Netball vs. Korfball — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 18, 2023
Netball is a team sport played with a ball and hoop on a rectangular court, with specific positions; korfball is a mixed-gender sport played on a rectangular field or indoor court with a ball and elevated netless basket.
Difference Between Netball and Korfball
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Netball is a sport predominantly played by females, though mixed teams exist. Korfball is unique in that it always involves mixed-gender teams, emphasizing co-ed cooperation.
Netball's origins trace back to early versions of women's basketball, while korfball originated in the Netherlands as a sport resembling basketball but designed for both genders.
In netball, players have defined positions which restrict their movement to certain areas of the court; korfball, on the other hand, permits more free movement though players still have designated roles.
Netball employs a hoop similar to that in basketball, but korfball uses a basket without a net, positioned on a tall pole.
While netball has been internationally recognized and played in Commonwealth nations for years, korfball has a more European-centric fan base but is growing in global popularity.
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Comparison Chart
Team Composition
Mainly female, some mixed
Always mixed-gender
Origin
Early women's basketball
Netherlands
Player Movement
Restricted by position
More free, designated roles
Goal Type
Hoop
Elevated netless basket
Popularity
Strong in Commonwealth nations
More popular in Europe
Compare with Definitions
Netball
A game originating as a form of women's basketball.
She discovered her love for netball in high school.
Korfball
A mixed-gender team sport involving shooting a ball into an elevated basket.
The korfball match drew a large crowd at the local park.
Netball
A sport with seven players on each side, each having specific positions.
The netball team needed a new center player.
Korfball
Originated in the Netherlands as a game for both men and women.
Dutch festivals often feature korfball games.
Netball
A team sport where two teams aim to shoot a ball through a raised netless hoop.
They practiced netball every Wednesday evening.
Korfball
Teams consist of four men and four women, promoting co-ed cooperation.
Their korfball team had an excellent synergy between the male and female players.
Netball
Played on a rectangular court with sections marking where players can go.
The netball court was freshly painted and ready for the match.
Korfball
Recognized by the International Olympic Committee, but not yet an Olympic sport.
They hoped to see korfball in the upcoming Olympics.
Netball
Popular in Commonwealth countries with global championships.
The Australian netball team is known for its impressive skills.
Korfball
Played both indoors and on grass with a netless basket on a pole.
The indoor korfball tournament is next month.
Netball
Netball is a ball sport played by two teams of seven players. Netball is most popular in many Commonwealth nations and according to the INF, netball is played by more than 20 million people in more than 80 countries.
Korfball
Korfball (Dutch: korfbal) is a ball sport, with similarities to netball and basketball. It is played by two teams of eight players with four female players and four male players in each team.
Netball
(uncountable) A (usually women's) team sport derived from basketball, with seven players on each side who attempt to score goals by passing a ball and throwing it into the opponent's goal, which is a raised hoop with a net at one end of the playing area. Unlike basketball, a player in possession of the ball cannot move until the ball is passed to another player.
Korfball
(uncountable) A non-contact unisex team sport originating from the Netherlands, similar to netball, where players attempt to throw a ball into a basket atop a pole.
Netball
(countable) The ball used in this sport.
Korfball
(countable) The ball used in the sport of korfball.
Netball
A team game that resembles basketball; a soccer ball is to be thrown so that it passes through a ring on the top of a post
Common Curiosities
Are there different versions or adaptations of netball and korfball?
Just like how netball evolved from early women's basketball, there are variations of the game based on age and skill level. Korfball, too, has indoor and outdoor versions, with slight differences in rules and gameplay.
Where did netball and korfball originate?
Netball has its roots in early women's basketball, whereas korfball originated in the Netherlands.
What are netball and korfball?
Netball is a team sport predominantly played by females on a rectangular court with specific positions where the goal is to score by putting a ball through a hoop. Korfball is a Dutch-originated mixed-gender sport played either indoor or on grass, aiming to score by getting the ball into an elevated netless basket.
Which sport is older, netball or korfball?
Netball, evolving from early forms of women's basketball in the late 19th century, is older than korfball, which began in the early 20th century.
What do the goals look like in netball and korfball?
Netball uses a hoop similar to basketball, while korfball features an elevated netless basket on a pole.
Is korfball played worldwide like netball?
While netball is internationally recognized and particularly popular in Commonwealth nations, korfball is more centered in Europe but is growing in global popularity.
Do netball and korfball require specific attire?
Both netball and korfball players typically wear team jerseys and shorts or skirts, along with appropriate footwear for traction and support. However, specific attire can vary based on league or association rules.
How are the teams composed in netball and korfball?
Netball teams are mainly composed of women, though mixed teams exist. Korfball teams always consist of both men and women, usually with an equal number of each.
What's the difference in gameplay between netball and korfball?
In netball, players have defined positions that restrict them to certain areas of the court. Korfball offers more freedom of movement, though players still have designated roles.
Are there any notable championships for netball and korfball?
Netball has global championships and is a staple in the Commonwealth Games. Korfball, though recognized by the International Olympic Committee, is not yet in the Olympics but has its own World Championships.
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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.
