Module 7. Lesson Proper
Module 7. Lesson Proper
Let’s Begin!
Volleyball history began in the town called Holyoke, Massachusetts in 1895. The sport was developed at the
YMCA by William G. Morgan as an alternative for the older men that was less taxing than basketball.
Originally called Mignonette, it took the net from tennis and took cues from basketball, baseball, and handball.
The net was only 6'6" high, just above the average man's head.
Originally, there was no limit to the number of players on a team or the number of contacts per side and the
game was primarily played from the ground.
Development
The set and hit (or spike) was first developed in the Philippines in 1916 and changed the way the game was
played. Later called volleyball due to the fact that players "volleyed" the ball back and forth, the sport was
embraced by the US military and was played often in their free time. Soldiers stationed all over the world
played volleyball and taught the locals to play as well, inadvertently spreading the sport to many nations.
Beach Game Emerges
Volleyball was first played indoors, but it was brought out to the beach sometime in the 1920's. There is some
debate about where the first beach volleyball game was played, but the two most likely theories are Santa
Monica, CA and The Outrigger Canoe Club in Hawaii. Organized beach tournaments were played as early
as 1948, but the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) did not emerge until 1983.
Olympic Inclusion
Indoor volleyball was added to the Olympics in 1964. Beach volleyball was added as an exhibition sport in
1996 and immediately became the hottest ticket at the games.
Popularity
Volleyball is second only to soccer in worldwide popularity. Approximately 46 million Americans play the
game and an estimated 800 million play all over the world.
The Court
The outdoor volleyball court measures 18 x 9 m, surrounded by a free zone that is 2 meters wide on all
sides. The minimum playing space for U.S. volleyball competitions is 7 meters.
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Volleyball History, Facilities and Equipment
Net
The volleyball net is 32 feet long by 3 feet wide. For women, the net should be 7 feet, 4 1/8 inches high.
For men, the net should be 7 feet, 11 5/8 inches high. U.S. regulation volleyball playing surfaces must be
flat and not present any hazards to the players.
Lines
The playing court is marked by two sidelines and two end lines. All lines must be 2 inches wide and must
be created with a light color that is easy to discern from the playing court. An attack line should be placed
three meters from the center line. The center line divides the court into two 9 x 9 meter courts.
Posts
The volleyball net structure is held together with metal cables and posts. Posts are placed 0.5 to 1.0 meter
outside the sidelines and 2.55 meters high. Posts should be round, smooth and padded, to prevent injury
to the players should they dive or crash into them.
Cables
Metal wires and cables may need to be covered if it is determined that they present a danger to the players.
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Volleyball History, Facilities and Equipment
Antenna
Antenna are flexible rods that are 1.8 meters long made of fiberglass, fastened at the outer edge of each
side band.
Side Bands
Side bands are two white bands attached vertically to the net and placed above each sideline.
Knee pads
Knee pads should be sturdy enough to protect your knees from falls, slides and dives, but flexible enough
to allow you to bend comfortably. Your volleyball knee pads must be made of fabric that breathes and
manages moisture. Good quality pads have a gel or foam shock-absorbing material that will cover and
protect your patella.
Shoes
Arch and ankle support is key when choosing a volleyball shoe. Mizuno, Asics and Nike are just a few of
the popular brands of volleyball shoes, which are lightweight, allowing you to be faster on your feet, as well
as bearing good shock absorption on your toes. Volleyball shoes also provide for better lateral movement
than typical running or cross-training shoes.
Clothing
All clothing should be lightweight to allow maximum flexibility and breath-ability, as well as made of a
material that absorbs sweat and keeps skin dry. Spandex shorts are a good option, as they are flexible,
light and absorb odor. Socks, while not required, absorb sweat and prevent blisters.
Ceiling Height
The minimum ceiling height should be 23 feet, though they should preferably be higher.