes it unpredictable in movement, and fighting for it: a real challenge for the athletes’ physical fitness. Scrums, runs and powerful tackles distinguish rugby from handball and make the encounters particularly entertaining.

What is the difference between handball and rugby?

The main differences lie in the shape of the ball, the way you interact with it, the equipment and the characteristics of the game. Handball uses a small, round ball with a diameter of about 58-60 cm for men’s teams and 54-56 cm for women’s teams. It is easy to hold with one hand, which is important for quick throws and passes.

In rugby, the ball is oval, approximately 28-30cm long and 58-62cm wide. The oval shape makes the task much more difficult, as the ball behaves unpredictably when dropped, requiring athletes to be quick to react and orientate themselves in the situation. A rugby pitch is an open field, usually with a grass surface, measuring 100 by 70 metres. A handball court is much smaller, 40 by 20 metres, and is indoors.

The main differences are in the equipment:

1. Handball uses special rubber shoes for better traction on the floor. These shoes have non-slip soles and provide maximum control of movement, which is especially important for quick turns and jumps.
2. In rugby, players often wear protective helmets and face shields to avoid injury. Helmets are usually made of soft polyurethane foam to protect the head from impact but not restrict vision. Shields are made of lightweight composite materials to protect the shins and shoulders without restricting mobility.
3. A handball pitch is an indoor field, while a rugby pitch is an outdoor stadium with a grass surface. The surface in handball is usually synthetic, which reduces the risk of injury in a fall, whereas in rugby it is important to have a natural grass surface for softer falls and better traction with cleated shoes.

Comparing handball and rugby: what are the main features?

When it comes to technique, the difference between handball and rugby is immediately clear. In handball, the decisive factors are manual dexterity, co-ordination and accuracy. Athletes must not only move quickly around the court, but also work together effectively to throw the ball into the opponent’s goal. Each shot requires precise co-ordination and each pass requires instant judgement.

Rugby is all about strength and physical endurance. Players must break through the opponent’s defence, break through powerful defences with the ball, and stay in the game until the end of the match. It’s not just physical skills that are important here, but also tactical thinking: the athlete must understand when it’s better to run with the ball and when it’s better to make a pass.

Key indicators:

1. In handball, the main emphasis is on co-ordination of movement and accuracy of throws. The average throwing speed in handball can be up to 100 km/h and players must be able to direct the ball accurately despite the active resistance of the defenders.
2. In rugby, physical strength and the ability to defend the ball are important. The average rugby player weighs around 100-120kg and these physical attributes help to successfully tackle and defend the ball during play.
3. Manual dexterity is critical in handball and shoulder and leg strength is critical in rugby. In handball, players must switch quickly between attack and defence, making an average of 60 passes per match. In rugby, balance is important when making contact with an opponent, while leg strength helps to accelerate and move forward efficiently.

What handball and rugby have in common

Although at first glance these sports are quite different, there are many similarities between them. Firstly, success depends directly on teamwork. In both sports, you need to be able to react quickly to your opponents’ actions and communicate clearly with your teammates.

Secondly, tactics and strategy play an important role. Athletes must be able to anticipate their opponents’ actions and plan their moves several steps ahead. Both games require high concentration and the ability to make quick decisions in stressful situations.

Elements of teamwork:

1. In rugby, a “tight defence” strategy is often used, where athletes group together to create a strong barrier for the opponent. In handball, the “wall” tactic is common, where several people form a barrier protecting the goal.
2. Training is aimed at developing synchronised movements of all team members. In handball, synchronisation of quick passes is popular, while in rugby, maul and ruck drills are popular, where athletes work as a unit to move the ball forward.
3. Communication: the key to a successful game. In rugby, the team captain is often responsible for coordination and decision-making on the field, using special signals to communicate information. In handball, the captain also plays an important role, especially when organising attacking and defending.

Handball vs. rugby: which to choose?

Handball is suitable for those who like speed, agility and tactical techniques. This game develops reaction, improves coordination and teaches you to throw accurately. It is accessible to both children and adults due to the comparatively less stress on the body.

Rugby, on the other hand, is ideal for those who want to test their strength and endurance. It is important to be able to withstand physical pressure, not to be afraid of collisions and to be able to move quickly with the ball, even when the opposing defenders are in front of you. The sport is about character, about fighting until the last metre of the field, and this is what attracts many athletes.

Interesting to know:

1. Handball was first included in the Olympic Games programme in 1972 and the discipline has developed rapidly ever since.
2. One of the most famous matches in rugby history: the 1995 World Cup final when South Africa defeated New Zealand, symbolising the unification of a nation after apartheid.
3. Handball and rugby are both among the sports disciplines recognised by the International Olympic Committee and provide an excellent base for building endurance and strength.

Conclusion

What is the difference between handball and rugby? These two sports offer completely different challenges and opportunities. No matter which you choose, the main thing is to enjoy the process, have fun playing and strive for new victories.

From a humble pastime to an Olympic sport, the journey of women’s handball has been full of triumphs and triumphs. Athletes who have defied social conventions have transformed sports grounds into arenas where strength, agility and strategy come together. Their story is a hymn to the human spirit and unlimited possibilities.

The first women’s handball matches: how it all began

The year 1917 can be considered the starting point: it was then that the first official matches took place in Germany. Women who ventured onto the pitch did so at their own risk. Moral norms of the time assumed that sport was the domain of men and that women should confine themselves to domestic duties and social entertainment.

Enthusiasts like Clara Zetkin believed in the importance of women’s participation in sport and popularised the games among the weaker sex. Matches were played in open courts and attracted the attention not only of fans but also of the press, which often criticised handball players for their “unfeminine” activities.

At this time, the players’ uniforms were not comfortable, but this did not stop the pioneers. A few years later – in 1926 – regular tournaments appeared in Europe. Enthusiasm grew, and by the mid-1930s handball became really popular among women in Scandinavia, where the climate and sports infrastructure favoured its popularity.

Development of women’s handball in Russia

The beginning dates back to the 1950s, when the first clubs began to form in the major cities of Moscow and Leningrad. Soviet women, known for their resilience and hard work, quickly took the initiative to develop handball. As this was a period of active promotion of physical culture, many sports societies willingly accepted girls’ teams and supported their participation in competitions.

The first real success came in 1962, when the USSR national team won bronze at the World Championship. Since then, Russian handball players, including such legends as Lyudmila Postnova and Tatiana Kireeva, have constantly proved their skills, bringing medals both in European and world arenas. The discipline has become a symbol of resilience and sporting courage, and Russian handball players have become an example for thousands of young female athletes across the country.

Position on the world stage

Women handball players demonstrated incredible strength of spirit and desire to win, so they reached the major competitions.

Olympic Games and women’s handball: the fight for gold

The discipline was first seen at the Olympics in 1976 in Montreal. Then it became part of the Olympic programme, and that moment was a real breakthrough. The first gold medal was taken by Soviet athletes in 1980 at the Moscow Games, where the USSR team, inspired by the support of the home stands, managed to beat all their rivals. This success cemented the importance of the sport at the world level.

Especially significant was the victory of the Russian national team in 2016 at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Under the leadership of Evgeny Trefilov, the team beat France 22:19 and won gold medals, becoming heroes of their time. This moment will remain in history not only as the triumph of one national team, but also as proof that this sport can be exciting, intense and dramatic.

Women’s Handball World Championships: a story of great victories

The championship was first held in 1957, and since then it has become one of the most important events in the world of sport. There are many bright pages in the history of the world championships, one of which is the victory of the USSR national team in 1982, when our sportswomen beat the Yugoslavia team with a convincing score of 30:18. No less significant event was the victory of the Norwegian national team in 1999, when the team took gold, demonstrating skill and unique technique of the game.

Women’s handball stars: legends inspiring the new generation

There are names in history that inspire more than one generation of players. One such legend is Zinaida Turchina, who is one of the most decorated handball players in the world, twice Olympic champion and multiple world champion. Her unique style of play and leadership qualities have inspired many young girls around the world to take up handball.

Anna Vyakhireva is a star who shone at the 2019 World Championships, where she was recognised as the best player of the tournament. Vyakhireva is known for her lightning-fast reactions and outstanding technique, her performances on the field are always eye-catching, while her tenacity and hard work make her an example for all aspiring handball players.

Tatiana Petrenko  – the leader of the national team in the 1990s, played a key role in the successful performances of the Russian team at the European and World Championships. She was characterised by her powerful shots and outstanding leadership qualities, which helped the team achieve high results and created a great atmosphere on the court.

Ekaterina Ilyina – a key figure at the 2016 Olympics, was one of the main contributors to the Russian team’s victory in Rio de Janeiro. Her ability to take the initiative in decisive moments, as well as her accuracy in throws from difficult situations, allowed the team to win gold and make history.

Rules of women’s handball and their evolution

The basic standards have remained largely unchanged since the discipline’s inception, but changes have been made over the years to improve the safety and spectacle of the game. Here are the basic rules of women’s handball:

1. Each team consists of seven players: six field players and one goalkeeper.
2. The match lasts two halves of 30 minutes with a 10 minute break.
3. Players may take up to three steps without heading the ball, after which they must either pass or start heading.
4. The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to touch the ball with his feet, but only within his own area.
5. Penalty throws are awarded for serious offences such as pushing or hitting an opponent.
6. Players are not allowed to be in the goalkeeper’s area except when jumping during an attack.

Unlike men’s handball, women’s matches are often accompanied by softer tactics and a greater emphasis on technique, making the game more elegant and dynamic.

In the early 1960s, a rule limiting the number of steps without driving the ball was introduced, which greatly increased the pace of play. In the 1980s, the process became faster with new shooting requirements and defensive tactics that made the match more entertaining. Each of these changes was designed to emphasise a player’s skill and speed.

Conclusion

Women’s handball has come a long way – from small local matches to grandiose world tournaments. Today, the sport inspires millions of girls around the world to become stronger, to fight for their dreams and not to be afraid to be first. To try your hand at this dynamic and exciting sport is to join the great winning tradition and stand shoulder to shoulder with the best female athletes in the world.