How handball differs from volleyball: speed or precision

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How is handball different from volleyball? Both sports are highly dynamic but require different approaches. Handball is about speed, contact and constant movement. Volleyball is tactical precision, reaction and precise combinations. Each sport has its own characteristics. They have common features as well as significant differences in technique, history and popularity. Analysing the key aspects will help you determine which is better suited to your preferences.

History of handball and volleyball

Handball began to take shape in the late 19th century in Germany and Denmark. The debut official championships took place in the 1920s, when the sport took its modern form. Handball developed for a long time as a European discipline, but by the middle of the 20th century it had become widely known in Asia and South America. It became part of the Olympic Games in 1936, but only appeared in the usual hall format in 1972.

Volleyball was invented in 1895 in the USA by teacher William Morgan. The aim was to create a team game, less contact than basketball. The game was originally intended for corporate workers, but soon spread worldwide. By 1947, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) was created, and in 1964 the sport made its Olympic debut.

The evolution of these sports confirms their development in different contexts: handball focuses on physical contact and attacking strategy, while volleyball focuses on precision and team co-operation.

Handball and volleyball: the rules that define the game

How handball differs from volleyball: speed or precisionHow is handball different from volleyball? The main differences lie in the rules and format of the game.

Handball is a contact sport in which players can hold the ball, move with it around the court, make passes and attack the opponent’s goal.

Basic rules:

  1. Hold the ball in your hands for no more than three seconds.
  2. Move no more than three steps without driving the ball.
  3. Passing, driving and shooting are done with the hands and the ball weighs about 450-500 grams.
  4. Each team consists of 7 players, including the goalkeeper.
  5. The goalkeeper may use any part of his body to defend the goal.
  6. Physical contact, but infringements (holding the opponent, pushing) are penalised.

Volleyball is a non-contact game where the ball is always in the air and the main interaction is through the net.

Basic rules:

  1. Players may only touch the ball with their palms, fingers or forearms, but holding the ball is prohibited.
  2. Each team may touch the ball a maximum of three times before sending it to the opponent’s side.
  3. There are 6 players per team, substitutions are possible at any time.
  4. Contact with the net is forbidden, violation of the rule results in loss of a point.
  5. The play continues until the ball touches the floor or goes out of bounds.

The main difference lies in the mechanics of the game: handball players actively use physical wrestling, power moves and throws. Volleyball players rely on reaction, coordination and team play without physical contact.

Difference in playing technique

Handball players must have strong physical fitness, the ability to change direction, attack and defend. Movement on the court is based on explosive spurts, fast passing and shots from different distances. The tactics of the game, including combinations and individual passes, are of great importance.

Volleyball players focus on jumping technique and accuracy of movement. Players spend a lot of time in the post, constantly analysing the trajectory of the ball. Passing, serving and attacking require team cohesion, while blocks and defences against opponents require instant reaction.

The main difference: in handball the key element is shooting and defence, in volleyball it is attacking and blocking.

How popular are these sports in the world

The popularity of handball is high in Europe – Germany, France, Spain and Denmark. There the sport occupies leading positions. A developed club system and national tournaments make handball popular.

Volleyball is popular not only in Europe, but also in South America, Asia and Russia. World Championships, Olympic Games and many professional leagues confirm its popularity.

Its popularity depends on the region: handball dominates in Europe, while volleyball dominates worldwide.

Main similarities and differences

Despite significant differences, these sports have similarities:

  • team structure: both require teamwork and co-operation;
  • dynamism: players are constantly moving, attacking and defending rapidly, creating a tense and dynamic game;
  • tactical planning: strategies are tailored to the style of the team and opponents.

However, the key differences between the games are significant, and they manifest themselves in various aspects:

  • playing court:  handball uses a 40×20 metre hall format, while volleyball uses an 18×9 metre court or a sand court;
  • contact:  in handball a hard physical struggle is allowed, in volleyball the interaction of players with the opponent is excluded;
  • playing technique: handball players throw and move with the ball using dribbling, volleyball players perform serves, passes and shots over the net;
  • defensive tactics: in handball, defenders actively block opponents, in volleyball, defence is done through the positioning and reaction of the team.

Conclusion

Key similarities and differencesFrom this article you have learnt how handball differs from volleyball. The key differences are in the rules, technique and dynamics. Handball is a sport for those who like wrestling and intense attacks. Volleyball is for lovers of strategy, precision and co-ordination. Both sports disciplines promote the development of physical skills and team spirit. It is important to consider personal preferences when making your choice. Trying each is the best way to determine which sport is more suitable.

Related posts

Sportrecords kunnen fascinerend en verbazingwekkend zijn. In de wereld van het handbal gaat het niet alleen om cijfers, maar om echte verhalen van triomf en uithoudingsvermogen die de tribunes doen ontploffen en toeschouwers van hun stoelen doen opstaan. Unieke prestaties die op het veld worden behaald, kunnen van deze discipline niet alleen een opwindende sport maken, maar ook een waar toneel voor heldendom. Er zijn hier geen willekeurige winnaars: elke winnaar is het resultaat van krankzinnig werk, ongelooflijke wilskracht en verbijsterende tactische beslissingen. Handbalrecords zijn verhalen van mensen die niet alleen hun tegenstanders, maar ook zichzelf elke dag uitdagen.

Legendarische handbalwedstrijd: record aantal doelpunten

Juni 2014 was een historische maand voor handbal: toen werd in een wedstrijd tussen de teams Heddesheim en Walldorf een nieuw record gevestigd voor het aantal doelpunten in één wedstrijd. Het moment zal voor altijd in het geheugen gegrift staan ​​van de toeschouwers en fans, dankzij het duizelingwekkende aantal gescoorde doelpunten: 94! Het was een heel verhaal, verteld door dynamische schoten, geweldige passes en ongelooflijke inspanningen van de spelers.

Historische achtergrond

Een belangrijk kenmerk van de ontmoeting was dat beide teams fysiek en tactisch ongelooflijk goed voorbereid waren. Heddesheim stond bekend om hun agressieve aanvalsspel en legde de nadruk op snelle breaks en schoten, terwijl Waldorf bekendstond om hun verdedigende en counterende vaardigheden. Hun clash werd een waar spektakel, waarbij elke minuut iets nieuws bracht en het publiek zich niet kon losmaken van wat er gebeurde. De strijd liet zien hoezeer de training, de aanpak en de methoden om atleten voor te bereiden, zijn veranderd.

Technische referentie

In totaal werden er 94 doelpunten gescoord, wat alle verwachtingen overtrof. Het resultaat was mogelijk dankzij de geweldige coördinatie van het team en de nauwkeurige uitvoering van de tactische plannen. Onder de helden van de bijeenkomst mag spits Johannes Stieler niet ontbreken. Hij scoorde 27 doelpunten en leverde daarmee een belangrijke bijdrage aan de prestaties van de club. De geweldige sfeer, waarin elk schot doorslaggevend kon zijn, hield de spanning vast tot het laatste fluitsignaal.

Belangrijke spelers die een hoog niveau van vaardigheid hebben getoond:

  1. Johannes Stieler – 27 doelpunten
  2. Andreas Kepler – 15 doelpunten
  3. Markus Wagner – Meesterlijke verdediging, 8 blokken
  4. Thomas Hebert – 12 succesvolle assists

De meest bekroonde handbalspelers ter wereld

Handball records: the brightest achievements and incredible victories

Handball Legends

The discipline has given the world many legendary athletes, whose names have long been synonymous with the word “victory”. One of them is Nikola Karabatic, who during his career won not only the Olympic Games, but also several world championships. His strength, endurance and incredible vision of the field make him an example to follow. He is a true master of his craft with results that continue to inspire new generations.

Another handball icon is Michael Haas, who went down in history thanks to his ability to take responsibility at the most critical moments of the match. He won the EHF Champions League three times and became the tournament’s top scorer twice. Haas is an example of how you can win not only physically, but also psychologically, ruining your opponent’s plans with your courage.

Main achievements:

  1. Nikola Karabatic — 2 Olympic golds, 4 World Championship golds, 3 EHF Champions Leagues
  2. Michael Haas — 3 EHF Champions Leagues, 2 times the tournament’s top scorer
  3. Iva Alois — 5 national championships, 3 Player of the Year titles

These athletes embody ideals: strength, speed, the ability to take responsibility and the willingness to go all the way.

Handball scoring records: how is this possible?

Scoring is one of the main qualities that makes handball such an exciting sport. It is measured by the number of goals scored in a match, and it is often what determines the success of a team. This indicator is achieved thanks to well-developed tactics, a clear distribution of roles among the athletes and proper physical training.

The most productive matches

One of the most productive matches in the history of handball was the 2015 World Championship final between Denmark and Poland. The match ended with a crazy score of 39:38, and both teams showed their best. The players gave it their all, each attack was thought out to the smallest detail, and the defense had a hard time coping with the attacking onslaught of the opponent.

Influencing factors

To achieve such a high result, it is necessary to take into account many factors:

  1. Physical preparation: each player must be in excellent shape to withstand the entire match at maximum speeds.
  2. Coaching decisions: the tactics and strategy chosen by the coach can significantly affect the performance.
  3. Teamwork: this is what allows you to create situations when one player is best prepared to shoot at the goal.

Handball records in Russia: national pride

The Russian school is known for its discipline and high level of training. One of the most outstanding achievements was the participation of the team in the Olympic Games in 2000, where they won gold, setting a new record. The team showed incredible resilience, especially in the final, when they faced a powerful Swedish team.

The match became a symbol of Russian strength and tactical mastery. Players such as Dmitry Targetti and Alexey Rutenkov demonstrated impeccable defense and precise attacks, which ultimately allowed the Russians to win with a score of 28:26. This final became one of the most important pages in the history of Russian handball.

Handball: a sport where records are always ahead

Handball: a sport where records are always aheadEvery year, athletes are getting faster, stronger, and more resilient, which means that results that seem unattainable today will be beaten tomorrow. The discipline continues to evolve, attracting more and more people who are ready to take to the court and prove that they are worthy to write their name in history. Handball records inspire new achievements and remind us that there is no limit to what we can do.

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's handball: from first shots to world triumphsWomen 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

Rules of women's handball and their evolutionWomen’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.