UEP PE Department

Team Sports: Historical Development of Volleyball

When people think of sports they most

often think of team sports. Team sports are
when one group, or team, plays against
another group, or team, in a competition. The
team members work together to achieve a
common goal. Most team sports are played
with a ball or other object. Some of the most
well-known team sports are: Football
(American Football), Baseball Basketball,
Soccer (Football), Ice hockey Lacrosse Rugby,
Volleyball and Ultimate Frisbee.
Volleyball is one of the most popular
team sports in the Philippines. It robustly
gains its popularity from the different national
and international volleyball competitions that
brought recognition to the country. Volleyball
events aired in television through the different
local media channels inspired athletes and non-athletes to support teams and favorite players. Collegiate
Volleyball competitions such as UAAP, NCAA and SCUAA games also helped discover new talents and
instilled cooperation among students in state universities and colleges. Significantly, the Philippines
contributed to the development of volleyball that makes it more active and competitive sport today. Let’s
take a glimpse of the history of volleyball.

History of Volleyball
In the article of Beverly Oden of about.com she discussed how did volleyball came about.
Beginnings
Volleyball history began in a 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 Mintonette, 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

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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 FIVB
The FIVB is the governing body
responsible for all forms of Volleyball on a
global level. Working closely with national
federations and private enterprises the FIVB
aims to develop Volleyball as a major world
media and entertainment sport through
world-class planning and organization of
competitions, marketing and development
activities. The FIVB is part of the Olympic
Movement, contributing to the success of
the Olympic Games.
The Origins
William Morgan of the YMCA in
1895 created an innovative game, something that could show non-violent athletic power. Volleyball was
born.
In 1947, the FIVB was created in Europe, when 14 pioneer countries founded the Fédération
Internationale de Volleyball and made Paris, France its headquarters. The FIVB moved to Lausanne,
Switzerland in 1984.
THE FOUNDING
A decisive moment in the history of volleyball’s first 100 years was certainly that of the founding
of the FIVB (Federation Internationale de Volleyball) when in April 1947 representatives of 14 countries
(Belgium, Brazil, Czechoslovakia, Egypt, France, Netherlands, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Uruguay, USA and Yugoslavia) met in Paris under the leadership of France’s Paul Libaud to
found the FIVB. Mr. Libaud, President of the French Federation, was elected first President of the FIVB.
The headquarters were established in Paris, where they remained for the first 37 years until 1984 when
Mexico’s Dr. Rubén Acosta took over the Presidency from Libaud.
THE BEGINNING OF THE FIVB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
The first World Championships were organized in 1949 for Men and
1952 for Women and both have remained the biggest events in volleyball,
along with the Olympic Games, since 1964. The world competitions
immediately generated enthusiasm, and the number of players and National
Federations affiliated with the FIVB grew by leaps and bounds. Volleyball
fever had caught on just about everywhere and increased rapidly. FIVB
promoted events began to multiply.

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OLYMPIC GAMES
Testifying to the prestige attained in 1959 at the IOC session in
Munich, Volleyball was included as a medal sport in the Olympic Games.
The game was played with 10 men's and six women's teams for the first time
at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where the Japanese Women and USSR Men
won gold medals. Consequently, the Volleyball phenomenon started in Japan
soon after the Games. Thirty-two years later in 1996, at the Atlanta Games,
Beach Volleyball, one of the world's fastest-growing sports, made its
Olympic debut as Volleyball's successful second discipline.

About the Current FIVB President

Dr. Ary S. Graça F°
from Brazil was elected President of the International
Volleyball Federation on September 21, 2012 at the 33rd
FIVB World Congress organized in Anaheim, USA. Prior to
taking office, Dr. Graça was Executive Vice President and
member of several commissions at the FIVB. The former
volleyball player, fluent in English, French, Spanish and
Italian was President of the CSV and CBV and is currently a
member of the IOC Sport for All Commission.

Have you ever played volleyball?

What are your experiences in playing volleyball?
What makes volleyball different from other team sports?

Top Benefits of Volleyball

There are a number of reasons why people

play volleyball. It is a fun way to bond with family
and friends. And it’s an alternative way of reaching
fitness goals. Others simply play volleyball for fun
and entertainment. Whatever your reason may be,
you will reap the benefits of playing volleyball.

The welovevolleyball.com website presented

the different physical and emotional benefits of
playing volleyball. Refer on table 1. top benefits of
playing volleyball.

Table 1. Top Benefits of Playing Volleyball

Physical  Improve Cardiovascular Health
 Improves Your Muscular System
Benefits  Improves Joint Health
 Weight Loss
 Improves Hand Eye Coordination
 Enhances Your Reflexes & Reaction Time

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 Develop Agility, Speed, Coordination, Stamina &

Flexibility
 Improves Core Strength, Flexibility & Speed
 Improves Muscular Stabilizer Strength
 Increases Your Metabolic Rate
 Enhances Your Aerobic Capacity
 Enhances Energy Levels
 Improves Interpersonal Skills & Builds Teamwork
 Social Interaction & Enhanced Sense of Happiness &
Belonging
 Reduces Stress & Anxiety
 Improves Your Mood
 Develops Self Esteem & Boosts Confidence
 Sportsmanship
 Leadership
Emotional  Communication Skills
Benefits  Cognitive Stimulation & Functioning
 Enhances Sleep & Alertness
 Great Way to Meet People
 Take Initiative
 Develop Emotional Connections
 Teaches Accountability
 Motivation & The Drive to Succeed
 Treatment & Rehabilitation

Volleyball: Facilities and Equipment

When Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan as a less-strenuous alternative to
basketball for middle-aged men. The sport began as a loose conglomeration of several other sports,
incorporating equipment and ideas from badminton, tennis and basketball. As the game developed, the
court and equipment used became uniquely refined to meet the specific needs of the sport.

Court
Today, courts must meet the specifications set forth by USA Volleyball and the international
governing body, FIVB. Indoor courts must measure 18 meters long by 9 meters wide and have an attack
area demarcated 3 meters back from the centerline. The lines used on the court should not be any wider
than 5 cm. A free space measuring 2 meters in any direction is recommended around the playing area of
the court to prevent any accidental obstructions of play. Above the highest point of the net, there should
be at least 7 meters of space to allow the ball free travel, though 12 meters is recommended.

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VOLLEYBALL ZONES AND AREAS

Volleyball front zone

On each court the front zone of the volleyball court is limited by the axis of the center line of the
volleyball court and the rear edge of the attack line. The front zone volleyball court is considered to
extend beyond the side lines to the end of the free zone.

Volleyball service zone

The service zone volleyball court is a 9 m wide area behind each end line. The volleyball service
zone is laterally limited by two short lines, each 15 cm long, drawn 20 cm behind the end line as an
extension of the side lines. Both the short lines are included in the width of the service zone. In depth, the
service zone extends to the end of the free zone.

Volleyball Substitution zone

The substitution zone volleyball court is limited by the extension of both attack lines up to the
scorer's table.

Libero Replacement zone.

The Libero Replacement zone of the volleyball court is part of the free zone on the side of the
team benches and its limited by the extension of the attack line up to the end line.

Warm-up area
The warm-up areas of the volleyball court have a size of approximately 3 x 3 m and are located in
both of the bench side corners and the outside the free zone volleyball court.

Volleyball Penalty area

A penalty area has size of approximately 1 x 1 m and equipped with two chairs. The penalty area
is located in the control area of the volleyball court which is outside of the prolongation of each end line.
They may be limited by a 5 cm wide red line.

Ball
The ball used for volleyball is smaller than the basketball bladder that was used originally. For
indoor volleyball, it should have a circumference between 65 and 67 cm when fully inflated to an inner
pressure between 4.3 and 4.6 lbs. psi. Once inflated, the ball must weigh between 260 and 280 g. During
FIVB competitions and world events, three balls are used and must meet the same standards as the other
balls before being approved for play.

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Net
Net height can vary depending on the age of the players and the class of volleyball being played.
The standard height used for men over the age of 15 is 2.43 meters measured from the lowest point of the
net to the court floor. For women over the age of 13, the standard measurement is 2.24 meters. The net
extends to each of the sidelines on the court and should be the same height at both sidelines. The net itself
is 1 meter wide. At either end of the net, an antenna is attached that is 10 mm in diameter and extends 1.8
meters above the net. These antennae are considered part of the net and are used to delineate the vertical
crossing space.

Antennae

The antennae are a vertical rod that is located on the top of

each end of the volleyball net. The two vertical rods are
usually red and white in color and are mounted on the ends of
the net, above the sidelines and not in-play. The antennas are
usually only used for indoor play and not on outdoor nets.

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Let’s move around our community and look for a volleyball playing court. Try to familiarize the court
and let’s proceed with our activity below.

Activity 1

Identify the following parts of the volleyball playing court. Take a picture of yourself pointing/showing
and describing(caption) each area/part of the court listed below.

1. Volleyball front zone

2. Volleyball service zone
3. Volleyball Substitution zone
4. Libero Replacement zone.
5. Volleyball Penalty area
6. Net
7. Antenna
8. Volleyball Back zone
9. Scorer’s table/area
10. Team Bench area

Great job! You’ve just finished the first module of this course. Now that you’ve familiarized the areas and
zones in a volleyball playing court you’re now ready for the
inter-barangay volleyball tournament in your community. But you’ll have to wait for the IATF approval
on that matter, for now you can learn more about the game as preparation of your very much awaited
tournament. Don’t skip pages, there’s a lot more to come.

Summary

Volleyball is team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each
team tries to score points by grounding the ball into the opponent’s court. The very essence the
game is to “keep the ball flying”. The longer the rally the more intense and excitement it
produces to the players and spectators respectively. As the game strive and develop, it gives not
only a feeling of connection between players and viewers but also inspires non-athletes to
support teams and develop pride and honor. As to the athletes, scientifically playing games
particularly volleyball improves physical, mental and emotional well-being of a person.

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Reference:
A.,N.(2017,October19).Antenna. SportsLingo.https://www.sportslingo.com/sports-
glossary/a/antenna/#:%7E:text=1.,and%20not%20on%20outdoor%20nets.

Benefits of Playing Volleyball. (2021a, March 14). We Love Volleyball.

https://welovevolleyball.co/benefits-playing-volleyball/

FIVBHistory. (n.d.). Www.Fivb.Com. Retrieved May 3, 2021, from

https://www.fivb.com/en/thefivb/history

FIVBHistory. (n.d.-b). Www.Fivb.Com. Retrieved May 3, 2021, from

https://www.fivb.com/en/thefivb/history#:%7E:text=Libaud%2C%20President%20of%20the
%20French,over%20the%20Presidency%20from%20Libaud.

FIVBPresident. (n.d.). Www.Fivb.Com. Retrieved May 3, 2021, from

https://www.fivb.com/en/thefivb/about

Haas, R. (n.d.). Volleyball Facilities & Equipment. SportsRec. Retrieved May 3, 2021, from
https://www.sportsrec.com/5979581/volleyball-facilities-equipment

Kinda S. Lenberg,(2006) Volleyball Skills & Drills: American Volleyball Coaches Association,
American Volleyball Coaches Association.

Life, B. (2021, January 29). VOLLEYBALL ZONES AND AREAS. Volleyball Rules.
https://volleyballrulesguide.blogspot.com/2018/06/volleyball-zones-and-areas.html?m=1

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