Legaspi, Adrianna Criselle B.
BSBA- Saint Peter
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.
William George Morgan (January 23, 1870 – December 27, 1942) was the inventor
of volleyball, originally called "Mintonette", a name derived from the game of badminton which
he later agreed to change to better reflect the nature of the sport. He was born in Lockport, New
York, U.S.A. He met James Naismith, inventor of basketball, while Morgan was studying
at Springfield College in 1892. Like Naismith, Morgan pursued a career in Physical Education at
the YMCA. Influenced by Naismith and basketball, in 1895, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Morgan
invented "Mintonette" a less vigorous team sport more suitable for older members of the YMCA
but one that still required athletic skill. Later Alfred S. Halstead watched it being played and
renamed it "Volleyball", because the point of the game is to volley the ball back and forth over the
net. In 1985, he was inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame as the inaugural member.
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.
Rules and Regulations
When volleyball was first invented, it was much different from the game today. You could
have as many players as you wanted on each team. There were nine innings per game, with three
outs per innning. There was also no limit on the number of hits of the ball on each side of the court.
Here are the basic rules of volleyball today.
Volleyball is played by two teams of six players on a court divided by a net.
The object of the game is to send the ball over the net so that the opposing team cannot
return the ball or prevent it from hitting the ground in their court.
Each team has three hits to attempt to return the ball.
The ball is put in play by a serve that is hit by the server over the net to the opponent.
When the receiving team wins a volley, it gains the right to serve, and the players rotate
one position clockwise.
When the serving team wins a volley, it wins a point and the right to continue serving.
The ball must clear the net on a serve.
A game is played to 21 points or some other agreed upon number. The team that wins the
best two out of three games wins the match.
Benefits of Volleyball on its Players
Weight Loss
Playing volleyball affects body fat percentage and the muscle ratio of the entire body in a
positive way. According to FitnessHealthZone.com, 45 minutes of volleyball burns up to 585
calories, resulting in significant weight loss over an extended period of time. This reduces the risks
of hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.
Improves Muscular System
Another benefit of playing volleyball is that it helps improve the muscular system.
Volleyball is physically demanding and requires muscular strength and power. When playing, you
need to exert effort during serves in order for the ball to reach the opponents’ court. You also need
to exert significant force when hitting the ball during rallies. Playing volleyball helps to tone the
core muscles and strengthens the upper body, arms and shoulders as well as the thighs and lower
legs muscles.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Volleyball is an excellent cardiovascular exercise. It involves running, jumping, hitting and
even squatting which will get your heart pumping and your lungs going. Getting your heart rate
up will result in the efficient circulation of blood and other nutrients throughout your body, which
improves your overall health. Playing volleyball regularly helps keep your heart healthy which in
turn helps to prevent diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabeties.
Improves hand-eye Coordination
Another benefit of playing volleyball is that it improves hand-eye coordination. Playing
volleyball requires a certain amount of hand-eye coordination for proper execution of serves, hits,
blocks, and tosses. During the game you should keep your eyes on the ball and your hand ready to
hit it whenever necessary. The constant need for good hand-eye coordination will actually increase
your abilities over time. An improved hand-eye coordination is beneficial not only during
volleyball games but also in your daily activities. Studies have shown that volleyball players have
better hand-eye coordination than those who are not. It has also been found that there is a direct
positive correlation between the amount of time a person has been playing volleyball and an
increase in their hand-eye coordination abilities.
Developed Balance, Speed, Flexibility and Stamina
Improved balance, speed, flexibility and stamina is one of the most important benefits of
playing volleyball. Volleyball is an intense sport that trains all of your senses and challenges your
skills. Players are required to serve, pass, set, attack, block and dig the ball. Playing volleyball
develops good balance, quick reflexes, and flexibility. Playing regularly also develops your
stamina.
Improves Interpersonal Skills
Volleyball does not only benefit you physically, it also a great way to make new friends
and develop your interpersonal skills. It is a team sport, which means it requires cooperation and
teamwork. When you interact with your teammates, you learn how to work as part of a team and
learn how to work well with others in attaining a common goal, that is, to win. This interaction
with team members also provides an emotional network of support. Team members encourage one
another during practice and in the game to do their best because every player’s effort contributes
to the success or failure of the team. Interaction among team members also helps you learn how to
value and respect your teammates. Whether you win or lose, volleyball creates a bond between
players which helps them develop their interpersonal skills. These skills go a long way in life,
creating healthy relationships with other people.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Volleyball also benefits the emotional and mental health of players. It is a fun exercise
which reduces stress and anxiety. It can also help in managing mood swings and even alleviate
depression. Exercise causes your brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals produced
in your brain which makes you feel happy, experiencing a sense of euphoria and elation, and it
decreases the effects of stress and anxiety.
Develop Self- Esteem
Volleyball does not only improve your mood, it also helps to improve our self-esteem.
Everyone wants to be fit and healthy. Volleyball helps you lose weight, build muscles, and reduces
stress which makes you feel good about yourself. The feeling of belonging to a team also boosts
self-confidence. It encourages pride in your accomplishments as a team member. Knowing that
you are contributing to the attainment of the team’s goal will make you feel significant.
Sportmanship
One of the most important benefits of playing volleyball is learning what sportsmanship is.
Sportsmanship is the golden rule in sports. It is the behavior and attitude that show respect for
the rules of the game, respect for the judgment of referees and officials, and respect to your
opponents. Playing volleyball teaches the value of hard work and fairness. It teaches the faithful
observance of the rules. It also teaches you how to accept defeat and how to win graciously.
