Handballs

Handball is a unique and fast-paced sport that has been featured prominently in the Olympics. If the sport caught your eye, this is the perfect place to learn more about the most important piece of gear in the game: the ball.

What are Handballs?

Handballs are balls used to play the sport of handball. Since the late 19th century, handball has been played both indoors and outdoors by men and women. It is a physical game where defenders aggressively steal and block. Therefore, the ball is specially designed to be soft and easily gripped.

Handballs come in many sizes, and there are often uniquely designed balls with team colors or the logo of a competition which can make for great keepsakes. Official balls are made with a soft foam panel that covers the ball, giving them a different feel from the balls of other popular sports.

Questions To Ask When Buying A Handball

When looking for handball, you will want to consider the following:

• What size ball do you want?
• How much are you looking to spend on a handball?
• What surface will you be playing handball on?
• Will you be using the handball for practice or games?

Traits of a Great Handball

Look for the following traits when shopping for a quality handball:

• Affordability
• Durability
• Style
• Indoor use
• Outdoor use

Types of Handballs

There are many different types of handballs that can be purchased to best fit your needs based on where you will be playing. The main types are match handballs, beach handballs, street handballs, and training handballs.

Match Handball

Handball is played on an indoor court at the highest levels of competitive handball, including the Olympics. Match handballs are designed for peak performance on these courts. Many are built with hand-stitched covers that help make the ball easily gripped and squeezed. Match balls cost around $50.

Pros:

• Colorful design for a great-looking ball
• Built for performance
• Easy to grip

Cons:

• Expensive, especially for special edition balls
• Soft foam exterior can wear down with use

Beach Handball

Beach handballs are designed to keep water out and to remain usable in wet conditions. The cover is built without seams so that the ball is completely waterproof, which helps with its longevity. Extra grip is also essential for beach handballs, as the sand and weather can majorly affect ball handling. Beach handballs can be found for under $30.

Pros:

• Built outdoor games
• Designed for use in wet conditions
• Built with a seamless surface for waterproofing

Cons:

• Expensive
• May have to order online

Street Handball

Street handballs are designed for both indoor and outdoor play. These balls are best for players that are planning to use the handball regularly and for a long time. They are built to last for those that frequently play in both indoor and outdoor environments. Street handballs typically cost around $30 each.

Pros:

• Less expensive
• Most durability
• Built for indoor and outdoor play

Cons:

• Grip worse than balls intended for matches
• May have to order online, depending on location

Training Handball

Training handballs are designed for new players and children. These balls are built with a soft synthetic cover that allows players to get comfortable with the ball in a safe and enjoyable way. They are often built for indoor and outdoor use. Training handballs are generally less expensive, priced at around $15 to $30.

Pros:

• Less expensive
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Easy to grip and squeeze
• Good for new players

Cons:

• Lacks aesthetic design of other types
• May have to order online, depending on the location

Brands

There are many brand options to pick from as you look for a new handball. Some of the industry leaders include Molten, Select, and Hummel.

Molten

Molten produces specially designed International Handball Federation match handballs. These balls come in many sizes, ranging from miniature to official size, and they have unique designs for different national teams and specific matches. Molten is a company that prides itself on making the highest level of handball equipment, especially the balls themselves.

Select

Select handballs are a bit more expensive than other brands because they are hand-stitched for optimal grip, bounce, and flight. Many Select balls are built for high-level competition and come with specially designed shark skin foam to give players an edge that other balls can not provide. They produce a variety of handballs, including street, beach, and indoor balls.

Hummel

Hummel produces various different handballs, including some beach handballs that are developed to meet the unique demands of playing on the sand. They also make balls that are suitable for matches and training, with balls designed for both kids and adults that can be purchased for less than $30.

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