Three major handball tournaments not to be missed in 2025

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 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

From 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.

Handball is one of the most dynamic and spectacular team sports and a very exciting game. It combines elements of basketball and football, requiring players not only to be physically fit, but also to work as a team. Let’s look at the basic rules and features of this sport.

Handball rules: the main points of the game in simple terms

Handball is a game where a team of seven players (six field players and a goalkeeper) tries to throw the ball into the opponent’s goal, beating the defense.

The rules are not as complicated as they might seem at first glance. There are several key aspects that will help you quickly master the basics:

1. Duration of the match. The match consists of two halves of 30 minutes, with a 10-minute break. The timer is not stopped, except in special situations, which adds dynamics and tension.
2. Moving with the ball. Players can take up to three steps with the ball in their hands. After that, they must make a pass or try to throw at the goal.
3. Goal area. Only the goalkeeper is allowed to be in the area in front of the goal, field players cannot go there, even for the purpose of throwing.
4. Penalties. Rough play is punished with temporary penalties (usually for two minutes), which seriously weakens the team for a while.

There are many nuances in handball, but they are mastered quickly thanks to practical training and active play.

How to play handball: secrets of triumph on the court

The game of handball involves the participation of two teams, each of which plans to throw as many balls as possible into the opponent’s goal. Here, not only physical qualities are important, but also clear team interactions.

To learn how to play handball, it is important to master the basic skills of attack, defense and quick transition from one phase of the game to another:

1. Attack is one of the key stages of the game. Players use passes to move the ball, creating dangerous moments near the opponent’s goal. Throws are made from different positions, while trying to confuse the goalkeeper. Quick reaction and accuracy are the main components of a successful attack.
2. Defense is the ability to effectively block the opponent’s movements. Players form a so-called “wall” that prevents throws and hinders the advancing attacker. The task of defense is not just to prevent the ball from being thrown in, but also to disrupt attacks by intercepting passes.
3. Counterattack is an important element. When capturing the ball, defenders quickly go on the offensive, using the slowdown of opponents to dramatically change the course of the match.

Handball court and equipment

The perimeter is a rectangular field 40 meters long and 20 meters wide. It is divided into two halves and has special markings that indicate attack, defense and goal zones.

Main equipment:

1. Handball goals are rectangular structures 2 meters high and 3 meters wide. They are equipped with a net that makes it easy to see the result of a throw. The goalkeeper protects the goal, using reaction and intuition to stop powerful throws.
2. The handball is made of leather or synthetic materials, it must be easy to hold in the hands, because the game requires quick and precise actions. The ball has different sizes depending on the age group: in men’s teams it is larger than in women’s and youth teams.

All elements of handball create unique conditions for a dynamic and spectacular game. Each has its own meaning and affects the strategy of the teams.

Team of Champions and Handball Tactics: How to Become an Integral Part of the Game

The success of a handball game depends largely on how well the roles are distributed and how the players interact with each other. A handball team consists of seven players, each of whom has a specific role:

1. The goalkeeper is the key player in defense. He must anticipate the direction of throws, as well as initiate quick counterattacks by throwing the ball to the field players.
2. The wingers are responsible for quick attacks on the flanks. They use their speed to get to the goal and shoot from acute angles.
3. The central player is the brain of the team, managing the game, distributing passes and organizing attacks. His job is to analyze the situation on the court and find free zones to pass the ball.
4. The line player positions himself near the opponent’s goal line and distracts the defenders, creating opportunities for team members to shoot. He is often in contact with the opponent’s defenders, which makes his game extremely physical.

Handball tactics include active position changes and combined actions, which allow the team to adapt to the situation on the court and exploit the opponent’s weaknesses. Coordinated work of the entire team is the basis for victory.

Handball match: adrenaline and endless emotions

A real drama, where every moment can change the course of events. The high speed of the game, frequent changes in attacks and defense create an atmosphere of constant tension in handball. Each attack can end with a goal, and any mistake can be fatal.

The first half of the match is usually like reconnaissance: the teams try to evaluate each other’s tactics, find weaknesses. Then the pace of the game gradually increases, and in the second half a real battle begins, where physical endurance and psychological stability of the players are important.

Emotions are running high on the handball court. Fans witness incredible throws, desperate saves by the goalkeeper and tense moments at the gate. The game of handball is literally charged with energy – from bright combinations to sharp counterattacks, each match brings many spectacular episodes.

The game of handball is continuous movement, fast attacks and active struggle for the ball

Handball is an explosion of emotions and adrenaline, where every second is filled with struggle and desire to win. It is a game for those who are not afraid to give their best and enjoy the process. It is also a great alternative to classic soccer, basketball and volleyball.