The theme for this part of our guide is volleyball, a team sport in which a net separates two teams of six players, and each team tries to score points by grounding a ball in the other team's court.
Beach volleyball, played by two teams of two to four players each on a sand court divided by a net, is also appropriate for this section of our guide.
Snow volleyball, a variation of beach volleyball played on snow, may also be included here.
Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, a YMCA physical education director in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Morgan sought to create a game that combined elements of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball, which would be less physically demanding than basketball. Originally called Mintonette, the game was later renamed for the volleying nature of the play.
Volleyball is played by two teams of six players each on a rectangular court divided by a net. The objective is to send the ball over the net and ground it on the opponent's side while preventing the opponent from succeeding in the same effort.
Matches are typically played best-of-five sets. A set is won by the first team to reach 25 points with at least a two-point lead. The fifth set, if necessary, is played to 15 points.
The game begins with a serve, which must be hit over the net and into the opponent's court. The server rotates clockwise after each point won by their team.
Players rotate positions clockwise each time their team wins the serve from the opponent.
Each team is allowed a maximum of three consecutive touches to return the ball over the net. Typically, these touches are a bump (pass), set, and spike (attack).
Faults are awarded for various faults, such as the ball landing out of bounds, a player touching the net, or a team exceeding three touches.
Effective strategy involves a combination of pass, set, and spike to create powerful attacks. The setter is crucial in directing the offense by delivering accurate sets to hitters. Defense involves blocking at the net and digging (receiving) attacks. Players must anticipate the opponent's moves and position themselves accordingly. Communication among team members is vital for effectively coordinating plays and covering the court.
Like many other sports, volleyball can be enjoyed at both recreational and competitive levels. Recreational volleyball is often played in a more relaxed atmosphere, focusing on fun and interaction. Competitive volleyball, on the other hand, involves structured training, advanced techniques, and participation in leagues and tournaments.
Beach volleyball is played on sand with teams of two players each. It has its own set of rules and strategies. The smaller team size and outdoor environment add unique challenges, such as dealing with wind and sun.
Snow volleyball is a newer variation of beach volleyball played on snow-covered courts. Typically played in mountainous regions, its rules are similar to beach volleyball, with players adapting to the cold and slippery conditions.
Topics related to volleyball, beach volleyball, or snow volleyball are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
In 2015, VolleyCamp Hermosa was known initially as VolleyCamp Hermosa. The organization was designed as a camp and somewhat of a volleyball hostel, where players could book accommodations, training partners, and a high-level coach. As its popularity grew, the organization began hosting regular classes for locals, adding more coaches and people to the team. As growth continued, webinars were introduced, and tutorials were posted on YouTube. Its programs, people, and services are highlighted.
https://www.betteratbeach.com/
Fédération Internationale de Volleyball
Commonly known by the acronym FIVB or, in its English form, International Volleyball Federation, the organization is the international governing body for all forms of volleyball, including beach volleyball and snow volleyball. Its organizational structure, competitions, calendar of events, rankings, regulations, transfers, and bidding processes are set forth, along with a players' database, contact data, refereeing resources, and access to various documents.
https://www.fivb.com/
The HOAVB is dedicated to promoting and growing the sport of volleyball across all ages and skill levels. It hosts various events, including regional championships and bid events, and provides resources for players, coaches, and officials. Events include Select Regionals and Region Bid Events, held at multiple facilities to accommodate different divisions, and collaborates with volleyball clubs like Dynasty Volleyball and Club North Volleyball to offer training sessions, leagues, and open gyms.
https://hoavb.org/
Seeking to be a hub for all things related to snow volleyball, the website provides news, event updates, registration details, and historical insights about the relatively new sport. Snow volleyball combines the thrill and skills of volleyball with the challenge of snowy conditions. Resources include information about the game, tournaments, teams, and the sport's evolution, contact data, an inquiry form, and an online store offering branded apparel and other merchandise.
https://www.snowvolleyball.com/
USAV is a non-profit organization recognized as the national governing body of volleyball in the United States by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the organization was founded by the YMCA of the USA. It is responsible for selecting and supporting US national teams that compete in FIVB-sanctioned volleyball and beach volleyball competitions.
https://usavolleyball.org/
Volleyball Canada is the governing body for volleyball in Canada, overseeing the Canada men's national volleyball team, which represents Canada in international volleyball competitions. Its history, governance, partners, participants, camps, clinics, contacts, and Hall of Fame are set forth on its website, which highlights Canada's national teams, competitions, and other events. Resources for coaches, referees, and players are featured, and volleyball news is reported.
https://volleyball.ca/
Established in 2001, Volleyball World is a partnership between the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) and CVC Capital Partners. Its aim is to drive volleyball's commercial success and global reach and to be a hub for volleyball enthusiasts. The website connects fans, athletes, and corporate partners through digital platforms and marquee events. The organization is introduced, its compliance policies, and information about media inquiries are featured.
https://en.volleyballworld.com/
