Volleyball

It's an energetic team game that can be played at the beach, in the garden, indoors and even in the pool!

An Overview of Volleyball

It doesn't matter how old you are, how fit you are or whether you're able bodied or disabled. Volleyball is loads of fun and a very social game. It's the only hi-energy, zero body contact, mixed team sport you can play indoors and outdoors - whatever your ability.

As a sport, volleyball requires skill, fitness, strategic thinking and the desire to play as part of a team, but whatever level you play at, volleyball can enhance your life, improving fitness and coordination.

Sitting Volleyball is another version of Volleyball that has been adapted to allow anyone to participate including those with a disability.

Benefits

Volleyball for an hour burns approximately 780 calories.
Striking the ball strengthens the upper body, arms and shoulders
The movement around the court builds the thigh and lower leg muscles.
Improves hand-eye coordination
Develops faster reflexes.
As a team game, it is an excellent way to develop communication skills and learn to work effectively with other people.

Involvement

You can get a casual game going almost anywhere, be it the park, the beach, your back garden, university or even a swimming pool; all that is needed is a net and a ball. For more regulated play, clubs throughout the UK run training sessions and leagues for players of all abilities.

Adaptations and Equipment

There are no specific pieces of kit required to play volleyball, with most people choosing to wear a t-shirt, shorts and trainers. Some players choose to use knee pads and elbow pads to provide protection from falls when playing on an indoor court.

Facts

Volleyball was created in 1895 by William G. Morgan, athletics director of the YMCA training school in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He invented the sport, which he called 'mintonette', for older members of the YMCA club. It took the name volleyball the following year.