Team Sport

Volleyball

History

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. To prevent this a player on the opposing team bats the ball up and toward
a teammate before it touches the court surface—that teammate may then volley it
back across the net or bat it to a third teammate who volleys it across the net. A
team is allowed only three touches of the ball before it must be returned over the
net.This was How Volleyball was Introduced – Facts and Information About the
Game

The game of volleyball, originally called “mintonette,” was invented in 1895 by

William G. Morgan after the invention of basketball only four years before.
Morgan, a graduate of the Springfield College of the YMCA, designed the game to
be a combination of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball.

The first volleyball net, borrowed from tennis, was only 6’6″ high (though you
need to remember that the average American was shorter in the nineteenth
century).

The offensive style of setting and spiking was first demonstrated in the Philippines
in 1916. Over the years that followed, it became clear that standard rules were
needed for tournament play, and thus the USVBA (United States Volleyball
Association) was formed in 1928.

Latest Volleyball News from the NCAA and NAIA.

Two years later, the first two-man beach volleyball game was played, though the
professional side of the sport did not emerge until much later. Not surprisingly, the
first beach volleyball association appeared in California (1965), and the
professional players united under the auspices of the AVP (American Volleyball
Professionals) in 1983.

During the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, American men and women took gold and
silver medals in indoor volleyball competitions. Four years later at the Olympics in
Korea, the men once again scored gold. Starting in 1996, two-man beach volleyball
was officially introduced to the Olympics. Today, there are more than 800 million
volleyball players worldwide, 46 million of them in the U.S.

Timeline of Significant Volleyball Events

In 1900, a special ball was designed for the sport.

In 1916, in the Philippines, an offensive style of passing the ball in a high

trajectory to be struck by another player (the set and spike) were introduced.

In 1917, the game was changed from 21 to 15 points.

In 1920, three hits per side and back row attack rules were instituted.

In 1922, the first YMCA national championships were held in Brooklyn, NY.
Twenty-seven teams from 11 states were represented.

In 1928, it became clear that tournaments and rules were needed, so the United
States Volleyball Association (USVBA, now USA Volleyball) was formed. The
first U.S. Open was staged, as the field was open to non-YMCA squads.

In 1930, the first two-man beach game was played.

In 1934, national volleyball referees were approved and recognized.

In 1937, at the AAU convention in Boston, action was taken to recognize the U.S.
Volleyball Association as the official national governing body in the U.S.

In 1947, the Federation Internationale De Volley-Ball (FIVB) was founded.

In 1948, the first two-man beach tournament was held.

In 1949, the initial World Championships were held in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

In 1964, volleyball was introduced to the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

In 1965, the California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) was formed.

In 1974, the World Championships in Mexico were telecast in Japan.

In 1975, the U.S. 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).

In 1977, the U.S. National Men’s Team began a year-round training regime in
Dayton, Ohio (moved to San Diego, CA, in 1981).

In 1983, the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) was formed.

In 1984, the U.S. won their first medals at the Olympics in Los Angeles. The men
won the gold, and the women the silver.

In 1986, the Women’s Professional Volleyball Association (WPVA) was formed.

In 1988, the U.S. men repeated the gold in the Olympics in Korea.

In 1990, the World League was created.

In 1995, the sport of volleyball was 100 years old!

In 1996, two-person beach volleyball became an Olympic sport.

Equipment
The Ball
The standard volleyball is made of leather or synthetic leather, weighs between 9
and 10 ounces and has a circumference of 25.6 to 26.4 inches. The ball has a
rubber bladder and can be one color or a combination of colors. Synthetic leather
is lighter and is fine for beginner players. Junior volleyballs for children 12 years
old and younger weigh between 7 and 8 ounces.
The Net and 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. 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 and Cables
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. Metal wires and cables may need to be covered if it is
determined that they present a danger to the players.
Antenna and Side Bands
Antenna are flexible rods that are 1.8 meters long made of fiberglass, fastened at
the outer edge of each side band. 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. It is best to purchase your pads from a reliable sporting
goods store that will allow you to try them on. If you have difficulty finding the
right fit, have the store professional measure you and order custom-fit pads.
Popular volleyball knee pad brands include Asics, Mizuno, adidas, Nike and
Mikasa.
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 and Jewelry
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. Jewelry is not
permitted in volleyball, with the exception of smooth wedding bands. Glasses
must be worn with a strap to keep them secure.
Skills
6 Basic Skills in Volleyball

The six basic volleyball skills are passing, setting, spiking, blocking, digging,
andserving. 

Passing is often thought of as the most important skill in volleyball. If you can't
pass the serve, then you won't ever put your team in a position to score a point.

Types of pass

 Bump

The bump is the basic pass in volleyball. It is used when

receiving a serve or reacting to an opponent’s attack. 

 Set

A set is typically a front-line pass, or a move done by players

who are positioned near the net.

 Spike

The spike is an intense move in volleyball involving a player

who is near the net. The purpose is to send the ball over the net and
toward the floor so the opposing team has no time to save it before it
touches the ground.

 Block

A block is a defensive move used when the other team attempts to

spike the ball. The player must be right next to the net and jump at the same
time—or moments after—the opposing player, to successfully
block a spike.
The importance of serving is often undervalued. Many coaches don't teach players
to serve aggressive and use this opportunity to give the team an advantage for
scoring points.
Types of serve

 The Underhand Serve

For the basic underhand serve, you will use your dominant hand to strike the ball.
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, with your non-dominant foot
forward.  

 The Underhand Serve

For the basic underhand serve, you will use your dominant hand to strike the ball.
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, with your non-dominant foot
forward.  

 The Underhand Serve

For the basic underhand serve, you will use your dominant hand to strike the ball.
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, with your non-dominant foot
forward.  

 The Jump Serve

Jump serves are very advanced and should only be attempted by players who are
consistent with their regular standing version. Jump serves can either be a jump
floater or a jump topspin.

Blocking is perhaps the least taught skill in volleyball. Players can get away with
poor blocking skills because not blocking isn't going to hurt the team as much as
being poor at executing other skills in volleyball. 

Types of Block

 Single blocking:
While not the most effective type of blocking, a single block allows the back row
to dig or pass more easily and prevents a free kill. When you’re playing against
tough competition, your team may be scattered and scrambling and this may be the
only kind of blocking you can do on many plays. When your opposition is running
multiple hitters on approach, you may have to divide and each be ready to single
block if necessary.

 Double blocking:

Two blockers focus attention on the opposition’s hitter to deflect an attacked ball at
the net. Whoever the player is closest to being in front of the attacker becomes the
primary blocker. The teammate next to them needs to come in and assist by lining
up as closely as possible to create a wall.

 Triple blocking:
With more hands available to deflect the ball and deter the play, triple blocking is
the most effective type. All three front row players jump in unison to create this
triple block. This really becomes the goal when you’re facing a dominant hitter
that you need to shut down. If you can mount a solid wall, the hitter will be forced
to play around or over it which will give your back row a much easier ball to
defend.

Digging is another skill that isn't focused on quite as much as most skills in
volleyball. 

A traditional volleyball dig. Let’s get started with a traditional volleyball dig.

When trying to do this type of a volleyball dig you should try your best to
approach to a ball early and get your hips as well as forearms under the ball in
advance. Your goal is to dig a ball between knees and shoulders. If you manage to
do this you’ll certainly find it easy to direct a ball to one of your teammates after
doing a volleyball dig. Keep in mind that getting to a fast-approaching ball is no
easy task. That’s why you need to watch the opposing team’s attacker closely and
position yourself properly ahead time.

A dive. Sometimes, diggers find it hard to approach to the ball on their feet. In this
case, it makes a lot of sense for you to take advantage of diving. Obviously, this
will help you get to a ball much faster and do a volleyball dig successfully. The
question is – how to get ready for a dive? Your body must be extended forward
and your knees must be bent. Plus, you need to get low to the ground. In addition,
you should try to keep your arms parallel to the floor. It’s also very important for a
digger to keep his/her chin up during a dive. By doing so, a volleyball player will
be able to reduce the risk of getting injured dramatically.

An overhand volleyball dig. There are also situations when a ball approaches to a

volleyball player over his/her head. If this happens, you should definitely try to do
an overhand volleyball dig. When doing an overhand volleyball dig you should
contact a ball with your fingers. This will give you more control over the ball.
Don’t allow a ball to hit you! If a ball hits you, you may get your fingers injured.
In order to prevent injuries from happening, diggers are recommended to attack the
ball during an overhand volleyball dig. Plus, if you contact a ball with your fingers
you’ll probably find it easier to direct it to a setter. After that, a setter will pass a
ball to a hitter.

The setter position is considered to be the most important position in

volleyball. The setter basically runs the team offense.

Types of set

TYPES OF SETS
Shoot:  A shoot is a quick, low set to a hitter hitting outside.

One: A one set is a quick set to the middle.

Two: A two set is a set in the middle of the court at net, usually to the middle
hitter.
Three: A three set is a quick set about half way between the outside and middle.

Four: A four set is a set that goes high to the outside hitter.

Five: A five ball is a back set to the right side hitter.

Ten: A ten is a set that’s set to a back row attacker. The ball is set to be attacked
near the 3 meter attack line (10 foot line). Also can be called a pipe.
Rules and regulation

Basic Volleyball Rules

 6 players on the floor at any one time - 3 in the front row and 3 in the back
row
 Maximum of 3 hits per side
 Points are made on every serve for wining team of rally (rally-point scoring).
 Player may not hit the ball twice in succession. (A block is not considered a
hit.)
 Ball may be played off the net during a volley and on a serve.
 A ball hitting a boundary line is in.
 A ball is out if it hits an antennae, the floor completely outside the court, any
of the net or cables outside the antennae, the referee stand or pole, the ceiling
above a non-playable area.
 It is legal to contact the ball with any part of a player’s body.
 It is illegal to catch, hold or throw the ball.
 A player cannot block or attack a serve from on or inside the 10-foot line.
 After the serve, front-line players may switch positions at the net.
 Matches are made up of sets; the number depends on level of play. 3-set
matches are 2 sets to 25 points and a third set to 15. Each set must be won by
two points. The winner is the first team to win 2 sets. 5-set matches are 4 sets
to 25 points and fifth set to 15. The team must win by 2 unless tournament
rules dictate otherwise. The winner is the first team to win three sets.
Basic Volleyball Rule Violations
Rule violations that result in a point for the opponent

 When serving, the player steps on or across the service line as while making
contact with the ball.
 Failure to serve the ball over the net successfully.
 Ball-handling errors. Contacting the ball illegally (double touching, lifting,
carrying, throwing, etc.)
 Touching the net with any part of the body while the ball is in play.
 When blocking a ball coming from the opponent’s court, it’s illegal to
contact the ball when reaching over the net if both your opponent has not used
3 contacts AND they have a player there to make a play on the ball.
 When attacking a ball coming from the opponent’s court, contacting the ball
when reaching over the net is a violation if the ball has not yet broken the
vertical plane of the net.
 Crossing the court centerline with any part of your body is a violation.
Exception: if it is the hand or foot. In this case, the entire hand or entire foot
must cross for it to be a violation.
 Serving out of rotation/order.
 Back-row player blocking (deflecting a ball coming from the opponent)
when, at the moment of contact, the back-row player is near the net and has
part of his/her body above the top of the net. This is an illegal block.
 Back-row player attacking a ball inside the front zone (the area inside the
3M/10-foot line) when, at the moment of contact, the ball is completely above
the net. This is an illegal attack.

Basics of volleyball positions on the court

 There are three players on each of the zone.

 Front row players are players who are allowed to block the opponent and
attack the ball in the attack zone.
  Back row players are players who play defense by digging opponent’s
attacks and attack the ball behind attack line (3 meter line, 10 feet line).

 Players are rotating clockwise on the court after winning the rally after the
opponent’s serve.

Playing Positions in Volleyball

Volleyball positions in a team: 

 Outside hitter (also called wing spiker, left side)- Outside Hitter is the
player who carries the serve receive responsibility along with the libero.  
 Right side hitter (wing spiker, right side)- Right side hitter has the similar
role than outside hitter, they play front row and back row and are carrying
pass, attack, block, serve and defense responsibilities. 
 Opposite Hitter (attacker)- The opposite hitter is the player who most
often scores the most points in the team. 
 Setter- The setter is the playmaker, point guard or the quarterback of the
volleyball team.
 Middle Blocker (center, middle hitter)- Middle blockers main
responsibility is to stop the opponent’s offense.
 Libero- The libero is fairly new position in volleyball. The libero is a back
row specialist who is allowed to play back court only. 
 Defensive Specialist- Defensive specialists carry a serve receive and
defense responsibility in the back row. Defensive specialists are allowed to
serve and often play the full back row rotation before giving the spot in the
front row to the offensive player again.
Outdoor Activities

Tug of war

Tug of war is a team sport wherein two teams with equal members are put to test
against each other in an absolute show of strength. The goal of the sport is to either
pull all the members of the opposite team, or a certain part of the rope, into their
own territory.

History

The origins of tug of war are not clearly known, though they must be very old. It
may have originally been a ritual or religious contest:

There is no specific time and place in history to define the origin of the game of
Tug of War. The contest of pulling on the rope originates from ancient ceremonies
and rituals. Evidence is found in countries like Egypt, India, Myanmar, New
Guinea... The origin of the game in India has strong archaeological roots going
back at least to the 12th Century AD in the area what is today the State of Orissa
on the east coast. The famous Sun Temple of Konark has a stone relief on the west
wing of the structure clearly showing the game of Tug of War in progress.

The origins of Tug of War are uncertain, but it is beyond dispute that this once
royal sport was practiced in ancient Egypt and China, where it was held in legend
that the Sun and Moon played Tug of War over the light and darkness.

Tug of War stories about heroic champions from Scandinavia and Germany
circulate Western Europe where Viking warriors pull animal skins over open pits
of fire in tests of strength and endurance in preparation for battle and plunder.

1500 and 1600 – Tug of War is popularized during tournaments in French chateaux
gardens and later in Great Britain...

1800 – Tug of War begins a new tradition among seafaring men who were required
to tug on lines to adjust sails while ships were underway and even in battle.
Equipment

Tug of War Boots

Modern tug of war boots are now made by modifying ski / skate boots by
removing the blades/wheels and replacing them with a hard sole and metal heel
plate. Many pullers make their own, however there are some individuals who can
make boots on your behalf.

Tug of War Ropes

The TOWA endorses the use of polypropelene, sisal or manilla hemp ropes. The
rope is the most important piece of equipment and this should be approximately 11
cm in circumference and should be at least 33.5m long with plain, whipped ends.

Tug of War Shirts / Team Kit

. Tug of War shirts come with side padding. Anchor padding across the shoulder is
subject to an extra charge. 

Object of the Game

Most Tug of War matches are completed in a best of three format, and the
objective is to beat the competition and win the match by winning at least two of
the three pulls in the match. Within each pull, the objective is to win by pulling the
opposition and the opposition’s 4m marker towards the centre so that the mark
passes the centre line, resulting in a win. It is not possible to tie a Tug of War
match.

Scoring

In Tug of War, there is no scoring as such like you may see in other team games
such as American Football or Soccer. However, because teams are pitted against
each other usually in a best of three match, there is a form of scoring, in that the
winner of the match must win two out the three pulls to win the match.
Rules and Regulations

 Each team in a Tug of War competition consists of eight people.

 There are various weight classifications in Tug of War, and the mass of the
eight people combined must not weigh more than that determined by the
category that they are placed in.
 The rope used should be of a circumference of approximately 11 cm and
should be marked in the middle with a centre line as well as two marks that
should be placed 4m from the centre line.
 The playing area should idea ideally be a flat and grassy path of land. A line,
referred to as the center line, is marked in the playing area. The rope is
placed in such a manner that its center, marked with colored tape, should be
lying right on the center line. At a distance of 4 meters, on either side of the
center line, you should mark 2 more lines. This is the point where in the first
member of each team will stand.

 At the start of the pull, the centre line of the rope should be immediately
above line marked on the ground.
 Both teams pull the rope, the winner being the team who manage to pull the
mark on the rope closest to their opponents over the centre line.
 The rope must be pulled underarm and nobody’s elbow must go below the
knee, otherwise a foul will be called.
 Matches are often a best of three pull, the winner winning two out of the
three pulls.

How to play

The center of the rope should accurately come above the center line at the
beginning of the actual competition. As soon as the referee blows the whistle, each
team can start pulling the rope into their territory. The goal of each team is to pull
the rope, along with the opposition team, to their side. As soon as the part of the
rope marked with the blue tape (15ft) crosses over to center line, the team which
has pulled the rope to their side wins the stint.

FOUL

Know as locking, it is lowering your elbow below the knee while pulling.
Touching the ground for longer period is also considered to be foul.