Volleyball is more popular among young athletes than handball in the United States. According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), volleyball is the second most popular sport in the world, while handball has an estimated 19 million players worldwide and is played mainly in Europe, the Middle East, and South America. Volleyball is played in over 220 countries and has many professional leagues and international competitions, including the Olympics. In contrast, handball primarily caters to adult players and has a small following among high school and college athletes. Both sports require skill, teamwork, and physical fitness, with distinct rules and techniques.

Volleyball vs. Handball: Which sport is more popular among young athletes?

Introduction

Volleyball and handball are both team sports that can be played indoors or outdoors with similar objectives but different rules and techniques. These sports require different physical attributes and skills, teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship. In this article, we will compare and contrast volleyball and handball as sports for young athletes and determine which one is more popular.

Popularity

According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), volleyball is the second most popular sport in the world, with over 800 million people playing it worldwide. Volleyball is played in over 220 countries and has many professional leagues and international competitions, including the Olympics. Volleyball is also popular in high schools and colleges, with over 450,000 high school athletes playing volleyball in the US alone.

In contrast, handball is a relatively lesser-known sport, with fewer participants and professional leagues. Handball has an estimated 19 million players worldwide and is played mainly in Europe, the Middle East, and South America. In the US, handball has a small following, with around 2,000 registered players, mainly in New York City.

Skills Required

Both volleyball and handball require specific physical and technical skills to be successful. In volleyball, players need to have good hand-eye coordination, jumping ability, and quick reflexes. Volleyball players also need to have a strong serve, accurate passing, hitting, blocking, and digging skills. Volleyball is a fast-paced sport that requires players to think and move quickly and work together as a team.

In handball, players need to have good handball-hand coordination, agility, speed, and stamina. Handball players also need to have a strong throw, be able to catch the ball while running, and know how to dribble with one hand. Handball is also a fast-paced sport that requires players to make quick decisions and work together as a team.

Rules and Techniques

Volleyball and handball have different rules and techniques. In volleyball, teams of six players try to hit a ball over a net and land it within the opposing team’s court. Points are scored when the ball touches the ground on the opponent’s side, or the opponent cannot return the ball over the net within three contacts. Volleyball has strict rules governing rotations, substitutions, serving, and contact with the ball.

In handball, teams of seven players try to throw a ball into the opposing team’s goal. Points are awarded when the ball crosses the goal line. Handball allows dribbling, but players can take only three steps before passing, bouncing, or shooting the ball. Handball also has rules governing goalkeepers, fouls, and penalties.

Which is More Popular Among Young Athletes?

In the US, volleyball is more popular among young athletes than handball. Volleyball is played in schools, colleges, and clubs and has an established youth development program. Volleyball is also a popular sport for girls, with over 60% of high school volleyball players being girls.

Handball is not as widely known or played in the US, and its youth programs are limited. Handball primarily caters to adult players and has a small following among high school and college athletes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both volleyball and handball are excellent team sports that require skill, teamwork, and physical fitness. While volleyball is more popular worldwide and in the US among young athletes, handball has its own unique charms and is gaining popularity in some parts of the world. Ultimately, the choice between volleyball and handball depends on the athlete’s personal preferences, availability of resources, and access to training and competitions.