What are difference between Throwball and Handball?

Introduction of Throwball

Throwball is an exciting non-contact sport that is played by two teams of seven players on a rectangular court with a net across the middle. The game shares its roots with volleyball and whilst, on the surface, it may look similar, there are some fundamental differences. Like volleyball tournaments, it is played on a court that is split into two with a net in the middle but the playing surface of the court is much larger than a regular volleyball court.

The other fundamental difference is that there is no ‘volleying’ in Throwball Game. As the name would suggest, instead of parrying balls, they are thrown into the opposition area who then must prevent a point being scored by catching it and immediately returning it. It’s a thrilling, dynamic sport that is full of action from the first minute which is why as a sport it continues to grow in popularity around the world.

Throwball is played around the world but it is in the Indian subcontinent that it is most popular and its overseas hubs of popularity tend to be where there are sizeable Indian communities. It is thought to have originated in England, descended from a popular game played by women and then exported to India via the YMCA who brought it to Chennai in the 1940s. The first rules for Throwball were written by Harry Crowe Buck of the YMCA in 1955 and the sport gradually grew in popularity over the next few years, with the Throwball Federation of India being formed in 1985.

Introduction of Handball

The origins of handball can be traced back to medieval times but it was in 1906 that the rules of modern handball were first created in Denmark. The game is hugely popular in Northern and Eastern Europe but is played around the world.

The governing body of the game is the International Handball Federation, who also organise the World Championships. It is believed that there are around 19 million handball players in the world today.

Handball is traditionally played indoors but there have been variations such as field handball and beach handball (sometimes referred to as sandball) that have been played outdoors.

Object of the Throwball Game

The object of the game of Throwball is for one team to defeat their opponents by scoring more points than them in each set, each set being won by the first to 15 points. Win two sets and the game is won. Players in Throwball attempt to defeat their opponents by throwing the ball into the opposition half, hoping that the other team will fail to return it, scoring them a point.

As a team game, players have to work in unison together and must have a good understanding of each other's game as well as having clear channels of communication. This ensures that there are no confusions over who is going for the ball, potentially giving their opposition a point.

Object of the Handball Game

The object of handball is to score more points than your opponent.
A handball game lasts for a regulation 60 minutes. This is split into two periods of 30 minutes each with a 15 minute interval. For younger players, the period time can be reduced to 20 minutes.

Throwball Players & Equipment

Players need no special equipment apart from a shorts and a team jersey with their designated number on the back. The ball used should be an official Throwball, which is very similar to a volleyball but is slightly larger. The playing court too is larger than a volleyball court, measuring 12.2m by 18.3m and with a net height of 2.2.

Handball Players & Equipment

The standard handball games features 7 players on each side, six outfield players and one goalkeeper. A team will also have 7 substitutes, which can be used on a rolling basis and with no need to notify the referee.

There is semi-circle area around each goal area, sometimes referred to as the crease or the zone. There is also a dashed semi-circle line which lies 9 metres from goal, which is the free throw line.

The ball must be made from leather or synthetic material and it must be of a size to fit in the hand of a player. This means that there are three regulation sizes of handball. One for over 8s where the ball has a circumference of 50-52 cm, a II for women and males aged 12 to 16 where the ball has a circumference of 54-56cm and a III for males aged 16 and over, with a circumference of 58-60cm.

A handball game can be played with a court, two goals and a ball. Official games will see teams where uniforms.

Throwball Scoring

Throwball is scored like volleyball and uses rally scoring. That means only the team serving can score a point and does so when the opponent faults. Faults can include:

• Failure to return the ball over the net
• A player touching the ball twice
• Touching the net

Handball Scoring

A goal is scored in handball when the ball is thrown into the opponent’s goal.

Throwball Winning the Game

Throwball matches consist of three sets, with each set being won by the team who is the first to score 15 points. The first team to win two sets is declared the winner. Due to the fast paced nature of the game of Throwball, teams are required to display a great deal of teamwork and fitness to be successful in beating their opposition.

Handball Winning the Game

To win in handball you must score more than your opponent.
If the handball game is drawn then there must be a winner; then periods of overtime with a maximum of 2 5 minute periods are played. If the scores are still level, a shoot-out is used to determine the result of the game.

Rules of Throwball

• Throwball is played on a court that measures 12.2m x 18.3m with a neutral box at either side of the centre measuring 1.5m.
• A net is placed across the centre of the court at a height of 2.2m.
• Throwball shall be played between two teams, each consisting of twelve players, seven of whom can be active on the pitch at any one time. The remaining five players are substitutes.
• Throwball uses rally scoring in which points can only be scored when serving.
• Matches should be played for the best of three sets, each set’s winner being the first to score 15 points.
• Service is done immediately after the referee's whistle at the start of the game and after a point is scored. It is done from behind the back line towards any area of the opposition’s half.
• Points are lost in Throwball if a team fails to return a serve or throw such as by hitting the net of failing to catch the ball and then throw it back.
• Balls should not be volleyed as in volleyball but should be caught and then thrown quickly. Any ball being released should be done so from on or above the shoulder line only.
• Passes are not allowed in Throwball, as soon as a player receives the ball, they should return it over the net immediately.
• Two players cannot catch the ball simultaneously.
• All players should be appropriately dressed with a team jersey and shorts with their number being printed on the back of the jersey.

Rules of Handball

• A match consists of two periods of 30 minutes each.
• Each team consists of 7 players; a goalkeeper and 6 outfield players.
• Outfield players can touch the ball with any part of their body that is above the knee.
• Once a player receives possession, they can pass, hold possession or shoot.
• If a player holds possession, they can dribble or take three steps for up to three seconds without dribbling.
• Only the goalkeeper is allowed to come into contact with the floor of the goal area.
• Goalkeepers are allowed out of the goal area but must not retain possession if they are outside the goal area.

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