| Factor | Handball | Volleyball |
|---|---|---|
| Contact | Physical (allowed) | None (net between teams) |
| Movement | Continuous running | Rotational, explosive jumps |
| Scoring | Goals (throwing) | Points (over net) |
| Primary skill | Throwing, dodging | Spiking, setting, serving |
| Calorie burn | Higher (running) | High (jumping) |
| Olympic | Yes | Yes |
Choose Handball when…
You enjoy physical contact and continuous running, want a goal-based attacking game, prefer the high-scoring throwing format, or are drawn to handball's European popularity.
Choose Volleyball when…
You enjoy net sports with no opponent contact, want to develop jumping and spiking power, prefer rally-based play with rotation, or enjoy the team coordination of volleyball.
Gear for both
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
FAQ
Which is harder, handball or volleyball?
They demand different qualities. Handball requires more cardiovascular endurance and physical robustness (contact). Volleyball requires more explosive jumping, precise timing and upper-body power. Both have high skill ceilings and are physically demanding at elite level.
How many players are in handball vs volleyball?
Handball is played 7-a-side (6 outfield players plus a goalkeeper). Volleyball is played 6-a-side. Both sports also have beach/outdoor variants: beach handball is 4-a-side and beach volleyball is 2-a-side. In indoor handball, substitutions are unlimited and rolling (players can come on and off throughout the game); in volleyball, substitutions are limited and specific (libero has special rules).
Which is easier to learn — handball or volleyball?
Handball is generally easier for beginners to pick up at a basic level — the concept of throwing and catching a ball is intuitive for most people, and basic rules are straightforward. Volleyball has a steeper initial learning curve because passing a ball with forearms (the dig) and setting without catching are unnatural techniques that require deliberate practice before they feel comfortable. Serving overarm in volleyball also requires coordination that takes time to develop.