Soccer vs. Handball — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
Soccer involves kicking a ball into a goal to score, using mostly feet; handball requires throwing a ball into a net, using hands. Both are team sports but differ in main gameplay and scoring methods.
Difference Between Soccer and Handball
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Soccer, known globally, centers on players using their feet, head, and body to maneuver a ball, except for goalkeepers within their penalty area. Whereas handball players predominantly use their hands to pass, catch, and throw the ball into the opponent's goal, highlighting the distinct physical skills required in each sport.
In soccer, the game is played on a larger outdoor field, typically grass or artificial turf, measuring up to 120 meters long. On the other hand, handball is played on a smaller indoor court, which is 40 meters long, reflecting the difference in playing environments and space dynamics.
Soccer matches consist of two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute halftime, making it a longer-duration game compared to handball, which is played in two 30-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime, indicating a faster-paced game.
Soccer is widely followed and played in virtually every country, making it one of the most popular sports globally. Handball, while popular in Europe and other regions, does not share the same global reach and fan base, pointing to different levels of international prominence and appeal.
The number of players differs: soccer teams have eleven players on the field, including the goalkeeper. Handball teams consist of seven players, including the goalkeeper, showcasing variations in team size and field/player dynamics.
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Comparison Chart
Main action
Kicking
Throwing
Playing surface
Outdoor (grass/artificial turf)
Indoor (wooden/synthetic)
Match duration
90 minutes (2 halves of 45 minutes)
60 minutes (2 halves of 30 minutes)
Global popularity
Extremely high
Moderate, with strongholds in Europe
Number of players
11 per team
7 per team
Scoring method
Goal by foot or head (except goalkeepers)
Goal by hand
Field/Court size
Up to 120m x 90m
40m x 20m
Primary skills
Footwork, endurance, teamwork
Hand coordination, agility, teamwork
Governing body
FIFA
IHF (International Handball Federation)
Origin
England (19th century)
Denmark/Germany (late 19th/early 20th century)
Compare with Definitions
Soccer
Soccer matches last 90 minutes plus added time.
The soccer game went into extra time after a 2-2 tie.
Handball
Each team consists of seven players, including the goalkeeper.
Their handball team has a strong defense with an exceptional goalkeeper.
Soccer
Played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end.
They practiced soccer on the new turf field.
Handball
Governed by the International Handball Federation (IHF).
The IHF recently updated the handball rules to improve game flow.
Soccer
A team sport played by kicking a ball to score goals.
Messi is known for his exceptional soccer skills.
Handball
Known for its fast breaks and quick scores.
Fast breaks are a crucial strategy in handball to outpace the defense.
Soccer
The sport is governed by FIFA.
FIFA organizes the World Cup, the pinnacle of international soccer.
Handball
A high-paced game where teams throw a ball into the opponent's goal.
He scored nine goals in the handball match.
Soccer
Each team has eleven players, including the goalkeeper.
Their soccer team won despite being one player down.
Handball
Matches are played indoors on a 40m x 20m court.
The national handball championship was held in the city's arena.
Soccer
A form of football played by two teams of eleven players with a round ball which may not be handled during play except by the goalkeepers.
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.
Soccer
A game played on a rectangular field with net goals at either end in which two teams of 11 players each try to drive a ball into the other's goal by kicking, heading, or using any part of the body except the arms and hands. The goalie is the only player who may touch or move the ball with the arms or hands.
Handball
A game similar to fives, in which the ball is hit with the hand in a walled court.
Soccer
Indoor soccer.
Handball
Touching of the ball with the hand or arm, constituting a foul
A blatant handball
A penalty for handball
Soccer
Association football.
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.
Soccer
(Australian rules football) To kick the football directly off the ground, without using one's hands.
Handball
The ball used in this game.
Soccer
A football game in which two teams of 11 players try to kick or head a ball into the opponents' goal
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
Which is more popular worldwide, soccer or handball?
Soccer is more popular worldwide, with a massive global following.
How many players are there in a soccer team?
A soccer team consists of eleven players.
What equipment is essential for playing handball?
Basic equipment includes a handball, appropriate shoes, and goalposts.
Who governs international soccer?
FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) is the governing body.
Are there positions in handball similar to soccer?
Yes, both sports have specific positions, though they differ in roles and names.
What does a soccer field look like?
A soccer field is a large, rectangular area with a goal at each end.
Can soccer players use their hands?
Only goalkeepers can use their hands, and only within their penalty area.
How long is a handball game?
A handball game lasts 60 minutes, divided into two 30-minute halves.
What are the main skills needed for soccer?
Key skills include footwork, endurance, and teamwork.
What is the main difference between soccer and handball?
Soccer involves scoring by kicking a ball into a goal, while handball involves throwing a ball into a goal.
Can handball be played outdoors?
While traditionally played indoors, handball can also be adapted for outdoor play.
How is scoring done in soccer?
Scoring is achieved by getting the ball into the opponent's goal by any part of the body except the arms/hands.
What's the primary way to score in handball?
The primary method is by throwing the ball into the opponent's goal.
Is handball an Olympic sport?
Yes, handball is included in the Summer Olympic Games.
What distinguishes a handball court from a soccer field?
A handball court is significantly smaller and usually indoors, while a soccer field is larger and outdoors.
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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
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
