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I am ever so internally grateful towards volleyball and no amount of words can ever explain my passion towards volleyball. I'm also so grateful to Mady, for encouraging me to play, and pushing me to get better. 4 years ago today, when I first started playing I would've never thought that I could be where I am today. If I'm actually being honest, I don't know how this happened, but I'm so grateful that it did. I remember two years ago I sat in the high school gym, ready for my first practice, and I was so excited to play. I was ready to impress the older girls because they were there, and hopefully, I did. 1 and a half years ago, I was back at the high school, ready for my first practice of that club season, and I noticed that our team did not have a setter, I wanted to ask since I was practicing on setting all of my summer, and Mady pushed me to ask. I remember asking Coach Mitchell if I could try out setting for the practice, and next thing I knew I was already setting. Now, open gyms are starting and I'm one of the older girls, and all I want to do is spread the passion to the younger girls the same way the older girls spread that passion to me. Just a reminder, it is never too late to start playing, and if you need any help learning how to play, you can ask me and hopefully I can spread that passion to you. Go Chiefs!!!

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I definitely have changed the game for some girls. I know this because I've helped somebody to pursue volleyball and actually want to play the game. I'm so grateful for all this determination that I have given this individual, and I hope that I can continue to spread that determination to other girls. Volleyball is such an amazing sport, and so many people can learn so much from the sport. They can learn things such as teamwork, dedication, commitment, and what it actually means to be on a team.

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So, how can I personally make volleyball a more positive game? 

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So, how can I personally make volleyball a more positive game? 

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I can make volleyball a more positive game by starting with what I can change. I can be more supportive of my teammates no matter what mistakes they made, or how they're playing that game. Everybody is a different individual and all have different talents, and everybody has a talent on my team, and deserves respect no matter what mistakes they have made and/or are making. I know that changing how I act around others is never going to change the game, but if I can change the games I play, little by little, I can change somebody else's game too, which can cause a chain reaction and change the game all around the world. Even if it doesn't change the game for other individuals, I changed the game for myself and my teammates. If I can make people want to continue playing the game, I did my job and that's all that really matters to me.

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I've been playing volleyball for four years. I think a major reason why I chose to continue playing volleyball is because I'm good at it. Naturally, I'm not athletically gifted, so finding something that I excel in is, of course, enjoyable. I also like the people I can meet from it, because, although I could meet people in other sports, it's different for volleyball because all these people in the room have all the same interests in the game as me. In basketball, there are so many different positions, but in volleyball, although there are different positions, everybody learns the same stuff. Also, I have been doing club, and it gives me the opportunity to meet so many other girls, and I'm so thankful to know these girls.

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I would also be able to find more coaches so there could be multiple teams. I know a lot of coaches at my club that I go to who would be willing to help coach for adults.

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I know some girls who used to coach for clubs who I think would be good fits. My first option for a coach would be Mandy Tidwell, she's a coach and school guidance counselor at Indian Lake, and she's taught for many different ages for club, she's easy to negotiate with and I think she has taught for adults before. Another good coach would be Michaela Baker, she used to coach and then I think she moved towards Champaign County, so it's still near though. Coach Baker is a good coach who has also coached for 12-15 year olds.

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I can reach my goal by setting up the club at the YMCA in Bellefontaine, which will have a fee of $15 per entry, for adults in Bellefontaine, OH. The club would be open to both men and women. I can contact adults I know who coach, or have coached previously in the past, to see if they would be willing to coach these adults. If an adult was traveling from out of state, or even out of town, the Comfort Inn would be open to them, and it would be easy for them since the Comfort Inn is 5 minutes away from the YMCA. Because most places won't have adult clubs, there will be more scrimmages than traveling. It would be open to anybody between 18-35.

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My next step is to find a gym in Bellefontaine, Ohio that can be used to host a local club for people 18 and older. I want to do this because there are close to no adult clubs in Bellefontaine, OH, and if an adult wanted to continue playing and not leave their town, it would be more convenient for them. Columbus recently came out with a new professional league, but if somebody is from Cincinnati, OH, they probably would not want to travel to Columbus almost every day. Opening this sort of club would give a lot of local adults who wanted to continue playing, the opportunity to actually continue.

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In 1932 the center line was extended indefinitely, a tape was put on the net over the sidelines, time-outs were set to one minute, and a player could not change positions or move outside of his/her playing zone. Additionally, a rules was changed to where a player could go outside his/her court to continue a play.

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In 1928 four different sets of rules were published: Official rules, simplified rules, modified rules for the playground, and rules for girls and women. The last 3 sets of rules were constantly changed and updated while the officials rules remained the same and were unchanged.

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In 1926 the court began to be measured by the outside edges of the lines, and the net length was also changed to 32 ft. Also, a team that had less than 6 players on it would have to forfeit the game and was unable to compete until they had more than, or exactly, 6 people on the team.

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In 1925 The ball weight was changed to 9-10 ounces, and an umpire was added. (an umpire is an official who watches a game and enforces the rules, like for example, think of baseball.) Also, a player could not leave the court without the ref's permission, and the ball had to cross the net over the sidelines. Additionally, a team was given two time-outs (Breaks in the game to discuss a playing strategy to win.) per game, a 14-14 game also had to be beat by having a two point advantage instead of getting two points in a row. (For example, if you have a 14-14 game the other team just needs to win by 16-14 and it doesn't matter how they get it as long as they get the points. Like if the opponent hits the ball out, it would give the other team the advantage: 15-14 and they would just need to score one more point.)

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In 1924 the net requirements were listed as: 3 feet wide, 4 inch square mesh of number 30 brown thread, canvas cover, top and bottom with four inch cable at top, and 1/4 inch rope at the bottom.

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Some people also said that they didn't like it because it included a ball, unfortunately, I can't do anything about that. It's like playing soccer without a ball and you're all just running around aimlessly.

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Many people said that they didn't enjoy playing volleyball because it wasn't challenging or fun enough. A way I can personally make volleyball more fun, or more challenging in general, is by making the ball more lightweight, so it travels quicker and falls quicker so it could be more challenging. Another way I could make the game more challenging is by reducing the court size so it's easier for the ball to go out so that the player has to think analytically and be more precise with their movements.

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In 1923 the minimum ceiling height was changed to 15 feet, the players became numbered, the team that received the serve would rotate clockwise, the right back player would also serve. Also, if a player touched the opponents court it would be counted as a constituted foul.

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In 1922 the rule that was changed was reaching over the net is now prohibited, a player in the back row is not allowed to "spike" the ball from the back row. A double foul is also written into the rules. To 'officially' win the game you had to score two points high than the other team. For example, if the score is 14-14 and the score to win is 14 the other team needs to win 16-14.

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The next time the game was updated was in 1920, they changed the rule that the only other part of your body the ball could be played on (Other than your arms and hands) was your head and feet, but they changed the rule to that the ball could be played off of any part of your body. The court size was changed to 30 ft. by 60 ft. The last update in the game was that the ball could only be played three times by each time on each side of the net.

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In 1916 the game points were decreased from 21 to 15. Two out of three games would choose the winner of the match. The ball was also allowed to be able to be played off the feet. The net height was raised to eight feet. The range of the ball's weight was 8 to 10 ounces. Each person rotated and served in order. Any serve that hit the net or any outside object was out of bounds. The ball could not stay in somebody's hand. The ball also couldn't be touched a second time unless somebody else played it.

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In 1915 the number of players on a side could range from 1 to 6. The losing team got to serve in each following game. They started to include an official timer. Between 1897 and 1915 they would change rules in the 'HANDBOOK OF THE ATHLETIC LEAGUE OF THE Y.M.C.A.'

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In 1912 the court size was changed by 35 X 50 feet, also, the official ball was changed to being 26 inches in circumference and weighed in between 7 and 9 ounces. The number of players on a side was changed to six. Also, the teams were required to rotate before serving.

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Changes of volleyball in chronological order.

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Changes of volleyball in chronological order.

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In 1900 the volleyball net height was raised up to 7 feet, 6 inches. A 'dribbling line' was eliminated. (A dribbling line in volleyball is where the player carries the ball at all times, bouncing the ball, like in basketball. When you are dribbling, you are not allowed to cross the dribbling line.) The length of the game was also changed to 21 points.

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*1897 ASSOCIATION ATHLETIC LEAGUE HANDBOOK - VOLLEY BALL / Mintonette*

During the winter of 1895-96, Mr. W.G. Morgan of Holyoke, Mass., developed a game in his gymnasium which he called Volley Ball. It was presented to the succeeding Physical Directors' Conference and the general impression seemed to be that it would fill a place not filled by any other game. It is to be played indoors, and by those who wish a game not so rough as basketball and yet one where the same degree of activity is demanded. The report as given to the conference by Mr. Morgan is as follows:

Volley Ball is a new game which is pre-eminently fitted for the gymnasium or the exercise hall, but which may also be played out-of-doors. Any number of persons may play the game. The play consists of keeping a ball in motion over a high net, from one side to the other, thus partaking of the character of two games-tennis and hand ball.

Play is started by a player on one side serving the ball over the net into the opponents' field or court. The opponents then, without allowing the ball to strike the floor, return it, and it is in this way kept going back and forth until one side fails to return it or it hits the floor. This counts a "score" for one side, or a "server out" for the other, depending on the side in point. The game consists of nine innings, each side serving a certain number of times, as per the rules, per inning.

RULES OF VOLLEY BALL
I. GAME
The game consists of nine innings.
II. INNING
An inning consists of: when one person is playing on each side, one service each side; when two are playing on each side, two services each side; when three or more are playing on each side, three services each side. The man serving continues to do so until out by failure of his side to return the ball. Each man shall serve in turn.
III. COURT
The court or floor space shall be 25 feet wide and 50 feet long, to be divided into two square courts, 25 by 25 feet, by the net. Four feet from the net on either side and parallel with it shall be a line across the court, the Dribbling line. The boundary lines must be plainly marked so as to be visible from all parts of the court. Note: The exact size of the court may be changed to suit the convenience of the place.
IV. NET
The net shall be at least 2 feet wide and 27 feet long and shall be suspended from uprights placed at least 1 foot outside the side lines. The top line of the net must be 6 feet 6 inches from the floor.

V. BALL
The ball shall be a rubber bladder covered with leather or canvas. It shall measure not less than 25 inches, nor more than 27 inches in circumference, and shall weigh not less than 9 ounces nor more than 12 ounces.
VI. SERVER AND SERVICE
The server shall stand with one foot on the back line. The ball must be batted with the hand. Two services or trials are allowed him to place the ball in the opponent's court (as in tennis). The server may serve into the opponents' court at any place. In a service, the ball must be batted at least 10 feet, no dribbling allowed. A service which would strike the net, but which is struck by another of the same side before striking the net, if it goes over into the opponent's court, is good, but if it should go outside, the server has no second trial.
VII. SCORING
Each good service un returned or ball in play un returned by the side receiving counts one score for the side serving. A side only scores when serving, as a failure to return the ball in their part results in the server being put out.
VIII. NET BALL
A play which hits the net, aside from first service, is called a net ball, and is equivalent to a failure to return, counting for the opposite side. The ball hitting the net on first service shall be called dead, and counts as a trial.
IX. LINE BALL
It is a ball striking the boundary line. It is equivalent to one out of court, and counts as such.
X. PLAY AND PLAYERS
Any number may play that is convenient to the place. A player should be able to cover about 10 by 10 feet. Should any player during play touch the net, it puts the ball out of play and counts against his side. Should any player catch or hold for an instant the ball, it is out of play and counts for the opposite side. Should the ball strike any object other than the floor and bound back into play, it is still in play.
To dribble the ball is to carry it all the time, keeping it bouncing. When dribbling the ball no player shall cross the dribbling line, this putting the ball out of play and counting against him.
Any player except the captain, addressing the umpire or casting any slurring remarks at him or any of the players on the opposite side, may be disqualified, and his side be compelled to play the game without him or a substitute, or forfeit the same.

HELPS IN PLAYING THE GAME (1897)
Strike the ball with both hands.
Look for uncovered space in the opponent's field.
Play together; cover your own space.
Pass from one to another when possible.
Watch the play constantly, especially the opponents.

Author: Andor Gyulai

#1 Instructional volleyball coaching website in the world

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1897 ASSOCIATION ATHLETIC LEAGUE HANDBOOK - VOLLEYBALL

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1897 ASSOCIATION ATHLETIC LEAGUE HANDBOOK - VOLLEY BALL / Mintonette* During the winter of 1895-96, Mr. W.G. Morgan of Holyoke, Mass., developed a game in his gymnasium which he called Volley Ball. It was presented to the succeeding Physical Directors' Conference and the general impression seemed

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Originally called mintonette, the origin of volleyball can be traced back to 1895 in Massachusetts, USA. It was created by American William G. Morgan.

For a sport that has been around for over a century, the origin of volleyball traces its roots to a rather humble beginning.

History has it that William G. Morgan, who invented the game of volleyball in 1895, came up with the idea so that people who found basketball's 'bumping' or 'jolting' too strenuous could have an alternative physical activity to fall back on.

William G. Morgan, who served as the physical director at the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) Holyoke, Massachusetts, looked at the sports around and picked the aspects that he thought suited his brief the best.

The ball came from baske`tball, the net from tennis and the use of hands from handball. While this made up a game of volleyball, it was lent some competitive tone with the introduction of innings - later to be called sets - that was borrowed from baseball.

Morgan introduced the sport -- called mintonette, the original name of volleyball -- at the YMCA Physical Director's Conference a year later at Springfield College, Massachusetts.

"In search of an appropriate game, tennis occurred to me, but this required rackets, balls, a net and other equipment, so it was eliminated, but the idea of a net seemed a good one," Morgan explained. "We raised [the net] to a height of... just above the head of an average man. We needed a ball and among those we tried was a basketball bladder, but this was too light and too slow. We therefore tried the basketball itself, which was too big and too heavy."

A new specially designed ball, which was lighter and smaller, was introduced in 1900.

Though it was incomplete with no fixed rules and a format to follow, the sport did enough to win over the delegation and soon became a part of YMCA's wide network throughout the USA with a new name - volley ball (initially it was termed as two words). Volleyball was officially selected to spell as a single word in 1952.

A sport that traced its origin to basketball, baseball, tennis and handball - and now estimated to be played by over 800 million globally - had thus been established.

Development of volleyball

The coming years saw rules for the game being drawn up as volleyball continued to bank on YMCA's popularity to go global.

With YMCA societies playing prominent roles in regions like India, China, Europe, South America and Africa, volleyball would soon spread in these regions.

It was in Asia that it gathered steam. By 1913, the growth of the game in the continent was evident as that year saw it being included in the first Far-Eastern Games, organised in Manila.

It was not until 1900 that a specially designed lighter and smaller ball was devised, which opened up a new array of tactical and technical possibilities for the sport.

Rules for playing volleyball kept establishing over the years; points per set changed from 21 to 15 points in 1917, in the following year the number of players per team was set at six and so on.

A few years later, a new offensive way of playing the game - including what we now call setting and spiking - emerged in the Philippines. It was to be called 'bomba' or 'Filipino bomb', taking a cue from the pace at which the ball landed in the opposition's court.

The new tactic also meant the rules of volleyball were further refined and standardised, including the scoring system and the rule stipulating a maximum of three hits per team.

However, all through this period, volleyball was largely restricted to only a few regions. Though there were a few national championships in different countries, none had a fixed set of rules as it varied from region to region.

But all this would change in 1947.

International governing body of volleyball

April 1947 saw the establishment of the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB).

Representatives from 14 nations - Belgium, Brazil, Czechoslovakia, Egypt, France, the Netherlands, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Uruguay, the USA and Yugoslavia - met in Paris under the leadership of France's Paul Libaud to set up the association that would govern volleyball at the international level.

Libaud assumed the role of FIVB's first president, a position he held on to till 1984. The first volleyball World Championships for men was held in 1949 in Prague and in 1952 for women in Moscow.

FIVB has since grown into becoming one of the biggest sporting organisations in the world with 222 affiliated bodies.

While the World Championships continues to be the mega attraction for the game, the FIVB has added events like the FIVB World League, the FIVB World Grand Prix, the FIVB World Cup and the FIVB Grand Champions Cup to its roster over the years, apart from eventually becoming an Olympic sport.

Volleyball at the Olympics

With an international body to look after the sport and its growing popularity, indoor volleyball was granted Olympic status in 1957 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Volleyball made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 1964 Games.

Brazil, the erstwhile Soviet Union and Italy have bagged the most medals in men's Olympic volleyball (six each), with the South American team leading the honours with their three golds and three silvers.

Sport Guide: Examining Volleyball

Among the women's teams, six countries have won the Olympic gold medal in volleyball with the Soviet Union leading the overall medals tally with six (four golds and two silvers).

Japan and the Soviet Union played each of the first four gold medal matches at the Summer Olympics from 1964 to 1980.

Japan won the first-ever final on home soil at Tokyo 1964 while the Soviet Union pipped them to win gold at the 1968 Games and Munich in 1972. Japan then picked their second gold medal at Montreal 1976.

The Soviet Union added two more gold medals to their tally with their volleyball players emerging with victories at Moscow 1980 and Seoul 1988, while China won the first of its two-three medals at Los Angeles 1984 and the second at Athens 2004.

Cuba won three straight golds at Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 while the Brazilian women's volleyball team became just the third team to win back-to-back golds in the discipline, doing so at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

The United States is the reigning women's volleyball Olympic champions, having beaten Brazil in the final at Tokyo 2020.

While only six teams played in the women's category in the 1964 edition of the Games, that number doubled by 1988 and has remained so ever since.

Volleyball on the beach

Like its expanded version, even though beach volleyball too can trace its roots back to America, the sport had to wait a bit longer to get into the conscience of a larger community.

What are the origins of Beach Volleyball?

Beach volleyball was included in the Olympic programme for the Atlanta Games in 1996, a move that helped take the global reach and popularity of the sport to a new level.

The United States of America, the country from which volleyball originated from, has dominated this event at the Olympics, winning a total of seven gold, two silver and two bronze medals (men and women) so far.

Their Olympic bow was followed by the inaugural FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships in 1997.

The event is hosted every alternate year and Brazil has been the most successful country at this event winning a total of 12 gold medals (men and women) so far.

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History of volleyball: From origins to the Olympics

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Charting the history of volleyball; from its origins in the USA in 1895 as a game called Mintonette to an Olympic sport in 1964, here's all you need to know.

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Volleyball has changed in many ways, from the very beginning, volleyball wasn't even called volleyball, it was called mintonette! Volleyball was created in 1895 in Massachusetts, USA by William G. Morgan. The first rules Morgan had was that the game had nine innings, with three outs allowed per inning, sort of like baseball! Some basic measurements of the volleyball court was that the net was 6 feet, 6 inches, and the court was 25 by 50 feet.

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The sport of volleyball originated in the United States, and is now just beginning to achieve the type of popularity in the U.S. that it has received on a global basis, where it ranks behind only soccer among participation sports.

In 1895, William G. Morgan, an instructor at the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in Holyoke, Mass., decided to blend elements of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball to create a game for his classes of businessmen which would demand less physical contact than basketball. He created the game of Volleyball (at that time called mintonette).

Per Morgan, the game was fit for the gymnasium or exercise hall but, could also be played outdoor. The play consisted of any number of players keeping a ball in motion from one side to the other over a net raised 6 feet 6 inches above the floor. Play is started by a player on one side serving the ball over the net into the opponents' field or court. The opponents then, without letting the ball strike the floor, return it, and it is in this way kept going back and forth until one side fails to return the ball or the ball hits the floor. The side serving the ball earns points when the opposite side either fails to return the ball or allows the ball to hit the floor.

During a demonstration game, someone remarked to Morgan that the players seemed to be volleying the ball back and forth over the net, and perhaps "volleyball" would be a more descriptive name for the sport.

Rules of the game, established by Morgan:

1.

The game. The game shall consist of nine innings

2.

Inning. An inning shall consist of: when one person is playing on each side, one service each side; when two are playing on each side, two services each side; when three are playing each side, three services each side. The man serving continues to do so until out by failure of his side to return the ball. Each man shall serve in turn.

3.

Court. The court or floor space shall be 25 feet wide and 50 feet long, divided into two square courts, 25 feet by 25 feet, by the net. Four feet from the net on either side and parallel with it shall be a line across the court, the dribbling line. The boundary lines must be plainly marked so as to be visible from all parts of the court. Note: The exact size of the court may be changed to suit the convenience of the place.

4.

Net. The net shall be at least two feet wide and 27 feet long and shall be suspended from uprights placed at least one foot outside the side lines. The top of the net must be six feet six inches from the floor.

5.

Ball. The ball shall be a rubber bladder covered with leather or canvas. It shall measure not less than 25 inches, nor more than 27 inches in circumference, and shall weigh not less than nine ounces nor more than twelve ounces.

6.

Server and Service. The server shall stand with one foot on the back line. The ball must be batted with the hand. Two services or trials are allowed him to place the ball in the opponent's court. The server may serve into the opponent's court at nay place. In a service, the ball must be batted at least 10 feet, no dribbling allowed. A service which would strike the net, but which is struck by another of the same side before striking the net, if it goes over into the opponent's court, is good, but if it should go outside, the server has no second trial.

7.

Scoring. Each good service unreturned or ball in play unreturned by the side receiving counts one score for the side serving. A side only scores when serving, as a failure to return, counting for the opposite side. The ball hitting the net on the first service shall be called dead, and counts as a trial.

8.

Net Ball. A play, which hits the net, aside from the first service, is called a net ball, and is equivalent to a failure to return, counting for the opposite side. The ball hitting the net on first service shall be called dead, and counts as a trial.

9.

Line Ball. A line ball is a ball that strikes the boundary line. It is equivalent to one out of court, and counts as such.

10.

Play and Players. Any number of players may participate that is convenient to the place. A player should be able to cover about 10 by 10 feet. Should any player during play touch the net, it puts the ball out of play and counts against his side. Should any player catch or hold for an instant the ball, it is out of play and counts for the opposite side. Should the ball strike any object other than the floor and bound back into play, it is still in play.

After reaching Japan and Asia through the YMCA network by 1896, a specially designed ball came to be by 1900, and over the next 20 years, rules were set into place. The Philippines created the "set" and "spike" in 1916 and six-a-side play was the standard two years later. By 1920, the rules mandating three hits per side and back-row attacks were instituted.

Japan, Russia and the United States each started national volleyball associations during the 1920s. And when U.S. soldiers brought the game overseas during World War II, the sport spread through the rest of Europe like wildfire. Shortly after, France recognized the sport nationally as well. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) made the game a non-Olympic sport in 1949 and the first World Championships for men were held in that same year. The women's first world-level competition came three years later.

The Russians would dominate the sport until the mid-1980s with some challenge from Japan during the stint. The United States finally made their mark as the men's team won back-to-back gold medals in Los Angeles (1984) and Seoul (1988).

With beach volleyball stealing some of the spotlight away from indoor, certain traditions were dropped for the Sydney Games. Replacing the previous system where only the serving team could earn one, a point will be at stake for every rally. In addition, another agile defender called a "libero," who is free to substitute in back-row defense at almost every turn was added.

Today there are more than 46 million Americans who play volleyball. Worldwide, there are over 800 million people who play volleyball at least once a week.

In the mid 1960's, the United States Junior Olympic Volleyball (USJOV) program was established. Initial talks to establish a junior program within the United States Volleyball Association (USVBA) were not productive. The USVBA, then comprised totally of volunteers and lacking paid staff members, was required to concentrate on its Open Club program. In addition, priority efforts beyond that were to develop the national teams and international competition program. The USVBA Executive Committee granted permission to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) to pursue the development of a full-scale junior development program within the AAU structure.

Following two years of discussion and negotiations, and the finalization of appropriate legislation, the AAU approved volleyball as a Junior Olympic sport. John Eaton of Virginia Beach, V.A., was appointed to write the first set of rules for Junior Olympic Volleyball. Using the rules of volleyball as approved by the USVBA, Eaton modified the rules so that they would be more compatible to the age group program. These rules still serve as the basic foundation of junior volleyball in the United States today.

Although the National AAU approved volleyball as a "JO" sport, the organization did not include it in the multi-sport Junior Olympic Championship. Volleyball had to strike out on its own for qualifying national tournament sites. The first national championship was conducted in 1974 at the Catonsville Community College in Catonsville, MD.

Although the bulk of the teams were from East of the Mississippi River, the tournament was qualified a success due to the number of teams entered; the enthusiasm it generated; and the interest that was stimulated. In this tournament, 200 athletes (not teams) took part, as age group teams from Chicago and such places as York and Haverford, PA., emerged as national champions.

The 1974 national tournament followed two years of experimentation with a "Prep School-East" and a "Prep School-West" national championship approach. The next logical approach was the implementation of developmental programs in the 57 local AAU associations. Although some developed programs, most notably Chicago, Louisiana and eastern Pennsylvania, other local associations did not. As a result, AAU Junior Olympic Volleyball efforts were, for the most part, limited to the national tournament In some local AAU associations, volleyball was not even a recognized committee, Junior Olympic or otherwise.

Once the USVBA established the national teams/international competition program, efforts were turned toward the programs of junior development. Since the AAU had fulfilled only a portion of its earlier commitments, administrative efforts were directed toward grass roots development. In 1978, an exploratory meeting was held with representatives of various organizations in Kansas City, which included the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). From this meeting, emerged an action plan to negotiate an agreement with the AAU to coordinate a development plan to complement the national AAU/JOV tournament. This event had realized great success and was now situated in its permanent site of Lisle, Illinois.

The action plan, however, was never realized because of the National Amateur Act and the eventual birth of the USVBA's National Junior Championship. [The Amateur Sports Act (Public Law 95-606) was adopted in 1978. This law was amended in 1998 to become the Olympic and Amateur Sports Act (OASA). Because of the efforts of Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska to shepherd this law through Congress, the 1998 amendments are often called the "Ted Stevens Amendments." The original Amateur Sports Act, as adopted in 1978, required the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) "to encourage and provide assistance to amateur athletic programs and competition for handicapped individuals, including, where feasible, the expansion of meaningful participation by handicapped individuals in programs of athletic competition for able-bodied individuals."] It was now evident that one tournament of this quality and level was not enough to accommodate the number of junior teams interested. The event was modeled after the actual Olympic games, complete with a parade of states and opening ceremonies. Shortly after a comprehensive concept, as well as a full-fledged grass roots action plan for Junior Olympic Volleyball development, was developed. The plan was to be implemented by the USVBA regions and fed into the USJOV national tournament structure. It was created to serve as a major building block for the scholastic, collegiate, recreation and club play throughout the country and was designed to be the future of volleyball in the United States.

In 1984, the USVBA Board of Directors pledged its priority to the development of this program and reinforced their statement with staff efforts. In 1985, the USVBA hired the nation's first full-time administrator of Junior Olympic and Youth Volleyball.

USA Volleyball, acting as a National Governing Body for volleyball in the United States, established a Junior Olympic Volleyball Division. It is comprised of special interest representatives, but more importantly, with persons who are highly regarded and respected as leaders in the development of junior volleyball in the USA. They come from the scholastic, collegiate and club ranks and have an in-depth background in volleyball. Junior Olympic Volleyball is now a viable force within the volleyball community. It is fully expected to establish volleyball as a primary recreation sport and an important collegiate and scholastic activity, and equally important, establish United States as a major force in international competition in the future.

Northern California has had a long history of volleyball activity. In the early years, volleyball competition was centered primarily in the YMCA's. The San Francisco YMCA was the first Northern California team to achieve national prominence by winning the National AAU Championship in 1929. The Embarcadero YMCA hosted the USVBA National Open Championships in 1939, and the following year finished second in the YMCA Championship. In 1974, Tom Cotter was instrumental in developing the first Far Western Championship Tournament. The following year, Tom was appointed as the first commissioner (regional representative) of the newly- formed Region 12 encompassing Northern California, Nevada, and Utah.

During the 1950's Stockton YMCA became a national power under coach Harold W. Peterson, winning the Open in 1954 and 1955 and finishing second in 1952, '56, '57, and '63. Bob Miller and Hal Durham each had brief stints as Commissioner in the early 1950's and Len Gibson was appointed in 1954. The exact dates are somewhat hazy in the Region record.

Although there is mention of women's competition earlier, the first recorded Women's Region 12 Championship took place in 1965 due largely to the efforts of Women's Representative Jerry Kaluna and the Women's Association founder Fran Plunket. The year women first competed in the Far Western was 1968, the year Al Monaco became Region Commissioner.

In 1971 the Region Executive Committee was formed to help Al with the ever-increasing tasks of running a fast-growing region. In 1972, Nevada and Utah joined Idaho to form Region 14, leaving Northern California as a separate region. The same year, Dan Gellerman published the first issue of the Region 12 news, and the first Region 12 volleyball camp was held at St Mary's College.

In 1973 Al Monaco was hired as Executive Director of the USVBA and Lon Crosson took over as Commissioner. Gary Colberg, the present Commissioner, succeeded Lon in 1975.

The rules of volleyball have changed many times since William Morgan first developed the game in 1895 with an original purpose of providing some form of recreation and relaxation for businessmen at the Holyoke, MA Y.M.C.A.

The first rules, written by Mr. Morgan in long hand, contained the following basic features: The net was 6 feet, 6 inches high. The court was 25 X 50 feet Any number of participants was allowed. The length of the game was nine innings, with three outs allowed per team per inning. Continuous air dribbling of the ball was permissible up to a restraining line 4 feet from the net. No limit on the number of hits on each side of the court. A served ball could be assisted across the net. A second serve (as in tennis) was permitted if the first resulted in a fault. Any ball hitting the net, except on the first service, was a fault and resulted in side out.

1900:

Net height was raised to 7 feet, 6 inches. Dribbling line was eliminated. Length of game was changed to 21 points.

1912:

1. Court size became 35 X 60 feet.
2. Official ball was designated as 26 inches in circumference and was to weigh between 7 and 9 ounces.
3. Number of players on a side was established at six.
4. Teams required to rotate prior to serving.

1915

Number of players on a side could range from one to six. Losing team served in each subsequent game. Official timer was included.Between 1897 and 1915, the rules were published in the HANDBOOK OF THE ATHLETIC LEAGUE OF THE Y.M.C.A. In 1916 the American Sports published the rules through Publishing Company in a separate book called OFFICIAL VOLLEYBALL RULES.

1916:

Game points were reduced from 21 to 15 points. Two out of three games determined the winner of a match. The ball could be struck with the feet. The net height was raised to eight feet. The weight of the ball was changed to range from 8 to 10 ounces. Each man rotated in order and served in turn. A serve that hit the net or any outside object was out of bounds. The ball could not come to rest in the hands. The ball could not be touched a second time unless another player had played it.

1920:

The ball could be played by any part of the body above the waist. The court size was changed to 30 feet by 60 feet. The ball could only be played three times by each team on its side of the court.

1922:

Reaching over the net in any manner was prohibited. A back position player was prohibited from spiking when playing a back position. The double foul was written in the rules. The centerline was added as well as a scorer. It was necessary for one team to score two consecutive points to win if the score was tied at 14-14.

1923:

Ceiling height minimum was to be 15 feet. Six players constituted a team and 12, a squad. Players were numbered. The team receiving the serve rotated clockwise. The right back player served. If a player touched the opponents' court in completing a play it constituted a foul.

1924:

In 1924 the net specifications were written in detail: 3 feet wide, 4-inch square mesh of number 30 brown thread, canvas cover, top and bottom with 1/4 inch cable at tope and 1/4 inch rope at the bottom.

1925:

The ball weight was changed to range from 9 to 10 ounces. An umpire was added. A player could not leave the court without the referee's permission. The ball had to cross the net over the sidelines. A team was permitted two times out per game. A 14-14-tie game was won by a team having a two-point advantage instead of 2 consecutive points.

1926:

The court was measured to the outside edges of the lines. The net length was placed at 32 feet. A team that was reduced to less than six players would forfeit the game.

1928:

Four different sets of rules were published: the official rules, simplified rules, modified rules for the playground, and rules for girls and women. Although the last three sets of rules were changed many times and had interest and support from various groups, the official rules are the only ones covered.

No changes occurred from 1927 to 1931.

1932:

The centerline was extended indefinitely. A tape was put on the net over the sidelines. Times out were limited to one minute. A player could not interchange positions or move outside his understood playing area. A player could go outside his court to make a play.

1934:

A 3/8-inch cable replaced the 1/4-inch cable in the top of the net.

1935:

Crosses were placed on the floor defining player positions. All players were required to wear numbers on their suits. It became a foul to deliberately screen an opponent from the server. Players could not leave their court unless the ball was on their side of the net. (At this time spikers would stand outside their court and wait till the ball was set to the outside of the court and come running in with a one-leg take-off spike). Any touching of the net was a foul. A play was not complete unless a player resumed normal control on the floor. Deliberate shouting and stomping the feet at an opponent was deemed unsportsmanlike.

1937:

A third contact ball driven into the net causing the net to contact the opponent was not a foul. A player could re-enter a game once. A substitute was no longer restricted from talking to his teammate until the ball was put into play. Multiple contacts were allowed in receiving a hard drive spike.

1938:

Blocking was first included in the rules in 1938. Blocking was defined as impeding the ball at the net. A one or two-man block was permitted, providing the blockers played in adjacent positions.

1939

No changes occurred

1940:

The official ball must be a twelve-piece lace less leather-covered ball.

1941:

Rules are reworded and clarified

1942:

Ball could be played with any part of the body from the knees upward. The score of a forfeited game would be 15-0.

1947:

Only the front line players could interchange positions to make a two-man block. The numbers on players' shirts had to be 4 inches high.

1948:

The rules were clarified and rewritten to aid in interpretation. Blocking was defined and the service area stipulated as being the right third of the back line. Other items clarified were:Each player should be in his own area before the ball leaves the server's hands. Points made from wrong server were cancelled. Simultaneous hits by two players constituted one hit. Time out for rest was one minute. Time out for injury was five minutes. Time out between games was three minutes.

1949:

The game was allowed to be played under a time limit of 8 minutes of ball in playtime. The winner was to have a 20-point advantage after expiration of time or 15 points, whichever came first. A timekeeper was included as one of the officials. Time-out period for injury was reduced to three minutes. A three-man block was made legal, provided they were front line players.

1950:

There should be no warm-up time allowed substitutes. A clarification of what constituted a held ball included "the ball must be clearly batted."

1951:

The service area and the court with crosses were clearly defined. A backcourt spiker was allowed to spike the ball provided he remained in the back court.

1952:

Any player was allowed to block at the net. A 7-foot line drawn back and parallel to the net as a restraining line for back court players blocking at the net. The restriction was lifted on players leaving their position to perform any play except the back line spiker. A defensive player, when blocking, must indicate whether or not he touched the ball. The server was allowed to serve the ball from anywhere back of the service line. Teams were allowed to warm up during time out for rest or for injury. The players were allowed to leave the court without the referee's permission. The coach, captain, or manager was allowed to call time out.

1953:

The rubber ball was ruled legal. A substitute was allowed to re-enter the game twice instead of once. Players were allowed to use any part of the body to play the ball. The whole format of the rules was changed and each rule items was numbered from 1 to 75 under 8 major headings. Errors and fouls were defined.

1954:

Clarified the rule concerning players being in position until the ball was struck on the serve. A set of co-ed rules was adopted. An attempt to draft a standard set of rules failed due to the different styles of play used by various groups. Screening the serve was allowed.

1955:

The official rules came out in a new format with 5 main headings and 24 sub-titles for cross reference and coverage. A back line player was allowed to take-off from in front of the 7-foot line but had to alight behind the line. Movement during a screen was allowed.

1956:

The players were allowed to stand anywhere in the court during the serve as long as they were in rotation order. Teams automatically changed courts during the third game of a match when one team reached 8 points or 4 minutes of playtime expired.

1957:

There were no changes but various innovations were tried.Using a higher net. Twenty-one and fifty point games. Playing the ball off obstacles. Playing all underhand balls with the fist.

1958:

There were no major changes made.

1959:

Players screening the serve were allowed to wave their hands and move during the serve. The umpire was given the authority to call ball-handling errors and to keep time between games.

1960:

Women's net height was lowered to 7 feet 4 inches. Teams were to alternate the initial serve of each succeeding game in a match.

1961:

Gloves were allowed to be worn during play.

1962:

Clarification of timing rule and player position. A player was not allowed to grab the officials' platform to keep from going over the centerline.

1963:

Clarification of the overlapping rule of player positions on the serve.

1964:

Defined the method of service whereby a server could hit the serve from a toss by a teammate or from a bounce.

1965:

Center line was limited only to the side of the court. A player could cross the assumed extension if he did not attempt to play the ball. Screening was made illegal.

1966:

The blocker's fingers were permitted to stray across the net inadvertently as long as they did not contact the ball or affect the play.

1967:

No changes made due to the widespread use of International Rules.

1968:

An attempt was made to draw USVBA rules and International Rules together, causing several major changes to be made: Definition of fouls changed to include ball-handling errors. Ceiling minimum height was raised to 26 feet. Lines depicting the 10-foot serving area were added to the court. The server was required to toss the ball into the air when initiating the serve. The spiking line was moved from 7 feet to 10 feet back from the net. Blockers were allowed to reach across the net as long as they did not contact the ball until after the attacker had contacted it. One player from the rear could block but at no time could there be more than three players deployed in position to block. Back line spikers were allowed to land in front of the spiking line as long as they left the ground behind it. The ball could not be played with any part of the body below the waist.

1969:

Only front line players were permitted to block. A team was limited to 12 substitutions per game.

1970:

Numbers on uniforms must be 6 inches on the front, 3 inches on the back, and at least 4 inches above the waist. The centerline was widened from 2 inches to 4 inches. Upon request by the referee, the umpire can call all violations not viable to the referee. The ball on the serve does not have to be tossed in the air before it is struck. When a player is injured, a substitute shall be put in without undue delay. Once a team has received the signal to take the court, the lineup cannot be changed.

1974

Antennae were added on the net, one ball's width outside the sidelines. Playe ended as soon as the ball was "dead" (rescinding the "continuation" rule). Players were allowed three entries (starting counts as an entry) per game (completing the "twelve substitution" rule)

1976

(Adoption of the International Rules and rules format; old numbering system abandoned). Metric measurements introduced. Metric net heights introduced: 2.43m for men and 2.24m for women. Center lines reduced to 5cm. Antennae moved to the sidelines. Best of five games determined the winner of a match. Six substitutions per team and one entry per player allowed. ("Six substitution" rule). Balls must be released before they were served. Balls hitting the ceiling or any other obstruction were "dead." Blocks no longer counted as the first of a team's three hits. Double hits were prohibited on any type of dig (rescinding the "hard driven spike" rule).

Note:

Major international rules changes are generally introduced only after Olympic competition

1984

A player could make multiple contacts of a teams's first hit if there was only one attempt and there was no "finger action" on the ball. Blocking or attacking served became illegal

1988

"Rally point" scoring introduced for deciding games of three or five game matches. 17 point "cap" introduced for all games (i.e. 17-16 wins any game)

1990

Attacking a served ball is legal if the ball is not played entirely above the height of the net

1994

Prosthetic limbs may be worn if the referee determines the player will gain no artificial advantage. Ball may be contacted with any part of a player's body on or above the knee. Point limit on deciding games eliminated

1996

Service zone extended to include full width of 9m area behind end lines. Ball may be contacted with any part of a player's body.

1998

Server only receives one toss of the ball to execute the service

1999

All scoring changed to "rally." Non-deciding games played to 25 with no cap, deciding games to 15 with no cap.

2001

Ball allowed to touch the net while crossing it on the serve

2002

During play, a coach may give instructions to players on the court without delaying the match

From 1970 to the present, Volleyball became big business. Many of the rules from 1970 to the present differed between Federation (High School), National Association of Girls and Women in Sports, which has now been replaced by the NCAA, USA Volleyball and other amateur and professional associations. Each Association rulebook needs to be studied.

[/spb_text_block] [/spb_accordion_tab] [spb_accordion_tab title="THE VOLLEYBALL TIMELINE" accordion_id="" icon=""] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom="no" pb_border_bottom="no" width="1/1″ el_position="first last"]

1896
After a demonstration given at the YMCA in Springfield the name "Mintonette" is replaced with "Volleyball"

1900
The rules as modified by W.E. Day are accepted and published by the YMCA. Match length is set at 21 points. The height of the net is increased to 7-feet-6. Canada is the first "foreign" country to adopt Volleyball. A special ball was designed for the sport . The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) spread volleyball to Canada, Asia, and the Southern Hemisphere.

1906
Cuba discovers "6 Volleyball" in 1906, thanks to a North American army officer, Agusto York, who takes part in the second military intervention on the Caribbean island.

1907
Volleyball was presented at the Playground of America convention as one of the most popular sports

1908
Volleyball reaches Japan. It is Hyozo Omori, a Springfield College graduate in the United States, who first demonstrates the rules of the new game on the YMCA courts in Tokyo

1909
YMCA spread volleyball to Puerto Rico

1910
Volleyball officially lands in China, thanks to Max Exner and Howard Crokner. Up until 1917, play is between 16-man teams and goes to 21 points

The Philippines, too, got to know the new game. It is imported by Manila YMCA director Elwood Brown. In a very short space of time, there are 5,000 public and private courts In the USA, decisive impetus is given to the game by Prevost Idell, YMCA director in Germantown

1912
YMCA spread volleyball to Uruguay The court size is changed, becoming 35×60 feet. A uniform size and weight of the ball is established, calling for a circumference of 26 inches and a weight of between 7 and 9 ounces. Two other important innovations: the number of players on each team is set at six and it is decided to rotate players before service

1913
Volleyball competition held in Far Eastern Games Volleyball is put on the programme for the first Far Eastern Games held in Manila. Teams are made up of 16 players. George Fisher, secretary of the YMCA War Office, includes Volleyball in the recreation and education programme for the American armed forces.

1915
The number of players on court again becomes variable, anything from 2 to 6 for each team. Official game time is introduced and it is decided that the team losing a game has the right to begin serving in the next game In Europe, Volleyball arrives on the French beaches of Normandy and Brittany with American soldiers fighting in the First World War. Its popularity grows rapidly, but the game takes root especially in Eastern countries, where the cold climate makes gym sports particularly attractive The opening days of World War I brings Volleyball to Africa. The first country to learn the rules is Egypt

1916
An offensive style of passing the ball in a high trajectory to be struck by another player, the set and spike, were introduced in the Philippines. The Filipinos developed the "bomba" or kill, and called the hitter a "bomberino" Many new rules are established. The score for a "game" drops from 21 to 15, and it is determined that to win a match a team has to win two out of three "games." The ball can now be hit with a player's feet. Net height rises to 8 feet, while ball weight climbs from 8 to 10 ounces. It is decided that holding on to the ball is a foul and that a player cannot have contact with the ball a second time until after it has been played by another athlete Volleyball becomes a part of the program of the NCAA, the body that oversees college and university sports in the USA The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was invited by the YMCA to aid in editing the rules and in promoting the sport. Volleyball was added to school and college physical education and intramural programs . .

1917
The game was changed from 21 to 15 points YMCA spread volleyball to Brazil At the Allied Forces air base in Porto Corsini, where Ravenna's sports palace is now located, American airmen introduce the virus of Volleyball into Italy

1918
The number of players per team is set at six. In Japan, the first High School Championship is played

1919
American Expeditionary Forces distributed 16,000 volleyballs to it's troops and allies. This provided a stimulus for the growth of volleyball in foreign lands During the First World War, Dr. George J. Fisher, as Secretary of the YMCA War Work Office, makes Volleyball a part of the programme in military training camps, both in the USA and abroad, in the athletic handbooks written for those responsible for sport and recreation in the Army and Marines. Thousands of balls and nets are sent overseas to the U.S. troops and also presented to the Allied Army's sports directors. More than 16,000 volleyballs are distributed in 1919 to the American Expeditionary Corps Forces only. The Inter-Allied Games are organized in Paris (but Volleyball is not included since the game is not yet known sufficiently well known in the 18 participating Allied countries to allow for a balanced competition) In China, the rules are modified. Play becomes 12 against 12, with matches going to 15 points

1920
Institution of three hits per side and back row attack rules Court size goes down to 30×60 feet, and the ball is allowed to be played by any part of the body above the waist. A major innovation involves the rule allowing a team to play a ball no more than three times before sending it over the net The Philippines develop the first kind of spike. It is known as the "Filipino bomb" and it is a pretty lethal weapon The first spontaneous attempts at blocking make their appearance, although they are not yet codified by the rules Volleyball makes its first official appearance in Russia in the cities of the Volga, Gorky and Kazan, and at the same time in Khabarovsk and Vladivostok

1922
The first YMCA national championships were held in Brooklyn, NY. 27 teams from 11 states were represented. Players in the back line are not permitted to spike. The "double hit" fault is added to the rules. Scoring rules are also changed, providing that, with the score at 14-14, two consecutive points are needed to win The maximum number of consecutive ball contacts per team is set at three. The first National Federation is founded in Czechoslovakia, quickly followed by Bulgaria. The first National Championship is played in the USA, in which only YMCA teams compete Volleyball gains in popularity in Italy too, thanks to Guido Graziani, a Springfield YMCA graduate

1923
A team is to be made up of 6 players on court and 12 official substitutes, and each player has to have a numbered jersey. The team securing the right to serve has to rotate clockwise. The serve is to be made by the player placed on the right on the back line. If a player touches the adversary's court during play it is a foul. Minimum ceiling height is set at 15 feet The official birth date of Volleyball in Russia is set at 28 July, 1923, the day a match between men's team High Art and Theatre Workshop (Vhutemas) and State Cinema Technical School (GTK) is played in Moscow

1924
The Olympic Games programme in Paris includes a demonstration of "American" sports, with Volleyball among them

1925
Two time-outs per game for each team becomes the rule. There is also a change in the scoring rules for the most hotly contested sets: at 14-14 to win it is no longer necessary to score two consecutive points, but rather to have a two-point advantage. Once again the ball weight is modified, from 9 to 10 ounces Volleyball is played for the first time in the Netherlands. After a stay at the Seminary of Techny in Illinois, U.S., Father S. Buis introduces the sport to the Sint Willibrod mission house in Uden and has a few courts set up there

1926
A team reduced to less than 6 players forfeits the match

1927
The Japanese Federation is born and nine men's competitions are organised In Russia, there is a "political" reaction by the Communist Party against the YMCA as a "capitalistic, bourgeois, and religious" organization, and it is obliged to leave the country. But Volleyball is there to stay China adopts the nine-player-per-team system, the same used in Japan 1928 It became clear that tournaments and rules were needed; the United States Volleyball Association (USVBA, now USA Volleyball) was formed. The first US Open was staged, as the field was open to non-YMCA squads

1929
Cuba organizes the first men's tournament according to "American" rules at the Caribbean and Central American Games. Between the two World Wars, great efforts are made to give unity to the Volleyball movement by establishing a single set of rules and creating an international federation. These are just initial efforts, with nothing concrete being set 1930s Recreational sports programs became an important part of American life

1930
The first two-man beach game was played

1932
Time-outs are limited to one minute. To make a play, an athlete can step off his own court; but he cannot change position in the starting line-up

1933
The first USSR National Championship is held, where there are already over 400,000 players. For Soviet Volleyball, it is the year of enshrinement. In January, a challenge between Moscow and Dnepropetrovsk is played on no less important a stage than that of the Bolshoi Theatre A book entitled Volleyball: Man's Game by Robert E. Laveaga, published by A S Barnes & Co of New York, makes an important impact on teaching methods and scientific training techniques. Volleyball for Women by Katherine M. Montgomery is also very useful for teaching the game

1934
National volleyball referee approval and recognition The first concrete steps to establish international relations in Volleyball are taken during the International Handball Federation Congress in Stockholm

1935
Crosses are to be marked on the floor to determine player position. Touching the net is to be considered a foul. An important rule involves spikers: it is forbidden to step off the court as long as the ball is in play on the spiker's side (it had been customary for spikers waiting for a set to take a running start from way off and then leap from one foot). In Tashkent and Moscow, the USSR plays the first official international matches against Afghanistan

1937
Action was taken at the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) convention in Boston to recognize the USVBA as the official national governing body in the US Multiple ball contacts were permitted in defence against particularly violent spikes

1938
The Czechs perfect blocking which is officially introduced into the rules under the concept of "a counteraction at the net by one or two adjacent players." For almost 20 years before, blocking had been a part of the game but was not spelled out in the rules. The Czechs are the first (soon followed by the Russians) to attribute decisive importance to the new skill, which facilitates the ungrateful task of volleying defences

1939
How to push for homogeneous rules throughout the world? The Annual USVBA Reference Guide and the Official Rules of the Game of Volleyball gave useful information on the game and provided a forum where experiences and ideas emanating from different sources could be exchanged. During the War, thousands of these guides were used throughout the world

1940
William G. Morgan, the creator of Volleyball, dies at the age of 68. A man of high moral standards, Morgan suffered no pangs of jealousy and continued to follow with enthusiasm the progress of his game, convinced that real Volleyball, for real athletes, would be a success 1940s Forearm pass introduced to the game as a desperation play. Most balls played with overhand pass

1941
In several countries, including Italy, experiments are made with a system of timed play. Two 20-minute sets are played (with supplementary time in case of a tie). But after various and prolonged trials, the experiments are abandoned, but taken up again in the United States at the close of the Second World War. Another innovation is time-limit Volleyball, whereby a game lasts eight minutes of actual play. To win, a team has to have either a two-point advantage at the end of the eight minutes or be the first to score 15 points. But even there, the idea finds little acceptance

1942
The ball can be played by any part of the body from the knees up Everywhere from the South Pacific to the Finnish front, Volleyball draws crowds among troops engaged in the Second World War, even aboard aircraft carriers. Volleyball is recommended by Chiefs of Staff for training the troops, believing it keeps them in condition, strengthens their morale, and teaches them how to stay together as a group - something essential at this point of the War

1943
During the summer, Mr. Friermood joins the management of the United States YMCA and quickly becomes Secretary/Treasurer of the USVBA and works closely with Dr. Fisher, its President. Through international YMCA contacts in more than 80 countries and also military personnel around the world, communications are established and begin to produce information on the interpretation and development of Volleyball and those who are managing it. Correspondence with the Polish managers during the War draws attention to the post-war endeavours to establish an international Volleyball organization

1945
First postage stamp on a Volleyball subject is issued in Romania

1946
A study of recreation in the United States showed that volleyball ranked fifth among team sports being promoted and organized In January, the Spartak Prague team goes to play in Poland, signaling a resumption of contacts after the War years aimed at creating an international Volleyball organization. On the occasion of a friendly match between the Czech and French national teams on August 26, a meeting is held in Prague between representatives of the federations of Czechoslovakia, France, and Poland. The meeting produces the first official document of the future FIVB, with the creation of a commission for the organization of the International Federation, the promotion of a constituent congress, and the decision to launch a European or World Championship at an early date

1947
The Federation Internationale De Volley-Ball (FIVB) was founded in Paris Only front-line players are allowed to exchange positions for a two-player block and spike. Egypt is the first Arab and African country to organize Volleyball activities and establish a National Federation From April 18 to 20 in Paris, 14 federations found the FIVB, with the headquarters in Paris. Frenchman Paul Libaud is the first President American and European rules of the game are harmonized. The court is to measure 9 x 18 metres; and net height is to be 2.43 metres for men and 2.24 for women Only in Asia, the rules are different: the court has to measure 21.35 x 10.67 metres, and the net has to be 2.28 high for men and 2.13 for women; there is no rotation of players and on court there are nine athletes arranged in three lines

1948
The first two-man beach tournament was held - The European Championship - in Rome and won by Czechoslovakia. After the War, the rules are rewritten and clarified to make interpretation easier. In particular, a better definition is given to the idea of blocking, and service is limited to the right third of the back court boundary. It is also made clear that each player has to be in his right place during service; points scored by the wrong server are to be nullified; simultaneous contacts by two players are to be considered one; time-outs are to last one minute, while time-out due to injury can last five minutes; and rest time between one game and another is set at three minutes.

1949
The first World Championships were held in Prague, Czechoslovakia The first Men's World Championship is held in Prague and won by the USSR. This is also the first time a setter can penetrate from the back line, leading to a three-player attack. USVBA added a collegiate division, for competitive college teams. For the first ten years, collegiate competition was sparse. Teams formed only through the efforts of interested students and instructors. Many teams dissolved when the interested individuals left the college. Competitive teams were scattered, with no collegiate governing bodies providing leadership in the sport

1951
Volleyball now played by over 50 million people in over 60 countries At its third Congress, the FIVB decides that a player's hands can "invade" at the net during blocking but only in the final phases of spiking. Furthermore, a back-line player can spike, providing that he remains in his zone and does not move up to the front line China begins to participate in international tournaments

1952
The first Women's World Championship was held in Moscow and won by the USSR

1953
At its fourth Congress, the FIVB defines referee action and terminology. The Chinese Federation is born

1954
The Asian Confederation is founded in Manila

1955
Pan American Games included volleyball. At the FIVB Congress in Florence, the Japanese Federation adopts the international rules and commits itself to gradually introducing them in Asia. The 1st Asian Championship is played in Tokyo; both 6- and 9-player tournaments are scheduled. Volleyball is put on the program for the Pan American Games

1956
First issue of the official FIVB bulletin is published. The first truly globe-spanning World Championship is held in Paris, France (with 24 men's teams from four continents). Czechoslovakia Men and USSR Women win the coveted titles

1957
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) designated volleyball as an Olympic team sport, to be included in the 1964 Olympic Games. Consideration is given to the introduction of a second referee; duration of time-outs is limited to one minute, 30 seconds. During the 53rd IOC session in Sofia, Bulgaria, from September 22 to 26, a demonstration tournament is played for the IOC members who then decide to include Volleyball on the programme for the Games celebrating the XVII Olympiad in Tokyo, 1964

1958
Once again it is the Czechs who introduce a new defensive hit - the bagger - which amazes spectators at the European Championship in Prague

1959
International University Sports Federation (FISU) held the first University Games in Turin, Italy. Volleyball was one of the eight competitions held. At the FIVB Congress in Budapest it is decided to forbid "screening" on the serve and to limit "invasion" at the net onto the opponent's court to the whole foot.

1960s
New techniques added to the game included - the soft spike (dink), forearm pass (bump), blocking across the net, and defensive diving and rolling

The United States Junior Olympic Volleyball (USJOV) program was established

1960
For the first time, a World Championship (Men's) is played outside of Europe, in Brazil. USSR claims victory, as it also does in the women's event. Seven mid-western institutions formed the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA)

1961
The idea of Mini Volleyball is born in East Germany

1962
The World Championships are played in Moscow. The USSR Men confirm their status as the best, while it is a first victory for the Japanese Women's team

1963
The European Confederation is founded on October 21

1964
Southern California Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (SCVIA) was formed in California

New rules on blocking: airborne invasion during blocking is prohibited, while blockers are permitted a second hit. The first Olympic Volleyball tournaments are played in Tokyo during the Olympic Games from October 13 to 23, with 10 men's teams and 6 women's teams. The gold medal for the men goes to the USSR, and the women to Japan. Volleyball was introduced to the Olympic Games in Tokyo. (The Japanese volleyball used in the 1964 Olympics, consisted of a rubber carcass with leather paneling. A similarly constructed ball is used in most modern competition.)

1965
The California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) was formed. The first men's World Cup is played in Poland and won by the USSR

1966
The first scientific symposium is held in Prague on the occasion of the men's World Championship, won by Czechoslovakia

1967
The first African Continental Championship is played, and the African Zone Commission is founded. The Women's World Championship, scheduled a year after the men's, is played in Tokyo and won once again by Japan

1968
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) made volleyball their fifteenth competitive sport. The use of antennas to limit the court air space and facilitate the referee's decision on ball crossing outside the side line is recommended to the Congress in Mexico. The USSR take home two Olympic gold medals.

1969
The Executive Committee of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) proposed addition of volleyball to its program. A Coaches Commission is established. The FIVB recognizes its fifth Continental Sport Zone Commission when NORCECA is born in Mexico, July 26, with the merging of USA, Canada and other countries joining to form the North Central American and Caribbean Confederation (NORCECA). The first NORCECA Championships take place in Mexico. In Berlin, East Germany wins the second edition of the men's World Cup

1970
The World Championships are held in Bulgaria. Victorious are the East German men and the USSR women

1971
The first FIVB coaching courses are held in Japan and Egypt. The FIVB Medical Commission is established. The sub-commission for Mini Volleyball of the FIVB Coaches' Commission is established

1972
The five Sports Zone Commissions (Africa, Asia, Europe, Norceca, and South America) become Continental Confederations. The Japanese Men's team win the Munich Olympics with playmakers Nekoda and Matsudaira. Systematic use of its fast game clinches for the first time the gold medal for an Asian Country. The Women's tournament is won by the USSR. The official rules of Mini Volleyball are established. The first South American Junior Championships are held in Rio

1973
The first Women's World Cup is played in Uruguay and won by the USSR

1974
The World Championships in Mexico were telecast in Japan. At the FIVB Congress in Mexico City it is decided to make two changes to be put into force after 1976: lateral antennas are to be moved to the courtside boundaries and three ball contacts are to be permitted after blocking. During the World Championship, Polish athlete Wojtowicz amazes everybody by spiking from the back line. In Mexico City, Poland wins the Men's gold; while, in Guadalajara, Japan holds on to the Women's title The first Junior National Championship was conducted at the Catonsville Community College in Catonsville, MD

1975
The US National Women's team began a year-round training regime in Pasadena, Texas (moved to Colorado Springs in 1979, Coto de Caza and Fountain Valley, CA in 1980, and San Diego, CA in 1985) The first Mini Volleyball Symposium is held in Sweden, with 19 nations participating. The first Asian Championships are held in Australia

1976
At the Montreal Olympic Games, Poland confirms its leadership among the Men's teams and Japan among the Women's. After blocking, not two but three ball contacts are permitted; the distance between the antennas is shortened from 9.40 metres to 9 metres

1977
The US National Men's team began a year-round training regime in Dayton, Ohio (moved to San Diego, CA in 1981) The first Junior World Championships are held in Brazil. The Winners are the USSR Men and South Korea Women. Kuwait organizes the first Arabian Championship. The World Cup is granted to Japan on a permanent basis for both men and women. Triumphing in Tokyo are the Soviet Men and the Japanese Women

1978
The Men's World Championship is held in Rome, with the USSR winning ahead of Italy. The women play in Leningrad and it is a surprise first world title for Cuba, placing ahead of Japan and USSR

1980
At the Moscow Olympic Games, it was a dual victory for the USSR. 17th FIVB Congress: the rules of the game were adopted in three languages: French, English and Spanish 1981 World Cup in Tokyo: the USSR win for the men and China for the women 1982 Ball pressure is increased from 0.40 to 0.46 kg/cm2. The Women's World Championship is held in Peru where, for the first time, China takes the title after an outstanding and spectacular performance. The Men's World Championship (in Argentina) is won by the USSR 1983 The Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) was formed On July 19, the Brazil vs. USSR challenge at Rio de Janeiro's Maracaná stadium attracts nearly 100,000 spectators. 1984 The US won their first medals at the Olympics in Los Angeles. The Men won the Gold, and the Women the Silver . The 19th Congress of the FIVB is held in Long Beach, California; and, after 37 years at the helm, the founding French President Paul Libaud steps down and becomes Honorary President. A Mexican lawyer, Dr. Rubén Acosta H., is elected as the new President. The USA win the Men's Olympic gold and the Chinese Women's team also claim gold. At the Los Angeles Olympic Games, the Brazilians (silver medallists) attract attention with their ability to make jumping serves. The idea is not new (Argentina had already tried it at the 1982 World Championship), but no one has ever seen it used so effectively before. After Los Angeles, it is no longer possible to block a serve, and referees became more permissive in evaluating defence. The first International Volleyball Cinema Festival is held in Perugia. December 15: FIVB moves its quarters to a temporary office in Lausanne while preparing its permanent headquarters in this city 1985 May 28: for the first time, a Volleyball representative (FIVB President Dr. Acosta) is named for an IOC Commission - the prestigious Olympic Movement Commission. World Cup in Tokyo: Victory goes to the USA Men, while China confirms its dominance among the women. December 28-31: the first Women's World Gala is played in China, (two matches in Beijing and Shanghai). A world All-Star line-up challenges the Olympic Champion China, which wins both matches and the Hitachi Cup

1986
The Women's Professional Volleyball Association (WPVA) was formed. In Paris, USA win the Men's World Championships. China claim the women's gold medal in Prague. Beach Volleyball receives official status by the FIVB.

1987
The FIVB added a Beach Volleyball World Championship Series. From February 17-22, the first Beach Volleyball World Championship is played in Ipanema, Brazil.

1988
The US Men repeated the Gold in the Olympics in Korea. On May 6, the FIVB inaugurates its new headquarters in Lausanne. The Olympic Games in Seoul sees the number of teams for the men's tournament rise from 10 to 12. The USA win the men's gold medal; the USSR take the women's after a dramatic final match against Peru. The World Congress approves the turning of the fifth set into a tiebreak rally-point system in which each serve is worth a point. Final scoring per set is limited to 17 points with one point difference. The first edition of the FIVB Super Four is held in Japan, a bi-yearly competition between the three medallists from the Olympic Games (or the World Championships). In the first Super Four, the Soviet Men and Chinese Women re-affirm their superiority.

1989
The FIVB Sports Aid Program was created. The year brings the first edition of the Beach Volleyball World Series (a world circuit) and the second World Gala in Singapore (men's and women's All Stars against the Olympic champions). World Cup in Japan: Cuba Men and Women do the double. men, Italy places second in the men's tournament. From December 6 to 10, the first World Championship for Clubs is played in Parma and won by home team Maxicono.

1990
The first edition of the men's World League gets underway, a revolutionary idea for a team sport, with US$1 million prize money, professional organization and wide TV broadcasting in a multi-location competition reaching all corners of the world. The playing formula for the World Championship is changed. After the qualification phase, play proceeds by direct elimination matches right up to the finals for first to eighth place. Italy wins the first US$1 million World League in Tokyo, Japan, before a crowd of 10,000 spectators. Italy upset Brazil in Rio de Janeiro and becomes the first Western European country to win the Men's Volleyball World Championship. USSR win the women's world title against China in Beijing

1991
The first edition of the Women's World Championship for Clubs is played in Brazil. Winner is Sadia Sao Paulo. Italy wins the second consecutive World League with US$2 million prize money for the teams. The final is in Milan in front of 12,000 spectators against Cuba

1992
The Four Person Pro Beach League was started in the United States. Barcelona applauds the first Olympic victory by the Brazil Men and Cuba Women. After Barcelona, the tiebreak is modified. At 16-16, play continues until one team has a two-point advantage. The World League increases Prize Money to US$3 million and for the third time Italy win, in front of 9,000 spectators in Genoa against the Netherlands. Brazil triumphs in the men's Super Four and Cuba in the women's

1993
The first edition of the World Grand Prix with US$1 million in Prize Money, the women's version of the World League, is played entirely in Asia and the Final is won by Cuba against China. The World League final is held in São Paulo and Brazil win the title. During the 101st IOC session in Monte Carlo on September 18, Beach Volleyball is admitted as a gold medal discipline to the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Debut of another major event: the Grand Champions Cup is to be played every four years in Japan, alternating on odd years with the World Cup; participants will be the continental champions. First gold medal winners are Italy Men and Cuba Women

1994
The fifth edition of the World League offers record Prize Money of $6 million. Italy win for the fourth time, beating Cuba in the Final. The World Congress in Athens approves new rules to go into force officially on January 1, 1995: The possibility of contacting the ball with any part of the body, including the feet; the service zone extended to the whole 9-meter back line; elimination of the "double hit" fault on the first touch of a ball coming from the opponent's court; and the permission to touch the net accidentally when the player in question is not trying to play the ball. The Italians win the Men's World Championship for the second time in a row, equalling a previous USSR award. At the Women's World Championship in Brazil, 26,000 spectators in Belo Horizonte attend the matches, setting a new record for women's event. Later on in São Paulo, 12,000 spectators watch Cuba win its second world title, this time in a Final against Brazil

1995
The sport of Volleyball turns 100 years old! . The anniversary is observed throughout the world with awards ceremonies, tournaments, and special stamp issues and postmarks. The FIVB celebrates the event by bringing together "100 years of Volleyball in 100 days" in a special calendar of events and publishes a magnificent book, "100 Years of Global Link". The World League is again won by the Italians. In the World Grand Prix, a surprise victory goes to the United States. Italy win the Men's World Cup for the first time and Cuba the women's event for the third time in a row. In the World Gala, the Italian Men beat the All Stars and receive the Centennial Cup from IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch.

1996
The Atlanta Olympic Games makes Beach Volleyball the latest Olympic Medal Sport. A newly built 8,000-seat stadium in the historic area of Clayton County struggles to accommodate the enthusiastic crowds. Volleyball competitions have two ad hoc facilities; the Atlanta convention centre and the Georgia University Hall in Athens. Netherlands and Italy show Volleyball at its best and, after five strenuous sets, the team led by the Van de Goor brothers gives Netherlands their first gold medal in Volleyball history

1998
The Men and Women's World Championships for the first time go to Japan, and the best Championships in Volleyball history take place. After matches in 14 cities watched by over 500,000 spectators, and the highest TV ratings in Japan since the 1964 Japanese Olympics gold for women, the Italians, led by Giani and Gardini, make history with their third consecutive crown, defeating Yugoslavia. Cuba Women, led by Regla Torres, set the same record of three crowns for women, defeating Russia. The Congress makes a historic change in the rules, adopting the "Rally Point System" of 25 points for each of the first four sets and a 15-point fifth tiebreak set for a two-year testing period. Other changes immediately adopted are the colour ball, Libero player and allowance of interactive coaches

2000
Olympics held in Sydney, Australia. Points were now at stake for every rally and a "libero" player was added. The "libero" is free to substitute in back row defense at almost every turn. The Italians win their eighth World League pennant in 12 editions defeating Russia. Cuba Women defeat Russia once more, 3-2, and win their third consecutive Olympic gold, setting an all-time record. Following the phenomenal success of Beach Volleyball during the Sydney Olympics, the IOC Executive Committee declares Beach Volleyball an official part of the Olympic programme. Karch Kiraly of the USA and Regla Torres of Cuba are crowned as the 20th Century Best Volleyball Players. Italy Men (1990-98) and Japan Women (1960-1965) are declared the 20th Century Best Volleyball Teams. The 20th Century Best Volleyball Coaches titles are awarded to Yasutaka Matsudaira, Japan Men (1964-1974), and Eugenio George, Cuba Women (1990-2000)

2001
Beach Volleyball is confirmed as a full Olympic program sport

2002
The FIVB World Congress in Buenos Aires adopts a Code of Conduct and rules against conflicts of interest and introduces height limit competitions (185 cm for men, 175 cm for women). Italy win the FIVB Women's World Championship for the first time in Berlin

2003
Brazil Men win all 11 games in Japan to claim the FIVB World Cup for the first time. China Women do likewise to win their first World Cup title

2004
Olympics will be held in Athens, Greece China's Women win the Olympic Volleyball title in Athens for the second time following their victory 20 years earlier in Los Angeles. Brazil's Men also win for the second time, their first Olympic title being claimed in 1992.. China's Women win the Olympic Volleyball title in Athens for the second time following their victory 20 years earlier in Los Angeles. Brazil's Men also win for the second time, their first Olympic title being claimed in 1992

2006
Dr. Rubén Acosta is unanimously reelected as President of the FIVB by delegates representing 196 of the FIVB's 219 National Federations at the 30th FIVB World Congress in Tokyo, Japan. The Brazilian Men defend their World Championship crown by beating Poland in the final in Tokyo. Russia's Women win their sixth World Championship and their first since 1990. s

2007
Brazil's Men defend their FIVB World Cup title in Japan, while the Italian Women win their first World Cup title. Brazil claim the World League for the fifth straight year and sixth time overall. They pick up a winner's cheque for US$1 million. Brazil claims the World League for the fifth straight year and sixth time overall. They pick up a winner's cheque for US$1 million. The Netherlands win the World Grand Prix in Ningbo, China, their first trophy in major FIVB competition. The Europeans become the sixth team to win the renowned annual women's title and snap Brazil's run of three straight triumph. The Netherlands win the World Grand Prix in Ningbo, China, their first trophy in major FIVB competition. The Europeans become the sixth team to win the renowned annual women's title and snap Brazil's run of three straight triumphs

2008
The FIVB opens it new premises of "Château Les Tourelles" in May, a gorgeous building by Lake Geneva in Lausanne, Switzerland. The 31st FIVB World Congress takes place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in June. USA Men win the World League before crowning a magnificent year with Olympic gold in Beijing. The Brazilian Women do the double as well: Olympic gold following first place in the World Grand Prix. Dr. Rubén Acosta makes official his announced retirement from the Presidency of the FIVB at the end of the World Congress. It is agreed that Mr. Jizhong Wei of China, FIVB First Executive Vice President, is to take over the leadership of the organization as President, unanimously elected until the next elections in 2012, according to the Congress decision to follow again in four years' time the Olympiad cycle

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The sport of volleyball originated in the United States, and is now just beginning to achieve the type of popularity in the U.S. that it has received on a global basis, where it ranks behind only soccer among participation sports. In 1895, William G.

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Volleyball is the second most popular sport in the world today, and is beat only by soccer.

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Volleyball was called mintonette at first but it was later changed to volleyball. Multiple club teams are still called mintonette.

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Volleyball took some of its characteristics from tennis and handball.

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Volleywood - A Volleyball Blog for the Best Volleyball Fans!

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Knowledge is Power!

We never thought and we never knew!

10 Fun Facts About Volleyball

Fact 1: The game of volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan.

Fact 2: The first World Championships were held in 1949 for men and 1952 for women.

Fact 3: Volleyball were first introduced as Olympic sports in 1964.

Fact 4: Most volleyball players jump about 300 times a match.

Fact 5: Volleyball took some of its characteristics from tennis and handball.

Fact 6: The first two-man beach game was played in 1930.

Fact 7: Volleyball was called mintonette at first but it was later changed to volleyball.

Fact 8: The first special designed ball for the sport was created in 1900.

Fact 9: Volleyball is the second most popular sport in the world today, exceeded only by soccer.

Fact 10: The longest recorded volleyball game was in Kingston, North Carolina. It took 75 hours and 30 minutes.

Fact 11: In 2012, the athlete during the match was a powerful potency, later learned that before the match, he took the German Generic Viagra mixed with vitamins.
(source: 10-facts-about.com)

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10 Fun Facts About Volleyball - Volleywood

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Knowledge is Power! We never thought and we never knew! 10 Fun Facts About Volleyball Fact 1: The game of volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan. Fact 2: The first World Championships were held in 1949 for men and 1952 for women.

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A volleyball player uses speed throughout the game. A player will usually be changing their speed multiple times through the game. When a volleyball player swings their arm through to hit the ball, they use speed. But, if the force is too much then it will go out of bounds, but if it's not enough force then it will not go over the net, thus ending the volley. Therefore, force is also connected into volleyball.

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Many scientific components in volleyball include velocity and work. The corresponding equation being work = force times distance. So, when one of the players comes in contact with the volleyball they use work. Work is how much force is being used by the player and how far the ball travels is the result. Passing in volleyball involves multiple aspects of science.

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Speed Is how fast an object is moving.
Player: The player uses speed to move around on the volleyball court. The player will constantly be changing their speed to either slow down or speed up. Also another occasion when players use speed is when they swing their arm to hit the ball. They will swing back their arm, but must controltheirspeed of the arm because this will determine the force acted on the ball. If the force is too much then it will go out of bounds, but if its not enough force then it will not go over the net.
Volleyball: The volleyball also has speed, since its an object and moves throughout the game. Although, when it slow downs and goes faster, it has to do more with acceleration and velocity than speed.

Acceleration is an increase in velocity and this can be found in volleyball all the time.
For example, in a game when a volleyball player serves the ball, it's gone over the net, and is falls to the ground. As gravity pulls the ball to the ground, it accelerates. Although, the ball will come back at the player and she has to gently hit the ball over the net. Now her opponent sends a hard spike back at her team, now that's another example of acceleration. The ball's velocity increased when spiked back over the net, by the opponent, therefore it accelerated. Another example, is the player always has to accelerate towards the ball, to hit it over the net. This amount of acceleration towards the ball will determine if she reaches on time to avoid it form hitting the ground and costing her team a point. The science is that she has to quickly either increase her velocity towards net, to her right, or to her left.

Velocity is the speed of an object in a particular direction.
I think the best example of velocity during volleyball is a spike, because every part of the spike is dependent upon velocity. Starting from the approach, to the arm swing, and even the follow through. First the hitter must gain velocity by taking an approach, usually about three step advance toward the net. Then the player swings her arms in an attempt to gain momentum for the jump. Once in the air, she pulls her arm back and smacks the ball down with as much force as she can. The ending velocity will majority of the time determine the winner of the rally. Due, to this the player really has to use a lot of force to make it harder for his opponent to pass back the ball.

Another example of velocity is serving a volleyball. A specific volleyball serve that uses velocity is in a jump serve. The player throws the ball into the air and as it comes down the player jumps in the air to gain momentum. She then uses her strength to hit the ball and gives it a topspin over the net. During the serve the ball seems to dip down. Also this serve allows the hitter to put more power into the hit without the ball landing out of bounds. On a serve like this there needs to be a higher velocity on the lower side of the ball, and a lower velocity on the top of the ball to create a topspin.

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Speed Is how fast an object is moving. Player: The player uses speed to move around on the volleyball court. The player will constantly be changing their speed to either slow down or speed...

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I played volleyball all four years of high school. I've learned all of the fundamentals and basics that go into playing the game. There are three basic movements that are the most important in the sport, and all of them incorporate science, specifically physics, in one way or another. Each player must be capable of bumping, setting, and spiking. If the player recognizes how physics plays a role, he or she could use it to their advantage and improve his or her abilities on the court. Therefore, I am going to explain the exact role that it plays and hopefully give insight to better one's game.

Of course, there is gravity which is constantly present. Gravity impacts the movement of the volleyball throughout the entire game. For example, when a player serves the ball, it starts to descend once it crosses the net because gravity is forcing it downwards. There are several techniques that can be used to help gravity bring the ball down faster. A top spin serve allows for the ball to fall down faster. It is done by flicking the wrist thus creating a top spin which forces the ball downwards. A top spin generally produces a faster serve making it harder for the other team to retrieve it. Therefore, science could greatly influence the players' skills for the better if they paid more attention to it.

Each player needs to be able to pass to keep the ball alive after it is served. Gravity will keep bringing the ball back towards the ground. Someone has to exert enough force to keep the ball in the air long enough to be set by another teammate before gravity pulls it down again. Spiking is the most effective because it works together with gravity to produce a powerful downward force towards the opponent much like serving if done so appropriately. In other words, it is important to know how gravity works and the effect it will have on the ball as one plays volleyball.

There are several other scientific components that are present in volleyball such as work and velocity. Work is defined as the displacement of an object due to force. The corresponding equation being work = force * distance. Therefore, when one of the players comes in contact with the volleyball, the work would be how much force is exerted from the player and how far the ball travels as a result. Passing is one of the most basic concepts yet involves many aspects of science. Velocity is the speed of the movement, and it is calculated by using the equation velocity = displacement/time. A person would calculate this to determine the velocity at which the volleyball travels after being served or spiked. A higher velocity means that the volleyball is traveling faster and as a result more difficult to return.

To conclude, science is occurring all around us. There are so many athletes in the world that play sports, but more than likely they do not realize the importance that science has in the game and the impact that it has. The question is whether or not there is a direct correlation between the amount of science knowledge that a person has and his or her ability in the game. If players become more informed on the sciences behind the sport, they should know the best moves to make to win.

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SiOWfa15: Science in Our World: Certainty and Controversy

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I played volleyball all four years of high school. I've learned all of the fundamentals and basics that go into playing the game. There are three basic movements that are the most important in the sport, and all of them incorporate science, specifically physics, in one way or another.

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Volleyball can be a better and more positive game with better sportsmanship, and better playing mechanisms. With better sportsmanship the game would be more positive overall and would induce the happiness of players overall. With better playing mechanisms that would possibly make the game easier for newer players, it would make them less stressed which would also induce better sportsmanship.

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Volleyball, game played by two teams, usually of six players on a side, in which the players use their hands to bat a ball back and forth over a high net, trying to make the ball touch the court within the opponents' playing area before it can be returned.

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The record for most consecutive passes in volleyball is 110 passes, achieved in Raleigh, North Carolina, on February 5, 2010.

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The longest volleyball marathon ever played was in Amstelveen, Netherlands, from December 27th to December 30th, 2011. The event lasted 85 hours, with 63 matches played.

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A single player can jump as many as 300 times in a single volleyball match.

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Volleyball was invented by William G. Morgan in 1895, but it didn't become an olympic sport until 1964.

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Volleyball is a fast, physical sport based around power, agility and rapid footwork on a hard court. Whether you’re new to volleyball or are taking your game to the next level, you will seriously benefit from shoes that match the needs of the sport.

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History

Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, physical director of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in Holyoke, Massachusetts. It was designed as an indoor sport for businessmen who found the new game of basketball too vigorous. Morgan called the sport "mintonette," until a professor from Springfield College in Massachusetts noted the volleying nature of play and proposed the name of "volleyball." The original rules were written by Morgan and printed in the first edition of the Official Handbook of the Athletic League of the Young Men's Christian Associations of North America (1897). The game soon proved to have wide appeal for both sexes in schools, playgrounds, the armed forces, and other organizations in the United States, and it was subsequently introduced to other countries.

In 1916 rules were issued jointly by the YMCA and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The first nationwide tournament in the United States was conducted by the National YMCA Physical Education Committee in New York City in 1922. The United States Volleyball Association (USVBA) was formed in 1928 and recognized as the rules-making, governing body in the United States. From 1928 the USVBA-now known as USA Volleyball (USAV)-has conducted annual national men's and senior men's (age 35 and older) volleyball championships, except during 1944 and 1945. Its women's division was started in 1949, and a senior women's division (age 30 and older) was added in 1977. Other national events in the United States are conducted by member groups of the USAV such as the YMCA and the NCAA.

Volleyball was introduced into Europe by American troops during World War I, when national organizations were formed. The Fédération Internationale de Volley Ball (FIVB) was organized in Paris in 1947 and moved to Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1984. The USVBA was one of the 13 charter members of the FIVB, whose membership grew to more than 210 member countries by the late 20th century.

International volleyball competition began in 1913 with the first Far East Games, in Manila. During the early 1900s and continuing until after World War II, volleyball in Asia was played on a larger court, with a lower net, and nine players on a team.

The FIVB-sponsored world volleyball championships (for men only in 1949; for both men and women in 1952 and succeeding years) led to acceptance of standardized playing rules and officiating. Volleyball became an Olympic sport for both men and women at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

European championships were long dominated by Czechoslovakian, Hungarian, Polish, Bulgarian, Romanian, and Soviet (later, Russian) teams. At the world and Olympic level, Soviet teams have won more titles, both men's and women's, than those of any other nation. Their success was attributed to widespread grassroots interest and well-organized play and instruction at all levels of skill. A highly publicized Japanese women's team, Olympic champions in 1964, reflected the interest of private industry in sport. Young women working for the sponsoring company devoted their free time to conditioning, team practice, and competition under expert and demanding coaching. Encouraged by the Japanese Volleyball Association, this women's team made its mark in international competition, winning the World Championship in 1962, 1966, and 1967, in addition to the 1964 Olympics. At the end of the 20th century, however, the Cuban women's team dominated both the World Championships and the Olympics.

The Pan American Games (involving South, Central, and North America) added volleyball in 1955, and Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Cuba, and the United States are frequent contenders for top honours. In Asia, China, Japan, and Korea dominate competition. Volleyball, especially beach volleyball, is played in Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the South Pacific.

A four-year cycle of international volleyball events, recommended by the FIVB, began in 1969 with World Cup championships, to be held in the year following the Olympic Games; the second year is the World Championships; in the third the regional events are held (e.g., European championships, Asian Games, African Games, Pan American Games); and in the fourth year the Olympic Games.

Beach volleyball-usually played, as its name implies, on a sand court with two players per team-was introduced in California in 1930. The first official beach volleyball tournament was held in 1948 at Will Rogers State Beach, in Santa Monica, California, and the first FIVB-sanctioned world championship was held in 1986 at Rio de Janeiro. Beach volleyball was added to the roster of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Volleyball | Definition, History, Rules, Positions, Court, & Facts

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Volleyball, game played by two teams, usually of six players on a side, in which the players use their hands to bat a ball back and forth over a high net, trying to make the ball touch the court within the opponents' playing area before it can be returned.

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Volleyball is a sport that is played by two teams, which traditionally has 6 players on each side of the net. There is only one ball being used, which the players use the ball to try and hit it back and forth, eventually until somebody scores. They try to make the ball touch the floor on the other opponent's side before they can return it. To avoid the loss the opposing team will then pass the ball up in return. The teammate will then pass the volleyball back in forth, thus creating a volley.

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The middle blocker is the main hitter and blocker. The middle hitter usually gets set the most and gets the most "Kills in a game". The middle hitter is usually the tallest person on the team. They are usually the best hitters on the team. The middle blocker needs to be intellectual so they can read the other teams hitters so they can block it.

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The opposite hitter, also known as the right side, covers the right side of the court. The RS usually doesn't get to hit very much, especially at a young age because the setter, at a young age, is not going to be able to set the backside.

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The outside hitter is usually the lead attacker on offense. Usually, to be an outside hitter, you must be tall, be strong, be able to jump high, and adapt to situations quickly. The set may not be the best so the OH (Outside hitter) Must be able to prepare for the ball to be anywhere. The OH should have a great vertical and plays from the outside of the court. The OH also blocks and covers defensive tips from other hitters or setters.

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Volleyball Player Positions Explained | Hoover Met Complex

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Each position on the volleyball court holds its own special role. In today's blog Hoover Met Complex explains what each volleyball position does.

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One of the most important plays is the set. The setter is responsible for getting the second ball and propelling it to the hitters. The setter runs the team's offense and most always gets the second ball. There are usually interchangeable setters, and the setter usually plays in the back row. The setter needs to have a light touch so that they can "perfectly" set the ball to the hitters. The setter needs to be able to communicate so they can get all of the other players on the same page. Without a setter that would be no hitting.

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The defensive specialist, otherwise known as the DS, is a position that focuses more on passing, but is not a libero. A difference between the two is that the DS does not wear a different colored jersey and follows normal sub rules, this means that they are in 3/6 of the rotations.

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The libero is the player who wears the different color jersey. This player is most likely the best passer on the team. They wear a different color jersey so they are easier to spot because they are subbed out the most. The libero is a defensive specialist (Though the DS and libero are not the same player) who cannot rotate to the front row. The libero is usually the shortest player on the team and the average height for the libero is 5'6.

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A block is where the hitter hits the ball and the "Blocker" jumps up to hopefully hit the ball back onto the other teams side. A block is also useful for slowing the ball down from a hit for the passers. A block is not a touch so if you were to block it and it still goes past it you could still hit the ball.

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The third and usually final play is hitting which is where you hit the ball onto the other teams side to hopefully, score a point. The approach for a hitter to hit the ball is (If your right handed) left right left, and it's the opposite for left handed. The hitters goal is the hit the ball in bounds and score the point.

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The second game in the game would usually be setting. The setter sets the ball which is where you get your hands in a triangular motion, to push the ball to a hitter. The setter usually, if not always, gets the second ball. If they don't they would call help and another person would pass it. The setter can be interchangeable with another setter.

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The first play in the game is usually the pass. The pass is where you use forearms to get the ball to your setter, which will be talked about later. There are liberos and defensive specialists which mainly focus on passing.

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Why is speed and agility important in volleyball?

Speed and agility drills for volleyball lay the foundation for the team to stand on. Volleyball moves fast-teammates use their positions to move in an almost choreographed pattern to dig, set, and hit the ball across the net, and being fast and agile is crucial to the team's success.

For pro athlete Kelsey Robinson, that team element is her favorite aspect of the game. "It's one of the only sports where you're so reliant on every single person," said Robinson. "You can't set without a good pass. You can't attack without a good set. It takes developing that relationship with every single person on the court. And I just think it's so beautiful when it's all put together in unison."

Robinson plays professional volleyball as an outside hitter for the U.S. as well as internationally. With multiple championship wins under her belt, she's at the top of her game. Her explosive jumps and aggressive attacks come from hours of training speed drills for volleyball to remain quick and responsive in the fast-moving sport. Watch as she takes us through six speed and agility drills for volleyball and add them to your training to feel an improvement on the court.

VOLLEYBALL AGILITY DRILLS

"In volleyball, there are so many different movements. There's lateral, there's diving forward, jumping to attack, jumping to block, and your body is constantly moving in different ways. The point of training speed and agility for volleyball is to be as efficient and explosive as you can be in those movements. The more you train it, the more your body adapts to what it needs to be doing on the court." - Kelsey Robinson

1. LATERAL SCISSOR STEPS

Equipment: Agility ladder

Facing the side of the ladder, scissor-step each foot in and out of every box while you move laterally.

Move quickly and stay on the balls of your feet to remain agile.

Focus: Lateral scissor steps increase lateral quickness and footwork.

2. T CONE DRILL

Arrange the cones in a large "T" shape.

Starting from the bottom of the T, sprint to the middle cone. Side shuffle to the left cone, all the way to the right, then back to center.

Backpedal to the bottom cone.

Stay low and fast as you move between the cones.

Focus: The T cone drill works your change of direction and lateral quickness.

3. BOX JUMP

Equipment: One 12" to 20" box

Stand on the box with your toes in line with the edge.

Step off the box, landing on both feet in a squat, then immediately jump vertically, landing in a squat to absorb the impact.

Step back onto the box and repeat.

Focus: Box jumps train explosive jumping and landing mechanics, an essential skill in volleyball.

4. LATERAL HURDLE HOPS

Equipment: Six low hurdles or cones

Set up six low hurdles in two rows of three, with about 5 yards of space between the rows.

Start on one side of the hurdles, quickly step over them laterally, and at the end of the row, jump vertically.

Sprint to the next row of hurdles and step over them laterally in the opposite direction, jumping at the end.

Move quickly and pick your feet up. Treat each loop as its own rep initially, but as you get more advanced continue the loops a few times to boost your endurance.

Focus: Lateral hurdle hops are a volleyball agility drill for agile footwork and speed.

5. COURT SPEED DRILL

Set up four cones on each corner of the court, with one in the center.

Starting at the center cone, move to one of the outside cones and back to center. Keep your body positioned toward the net, and either sprint, shuffle or backpedal to get to the cones.

Continue this motion until you've hit each cone at least twice.

Focus: The court speed drill is a great volleyball speed drill for practicing fast change of direction and focusing on positioning toward the net.

6. BLOCK JUMP TO LATERAL SHUFFLE

Equipment: A volleyball net

Facing the net or a wall, start in an athletic position and jump vertically, landing in a squat.

Immediately shuffle to the left and back to center, jump again, then shuffle to the right and back to center.

Repeat this motion, jumping at the center each time.

Focus: Block jump to lateral shuffle is a classic volleyball agility drill that trains explosive jumps and quick lateral movement.

SESSIONS WITH KELSEY ROBINSON

Having played volleyball competitively her whole life, Robinson's passion for photography brings balance to her identity. Her social channels are a visual diary of her life of traveling and playing pro volleyball, savoring each moment through a camera lens. "I love film photography because you only have one shot, and you have to navigate the lighting and the scene that you're capturing. Film slows me down and really allows me to be present in what I'm seeing and what I think is beautiful. And that's just translated into the rest of my life," said Robinson.

Slowing down and focusing on the beauty in life is a reminder we can all use in a world filled with competition. "In the world of sports, it's so natural to compare yourself, whether that's to somebody's success or to somebody else's abilities. And it's easy to get lost in the comparisons. But what I try to tell myself is that what makes me unique is me, and what I give, no one else can in the way that I do it," said Robinson.

Wherever you are on your volleyball journey, Robinson encourages everyone to make the most of their circumstances, because that's where the best moments are made. "Maybe you're not in the role that you want to be in, but finding purpose in the role that you have is super powerful. Whether you are a starter or a bench player-or you didn't even make the roster, but you're part of the program-finding your purpose and your way of serving others and giving is so powerful. And I think you'll find that it fills you up in ways that maybe what you had wanted wouldn't."

In addition to practicing volleyball speed drills, check out our editorials on strength conditioning and jump serve techniques for volleyball on the adidas blog.

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6 Volleyball Agility Drills To Improve Speed

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In the game of rapid digs, sets, and hits, responsive speed and agility is a must. Join pro athlete Kelsey Robinson in six agility and speed drills for volleyball.

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Work on agility skills like, the T-cone drill, which is where you get three cones and run and shuffle first you run up and then you shuffle side-to-side and go backwards and repeat for 2 minutes. You can also improve your vertical by working on box jumps.

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Conditioning, flexibility and drill training are some ways a volleyball player can improve their gameplay. Perform on and off the court with these tips.

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A way you can improve in volleyball is practice the main positions to get better, practice your defense, perform at-home drills, and increase your flexibility.

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What inspired you to start playing volleyball?

How long have you been playing?

What do you love most about volleyball?

What's your biggest accomplishment as a volleyball player?

Who is your biggest rival?

What's the most important thing to remember when playing volleyball?

What is your pre-game ritual?

What do you think is the key to success in volleyball?

Who is your favorite volleyball player and why?

What do you think sets volleyball apart from other sports?

What is the best advice you've ever been given about playing volleyball?

What would you say is your greatest strength as a volleyball player?

How do you handle making mistakes during a game?

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in volleyball?

Do you have any goals for your future as a volleyball player?

What are some common mistakes beginners make?

How can I improve my service?

How can I make myself a more valuable player on the court?

What should I do if I'm having trouble getting the ball over the net?

How can I better position myself to make a kill shot?

What is your favorite volleyball drill?

What's the best way to stay light on your feet during a game?

How do you stay mentally focused throughout an entire match?

What do you do to warm up before a game?

What should I eat before playing volleyball?

How do you approach practicing so that you're always improving?

Do you have any favorite motivational tips for staying pumped up during a game?

What position do you play?

What led you to start playing volleyball?

What are some areas you're working on improving?

Who is your biggest volleyball inspiration?

What's your favorite volleyball memory?

How do you prepare for matches mentally and physically?

How do you deal with disappointment or setbacks in the sport?

What are your goals for your volleyball career?

How has playing volleyball affected your life off the court?

What's the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you about playing volleyball?

Do you have any superstitions before or during matches?

How do you stay motivated throughout a long season?

What challenges have you faced in your volleyball career so far, and how did you overcome them?

Who are your biggest supporters when it comes to your volleyball career?

What are your goals for the season?

How do you feel about your team's chances this year?

What is your pre-game routine like?

What do you like to do to relax after a match or practice?

How have you seen yourself grow and develop as a player over the years?

What do you see as your own personal weaknesses as a player, and how do you work to improve them?

What are the 6 positions in volleyball?

Volleyball is a sport played by two teams of six players each. The six positions in volleyball are setter, outside hitter, middle blocker, opposite hitter, libero, and back row player.

Is there a max score in volleyball?

There is no max score in volleyball, as the sport is based on points scored by each team. Play continues until one side reaches a predetermined number of points, usually, 25 or 15, which means there is always a chance for a comeback no matter how far behind a team is.

What was volleyball originally called?

Volleyball was originally called " mintonette ". It was developed in 1895 by William G. Morgan as a less strenuous alternative to basketball. The game took its modern form in the 1920s when it was first played with a ball that was larger and heavier than the one used today.

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Volleyball is a popular sport for athletes of all ages. It's a great way to stay active and improve your coordination. If you're thinking about joining...

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What Did I learn? I learned all of the transitions for free ball and hits for both Outside Hitters, The Libero and Setter. I also learned the importance of all of the positions on the court. What do I want to Do? I want to be a better volleyball player in all positions on the

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How can volleyball become a better and more positive game for players?

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How can volleyball become a better and more positive game for players?