Handball vs. Dodgeball — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 1, 2024
Handball is a team sport focused on scoring by throwing a ball into the opponent's goal, whereas Dodgeball involves players trying to hit opponents with a ball to eliminate them from the game.
Difference Between Handball and Dodgeball
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Handball is played on a rectangular court with a goal at each end, emphasizing teamwork, strategy, and physical agility to score points by throwing the ball into the opponent's goal. Dodgeball, on the other hand, is centered around the concept of avoiding being hit by the ball while trying to eliminate opponents by hitting them with it, promoting agility, dodging skills, and accuracy.
The game is continuous, with players passing the ball, dribbling, and attempting shots on goal, making it a fast-paced game that requires precision and coordination. Dodgeball, however, is more segmented, with distinct moments of throwing and dodging, and the game's pace can vary based on the number of players left on the field and their strategies.
The objective in handball is clear: to score more goals than the opposing team by successfully throwing the ball into their goal, with players taking on specific roles like attackers, defenders, and goalkeepers. In dodgeball, the aim is to eliminate all players on the opposing team by hitting them with the ball or catching their throws, which also brings eliminated players back into the game.
Handball rules include restrictions on how the ball can be handled and the number of steps a player can take without dribbling, highlighting skillful ball handling and footwork. Dodgeball rules are simpler, focusing on the act of throwing and dodging, with specific regulations on boundary lines and player reinstatement after catches.
Both sports require physical fitness, but handball places a greater emphasis on endurance and strength due to the nature of the gameplay and court size. Dodgeball relies more on quick reflexes and agility, as players need to quickly move to avoid being hit or to catch the ball.
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Comparison Chart
Objective
Score by throwing the ball into a goal.
Eliminate opponents by hitting them with a ball.
Gameplay
Continuous, with emphasis on ball handling and strategy.
Segmented, focused on dodging and throwing.
Player Roles
Attackers, defenders, goalkeepers.
No specific roles; all players can throw and dodge.
Key Skills
Teamwork, precision, endurance.
Agility, accuracy, reflexes.
Playing Area
Rectangular court with goals.
Defined area, usually rectangular, with no goals.
Compare with Definitions
Handball
The game is played on a large indoor court by two teams of seven players each.
Our handball team practices twice a week to improve coordination.
Dodgeball
Dodgeball is a game where players aim to hit opponents with a ball to eliminate them.
He was the last standing in dodgeball after dodging multiple throws.
Handball
Handball is a team sport where players aim to score goals by throwing a ball into the opponent's net.
In handball, the goalkeeper made an impressive save to deny the goal.
Dodgeball
The game is often played in schools and recreational leagues, known for its inclusivity.
The school's dodgeball tournament is open to all students.
Handball
Handball requires players to be versatile, mastering defense and offense.
He's a versatile handball player, effective in both attack and defense.
Dodgeball
Teams are eliminated as players get hit by the ball or if their throw is caught.
They won the dodgeball game by catching the opponent's final throw.
Handball
Fouls in handball lead to free throws or penalties, depending on the infringement.
The referee awarded a penalty for a foul inside the handball goal area.
Dodgeball
Dodgeball games involve rapid shifts in strategy as players are eliminated or return.
Their dodgeball strategy had to change quickly as players were eliminated.
Handball
It involves passing, dribbling, and shooting the ball with hands within a marked court.
She executed a perfect dribble in handball before scoring.
Dodgeball
The sport emphasizes dodging, throwing, and catching skills in a defined area.
Her exceptional catching skills turned the tide in the dodgeball match.
Handball
Handball (also known as team handball, European handball or Olympic handball) is a team sport in which two teams of seven players each (six outcourt players and a goalkeeper) pass a ball using their hands with the aim of throwing it into the goal of the other team. A standard match consists of two periods of 30 minutes, and the team that scores more goals wins.
Dodgeball
Dodgeball is a team sport in which players on two teams try to throw balls and hit opponents, while avoiding being hit themselves. The objective of each team is to eliminate all members of the opposing team by hitting them with thrown balls, catching a ball thrown by an opponent, or inducing an opponent to commit a violation, such as stepping outside the court.
Handball
A game similar to fives, in which the ball is hit with the hand in a walled court.
Dodgeball
A game in which players on one team try to eliminate players on another by hitting them with an inflated ball.
Handball
Touching of the ball with the hand or arm, constituting a foul
A blatant handball
A penalty for handball
Dodgeball
A team sport whose main objective is to dodge or catch balls thrown by the opposition.
Handball
A game that is played, often on a four-walled court, by two or more players who alternately hit a small rubber ball against the front wall with the hand, with play stopping if the ball bounces twice on the floor or does not reach the front wall.
Dodgeball
The ball thrown in this sport.
Handball
A small ball, usually made of rubber, thrown or struck with the hand in various games.
Handball
A game played with such a ball, as by players striking it to and fro between them with the hands, or, when played in a walled court or against a single wall, striking it in turns against a wall, until one side or the other fails to return the ball.
Handball
A small rubber ball used in the game of handball
Handball
A game played in a walled court or against a single wall by two or four players who strike a rubber ball with their hands
Common Curiosities
What is the main objective of handball?
To score more goals than the opponent by throwing the ball into their goal.
What skills are essential for handball?
Teamwork, precision, endurance, and strategic ball handling are key.
How does dodgeball differ from handball in terms of gameplay?
Dodgeball focuses on eliminating opponents by hitting them with the ball, unlike handball's goal-scoring objective.
How does dodgeball promote agility?
Players must constantly dodge and move quickly to avoid being hit by the ball.
Are there positions in dodgeball like in handball?
No, dodgeball does not have specific roles; all players can throw and dodge.
Can handball be played outdoors?
While traditionally an indoor sport, handball can also be played outdoors, known as beach handball.
Is catching the ball important in dodgeball?
Yes, catching the ball is crucial as it eliminates the thrower and can bring an eliminated teammate back into the game.
What happens when a handball player commits a foul?
Fouls can lead to free throws or penalties, depending on the severity and location.
Can a dodgeball game end in a tie?
Typically, games are played until one team eliminates all players on the opposing team, so ties are rare.
What equipment is essential for playing dodgeball?
Only a ball and a defined playing area are essential for dodgeball.
How do players get eliminated in dodgeball?
Players are eliminated when hit by a ball or if the opponent catches their throw.
How many players are on a handball team?
A handball team consists of 7 players on the court at a time, including a goalkeeper.
How does strategy differ between handball and dodgeball?
Handball strategy revolves around offensive and defensive plays to score goals, while dodgeball strategy focuses on dodging and strategic throwing.
What is a common penalty in handball?
A common penalty is a seven-meter throw awarded for severe infringements.
Which sport requires more physical endurance?
Handball generally requires more physical endurance due to the continuous nature of the gameplay and larger playing field.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
