handball VS. Basketball

Handball originated in Northern Europe around the end of the 19th century. Handball is most popular in Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. The objective of the game is to score more goals than your opponents by throwing the ball by only using your hands into their netted goal. The Handball-Bundesliga (HBL) is the top German professional handball league.

Basketball originated in 1891, invented by a physical education teacher in Springfield Massachusetts. The first public basketball game ever to be played was in Springfield Massachusetts on March 11, 1892. Each team attempts to score by throwing the ball through the opponent's elevated horizontal hoop and net called a basket. The most well-known basketball league in the U.S. is the National Basketball Association (NBA).

There are many similarities between handball and basketball. Both sports share the same physical activities such as running, throwing, dribbling, jumping, and catching. Both sports can be played indoors and outdoors. In addition, both sports have women's leagues. Handball has the Women's EHF Champions League and Basketball has The Women's National Basketball Association known as the (WNBA). Additionally, both sports use only hands, using your feet is not allowed only the goalie in handball can.

Numerous differences between handball and basketball. The first noticeable difference is handball scores by having the ball go into the net and basketball uses an elevated hoop net basket to score. Handball consists of two teams that involve 7 players on each team. Whereas basketball consists of two teams that involve 5 players on each team. Handball travels at a constant speed into the goal versus basketball the ball travels up and can also have a change of direction and speed. Handball also has a goalie, basketball does not. In basketball, a double-dribble is not allowed. However, in handball, it is allowed. Handball and basketball also have different sizes on the courts. Handball courts are bigger than basketball courts. Handball in the United States is a minor sport and many Americans are not even aware this sport exists because of a lack of media coverage. On the other hand, Handball is one of the most popular team sports in much of Europe. Basketball in the United States is a popular sport and many Americans are aware of the sport including Europeans.

Handball symbolizes the importance of the Danish quality of working together with one another, having fun, and bringing the positive side of the culture. As a result, handball can also bring happiness to society. Since handball is mostly known in Europe, Europeans take national pride in the sport. Tourists also come together to see the sports due to it not being known in their country.

Since basketball was invented in the United States in 1891, basketball has progressed to become one of the world’s most popular and widely viewed sports. Basketball has many cultural influences such as music, fashion, celebrities, and social networking. Basketball's influence on sociality increases every day with politics to even affecting educational systems. NBA players can positively impact society people and even the whole nation. An example is Lebron James opening a public elementary school in a poverty area that gives the kids a better opportunity and resources they need. Their motto is "We Are Family".