Throwball vs. Volleyball — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on August 25, 2023
Throwball is a non-contact sport where players throw the ball over a net, while volleyball involves striking the ball with hands or arms over a net.
Difference Between Throwball and Volleyball
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Throwball and volleyball, though both played with a net dividing two teams, have distinct techniques and rules. In throwball, the ball is thrown over the net without any contact with the ground, whereas in volleyball, players strike or hit the ball, aiming to land it on the opposing team's side.
In terms of origin, throwball traces its roots to India and exhibits certain resemblances to netball. Volleyball, on the other hand, originated in the U.S. and has become an internationally recognized sport with variations like beach volleyball.
The court dimensions for throwball and volleyball also differ. A typical throwball court is rectangular, approximately 12.2 meters long and 18.3 meters wide. Volleyball courts, while also rectangular, measure around 18 meters long and 9 meters wide.
Equipment variations are evident between throwball and volleyball. While both use a ball, the throwball is often softer and larger than the more rigid volleyball. Additionally, volleyball might involve protective gear, especially in professional settings.
Another noteworthy difference is the game's popularity and global reach. Volleyball is globally acclaimed, with international championships and Olympic representation. Throwball, though popular in certain regions like South Asia, doesn't enjoy the same global recognition.
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Comparison Chart
Technique
Ball is thrown over the net
Ball is struck or hit over the net
Origin
India
U.S.A
Court Dimensions
Approx. 12.2 meters x 18.3 meters
Approx. 18 meters x 9 meters
Ball Characteristics
Softer and larger
More rigid and smaller
Global Recognition
Popular in regions like South Asia
Internationally recognized with Olympic representation
Compare with Definitions
Throwball
A team sport where players throw a ball over a net.
They practiced throwball every weekend at the local park.
Volleyball
Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.
Throwball
An Indian-originated game resembling netball.
Many schools in India introduce students to throwball at an early age.
Volleyball
A team sport where players hit a ball over a net.
The beach was filled with people enjoying a game of volleyball.
Throwball
A non-contact sport with distinct court dimensions.
The throwball court was freshly marked for the upcoming tournament.
Volleyball
Originated in the U.S. and played worldwide.
Volleyball tournaments attract international players and fans.
Throwball
Throwball is a non-contact ball sport played across a net between two teams of nine players on a rectangular court. Throwball is popular in Asia, especially on the Indian subcontinent, and was first played in India as a women's sport in Chennai during the 1940s.
Volleyball
Can be played indoors, outdoors, or on the beach.
Beach volleyball is a favorite summer activity for many.
Throwball
An Asian ball sport played over a net by two teams of seven players on a rectangular court.
Volleyball
Involves teams of six players on each side in its traditional form.
The volleyball team practiced their coordination and strategies.
Throwball
Played with a larger and softer ball than volleyball.
The kids enjoyed playing with the soft throwball during their break.
Volleyball
Recognized as an Olympic sport with global championships.
She aspired to represent her country in Olympic volleyball.
Throwball
A game primarily popular in South Asia.
Throwball championships are a big event in many South Asian countries.
Volleyball
A game for two teams, usually of six players, in which a large ball is hit by hand over a high net, the aim being to score points by making the ball reach the ground on the opponent's side of the court.
Volleyball
A game played by two teams on a rectangular court divided by a high net, in which each team, using up to three hits per effort to return the ball, tries to drive the ball over the net onto the ground on the opposing team's side.
Volleyball
The inflated, spherical ball used in this game.
Volleyball
(uncountable) A game played on a rectangular court between two teams of two to six players which involves striking a ball back and forth over a net.
Volleyball
(countable) The inflated ball used in such a game.
Volleyball
A game in which two teams hit an inflated ball over a high net using their hands
Volleyball
An inflated ball used in playing volleyball
Common Curiosities
Are throwball and volleyball played with the same kind of ball?
No, throwball is played with a softer and larger ball, while volleyball uses a more rigid ball.
Which sport is older, throwball or volleyball?
Volleyball, which originated in the U.S. in 1895, is older than throwball.
Can you spike the ball in throwball like in volleyball?
No, in throwball, the ball is thrown rather than spiked.
Are the serving rules the same in throwball and volleyball?
No, each sport has its specific rules for serving.
Is beach throwball a variation like beach volleyball?
While beach volleyball is popular, beach throwball isn't a recognized variation.
How many players are typically on a throwball team?
Throwball teams usually have seven players.
Is throwball an Olympic sport like volleyball?
No, while volleyball is an Olympic sport, throwball is not.
Are the net heights the same for throwball and volleyball?
No, the net height varies between the two sports.
Which sport is more popular globally?
Volleyball has a broader global recognition compared to throwball.
Do both sports require the same kind of footwear?
Typically, volleyball requires specific shoes for grip and support, while throwball doesn't have strict footwear requirements.
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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.