Pickleball vs. Handball — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 15, 2024
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, played on a smaller court with a paddle and plastic ball, while handball is played on a larger court, using a small rubber ball and hands.
Difference Between Pickleball and Handball
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a net similar to tennis but lower, facilitating a game focused on strategic placement and endurance. In contrast, handball is played on a larger indoor court resembling those used in basketball, emphasizing speed, agility, and power.
The equipment in pickleball includes a solid paddle and a lightweight, perforated plastic ball, designed to slow the game down and make it accessible. Handball, on the other hand, uses a small rubber ball that players throw and catch using their hands, creating a fast-paced, dynamic game.
Pickleball involves a lot of volleying with rules that prevent "volleys" in the non-volley zone (or kitchen) to reduce smash opportunities and prolong rallies. Whereas handball involves no such zone and players aim to throw the ball into the opponent’s goal, making it akin to a ground-based version of soccer.
Scoring in pickleball can only occur when serving, and the game typically goes up to 11, 15, or 21 points. Conversely, handball scoring can occur during any team’s possession, with games often resulting in high scores due to the continuous back-and-forth action.
Strategically, pickleball requires players to master precise shot placement and minimize errors, often resulting in longer rallies. Handball focuses on teamwork and physical coordination, with strategies centered around quick passes and utilizing space effectively to breach the opponents’ defense.
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Comparison Chart
Court Size
Smaller, similar to badminton
Larger, similar to basketball courts
Equipment
Paddle and plastic ball
Rubber ball and use of hands
Play Style
Strategic placement, slower ball speed
Fast-paced, dynamic movement
Scoring Rules
Points only when serving, up to 11, 15, 21
Points any time, often high-scoring
Game Focus
Precision and endurance
Speed, agility, and power
Compare with Definitions
Pickleball
A racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
We played pickleball at the community center, enjoying the mix of different sports.
Handball
A team sport where players use their hands to pass a rubber ball and score goals.
The handball team practiced their throws in preparation for the big game.
Pickleball
Focuses on strategic placement and rally prolongation.
Their pickleball strategy involved keeping the ball away from the opponents' reach.
Handball
Players aim to score by throwing the ball into the opponent’s goal.
He scored the winning goal in the last minute of the handball match.
Pickleball
Includes a non-volley zone called the "kitchen."
He stepped into the kitchen zone, which cost them a point in pickleball.
Handball
Popular in Europe and often played in schools and clubs.
Handball is a leading sport in many European countries, with numerous leagues and teams.
Pickleball
Played with a solid paddle and a plastic ball with holes.
The sound of the pickleball popping against the paddles filled the air.
Handball
Known for its fast pace and physical demands.
Handball players require excellent physical condition to keep up with the game's pace.
Pickleball
Games often enjoyed by all age groups due to its accessibility.
Pickleball has become popular among retirees looking for an active sport.
Handball
The court is larger, resembling those used for basketball.
The handball court was freshly marked for the upcoming tournament.
Pickleball
Pickleball is a paddleball sport (similar to a racket sport) that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, much like a wiffle ball, with 26–40 round holes, over a net.
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.
Pickleball
(uncountable) A racquet sport, played with solid paddles and a perforated ball, which combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
Handball
A game similar to fives, in which the ball is hit with the hand in a walled court.
Pickleball
(countable) The ball used in the sport of pickleball.
Handball
Touching of the ball with the hand or arm, constituting a foul
A blatant handball
A penalty for handball
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.
Handball
The ball used in this game.
Handball
Team handball.
Handball
Often hand ball A violation of the rules in soccer in which a player other than the goalie inside the penalty area carries, strikes, or propels the ball with the hand or arm. A hand ball is usually called when the hand or arm is away from the body and touches the ball.
Handball
(uncountable) A team sport where two teams of seven players each (six players and a goalkeeper) pass and bounce a ball trying to throw it in the goal of the opposing team.
Handball
(countable) The medium-sized inflated ball used in this sport.
Handball
The offence of a player other than the goalkeeper touching the ball with the hand or arm on the field during play.
Handball
A sport in which players alternately strike the ball against a wall with their hand. Irish and American variants have slightly different rules.
Handball
The small rubber ball used in this sport.
Handball
An act of passing a football by holding it with one hand and hitting it with the other.
Handball
A schoolyard game in which a tennis ball is struck with the hand, played on a improvised court on the asphalt or pavement.
Handball
To manually load or unload a container, trailer, or to otherwise manually move bulk goods (often on pallets) from one type of transport receptacle to another.
Handball
(soccer) To illegally touch the ball with the hand or arm.
If the defender handballs in the penalty area, a penalty is awarded.
Handball
(Australian rules football) To (legally) pass a football by holding it with one hand and hitting it with the other.
Handball
To insert a hand into someone's anus.
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 equipment is unique to pickleball?
Pickleball uses a solid paddle and a plastic ball with holes.
How is handball similar to other sports?
Handball is similar to soccer in its objective but is played with hands instead of feet.
Can pickleball be played indoors and outdoors?
Yes, pickleball can be played on both indoor and outdoor courts.
How does scoring work in handball?
Scoring in handball is achieved by throwing the ball into the opponent’s goal, with each goal counting for one point.
What is a typical game length for handball?
A standard handball game consists of two 30-minute halves.
What are the physical demands of handball?
Handball requires speed, strength, and agility due to its fast-paced nature.
Who can play pickleball?
Pickleball is accessible to a wide range of ages and skill levels.
Is pickleball a recognized sport worldwide?
While not as globally recognized as some sports, pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity, especially in North America.
What are the key skills needed for pickleball?
Precision, strategic shot placement, and endurance are key in pickleball.
What is the 'kitchen' in pickleball?
The 'kitchen' is a non-volley zone on the pickleball court where players are not allowed to volley the ball.
How is the handball court marked?
The handball court includes various zones like the goal area and free-throw line, crucial for regulating play.
Are there professional leagues for handball?
Yes, there are professional handball leagues, particularly prominent in Europe.
How do you win a pickleball game?
A pickleball game is won by the team or player who reaches the predetermined point limit first while having at least a two-point lead.
What are the team sizes in handball?
Handball teams consist of seven players each, including a goalkeeper.
What are the defensive strategies in handball?
Defensive strategies in handball include man-to-man marking and zone defense to block scoring opportunities.
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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.
Edited 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.
