The sport of handball is offering a home away from home family environment for many Adelaide sports fans with European heritage, and a new challenge for locals.

For Adelaide female players, the sport is offering an exciting alternative to the common basketball and netball games, with a much different run of play.

"It's, I would say, still in the beginning in Australia," West Adelaide coach Olga Turecek said.

"Experts say it is the second fastest team sport after team hockey.

"When the guys are shooting the ball, it goes over 100ks per hour."

Southern Handball Club president Eliza Borgese started playing the game just over a year ago, after she wanted a change from netball.

The change in sports took a little time to adjust, but Eliza said she loves her new choice.

"Defensively I have had to learn a whole different thing because it is a contact sport.

"I wanted to play a sport where I could make a state team, and handball is that one because there is not too many girls who get an opportunity to train with elite athletes."

Adelaide will host the Australian University Handball Championships from 24 to 28 September 2012 as Immanuel College, Novar Gardens.

Local, domestic clubs Southern Handball and Western Adelaide Handball play weekly games at Nazareth College, Flinders Park.