What’s the difference between handball and rugby: comparing the titans

Beach handball is a true combination of excitement, team spirit and endless fun in the sun. The sport originated on the warm beaches of Europe and is rapidly gaining popularity around the world thanks to its dynamism and spectacle. Beach handball first appeared in Italy in the early 1990s, when a group of people decided to combine classic handball and summer fun on the sand. Since then, the discipline has captured the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts and professional athletes. The unique atmosphere of the sand court, the constant battle and the incredible acrobatic techniques make this format an unforgettable spectacle.

History of beach handball: from idea to international success

The idea for beach handball came from Italian coach Salvatore Ferace. He was inspired by the atmosphere of beach tournaments and decided to adapt the rules of classic handball to play on the sand. The first match took place in 1992 on a beach in Italy and it was already clear that the sport had huge potential. The exciting dynamic, which requires great physical fitness and excellent ball skills, quickly gained popularity among spectators. In 1995, the first international beach handball tournament was held, attracting the attention of the global sports community.

Today, this format is part of the World Games programme and in 2001 it became an official sport under the auspices of the International Handball Federation (FIH). An important milestone in its development was the World Cup, which has been held regularly since 2004 and brings together the best teams from around the world.

Beach handball in Russia

The sport began to develop in Russia in the early 2000s, when athletes first organised unofficial tournaments on the shores of the Black Sea. Since then, interest in the sport has grown significantly and in 2013 the Russian team participated in the World Championships, where it achieved a good result. Today, regional and all-Russian competitions are held in the country, where amateurs and professionals from all corners of Russia participate. The development of beach handball is actively supported by coaches such as Sergey Ryabov and Alexey Kuznetsov, who have contributed to the popularisation of the sport.

Rules of the game: how to understand and love beach handball

The pitch measures 27×12 metres and there are fences of 2×3 metres on each side. Each team consists of four players: three field players and a goalkeeper. Unlike the classic version, the game on the sand is played in two 10-minute halves, allowing the intensity to remain high throughout the game.

One of the unique features of beach handball are the so-called ‘spin shots’ and ‘flying shots’, acrobatic techniques for which the group gets extra points. The athletes have to move constantly on the sandy pitch, which requires good physical fitness and coordination.

Differences between beach handball and classic handball

The main differences are not only in the coverage of the pitch, but also in the dynamics of the matches themselves. The classic format uses a hard surface and a much larger number of participants, while in the beach variant, the speed and flexibility of the individual handball player play the main role. On the sand, the game takes place in a freer and more relaxed atmosphere, but it also requires high reaction speed and the ability to make quick decisions. The sand surface makes it very difficult to move and players must have special physical stamina and be able to make accurate throws in all conditions.

Equipment and preparation for the game

First, there is the ball, which differs from the classic ball in that it is smaller and has a special material that gives it better grip in sandy field conditions. The goal, as mentioned above, is 2×3 metres in size and is made of light but strong materials so it can be easily transported and placed on the beach.

Athletes wear lightweight outfits (shorts and T-shirts) to better withstand the hot conditions. The sandy surface of the court also requires special footwear or playing barefoot, depending on the conditions of the tournament in question.

Beach handball as a sports spectacle

Unlike the classic format, where mistakes can be compensated for thanks to the large number of handball players, in the beach version every setback becomes obvious. Participants must have excellent coordination, high reaction speed and be able to make quick decisions. Handball player Ivan Sokolov, for example, is famous for his incredible flying shots, which often earn his team extra points. The cohesion of the whole team and the ability to understand each other without words is what makes beach handball so spectacular.

Tournaments and competitions

International tournaments bring together teams from all over the world and attract thousands of spectators. One of the most famous is the World Championships, held every two years under the auspices of the FIH. There are also continental championships and regional tournaments, such as the European Beach Handball Tournament, which has become one of the most prestigious events in the field. There are also:

1. Mediteran Cap, which is held among Mediterranean countries and is famous for its warm atmosphere and the strength of its participants.
2. Pan American Beach Handball Championships – a major competition for the countries of the Americas that determines the continent’s best players.
3. Asian Games – are organised under the auspices of the Asian Handball Federation and include teams from different countries in the region, ensuring high competitiveness and spectacle.

Beach handball matches are always held in the relaxed atmosphere of a summer holiday, attracting a large number of spectators and outdoor enthusiasts. The athletes showcase not only their physical fitness but also their creativity in throwing, making every match a true spectacle.

Conclusion

Beach handball combines dynamism, excitement and summer atmosphere. Unique rules, colourful tournaments and incredible throws make it a great choice for both professional athletes and people who just want to be active on the beach. Try picking up a ball and playing with friends to experience first-hand the energy and drive this format offers.

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.