History of Volleyball

Volleyball is a popular team sport that

originated in the United States in the late 19th
century. It was invented by William G. Morgan,
a physical education instructor, in 1895.
Morgan wanted to create a less strenuous
alternative to basketball, and thus volleyball
was born.

The early version of volleyball was

played with a basketball and a
borrowed tennis net. Originally
called "Mintonette," the sport
involved players hitting the ball
back and forth over the net. The
name "volleyball" was adopted in
1896, and the rules of the game
were formalized.

The first recorded exhibition match

of volleyball took place on July 7,
1896, at Springfield College
(formerly the International YMCA
Training School) in Springfield,
Massachusetts. The game was
played with nine players on each
side, and the net was set at 6 feet 6
inches high. The match showcased
the newly developed sport to an audience and served as a demonstration of its
rules and gameplay.
 Volleyball in the Philippines

Volleyball has a rich history in the Philippines and is considered one of the
most popular sports in the country. The origins of volleyball in the
Philippines can be traced back to the early 20th century when American
teachers and servicemen introduced the sport during the American colonial
period.
The first recorded volleyball game in the Philippines took place in 1910 at the
YMCA in Manila. The sport quickly gained popularity and spread to various
educational institutions, primarily universities and colleges. Volleyball
became a staple in physical education programs and intercollegiate
competitions.
The Philippines' volleyball association, now known as the Larong Volleyball
sa Pilipinas, Inc. (LVPI), was established in 1961. The LVPI became
affiliated with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) in 1962,
allowing the Philippines to participate in international competitions.
Throughout the years, the Philippines has produced several successful
volleyball teams and players. In the 1970s and 1980s, the country
experienced a golden age of volleyball, with the men's and women's national
teams achieving notable success in regional tournaments like the Southeast
Asian Games.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the popularity of volleyball surged with the
rise of the Shakey's V-League, a commercial volleyball league featuring
collegiate and club teams. The league served as a platform for developing
talented players and providing exposure to the sport.
 Volleyball in the Philippines

In recent years, Philippine volleyball has experienced a resurgence in

popularity, fueled by successful campaigns of the national teams and the
establishment of professional leagues. The Philippines has hosted major
international tournaments, such as the Asian Women's Club Volleyball
Championship and the Asian Men's Club Volleyball Championship,
showcasing the country's passion for the sport.

Professional leagues like the Philippine Superliga (PSL) and the Premier
Volleyball League (PVL) have gained a significant following, attracting both
local and international players. These leagues have brought volleyball to a
wider audience and provided opportunities for Filipino athletes to showcase
their skills.

Moreover, Filipino volleyball players have also made their mark

internationally. Some notable players include Alyssa Valdez, Jovelyn
Gonzaga, Aby Maraño, and Marck Espejo, who have represented the country
in various international competitions and have gained recognition for their
contributions to the sport.
The popularity of volleyball continues to grow in the Philippines, with the
sport enjoying a dedicated fan base and strong support from sponsors,
broadcasters, and enthusiasts.
 Facilities and Equipment used in
Volleyball
Volleyball requires specific facilities and equipment to be played effectively.
Here are the main elements involved:

Court: A volleyball court is rectangular in

shape and measures 18 meters long and 9
meters wide for indoor play. Outdoor courts
may vary slightly in size. The court is divided
into two equal halves by a net, and there are
specific boundary lines that determine the
playable area.

Net: The net is suspended horizontally across

the middle of the court, dividing it into two
sides. It is 1 meter wide and is made of mesh
material. The height of the net differs
between men's and women's play. In men's
volleyball, the top of the net is set at 2.43
meters, while in women's volleyball, it is set
at 2.24 meters.

Volleyball: The ball used in volleyball is

spherical in shape and made of leather or
synthetic leather. It typically has a
circumference of around 65-67 centimeters
and weighs approximately 260-280 grams.
The ball must have a certain level of inflation
and should meet the official size and weight
regulations.
 Antennas: Antennas are attached to the net's
outer edges, extending vertically above it.
They are made of flexible and lightweight
materials, usually fiberglass or similar
materials. The antennas help determine if the
ball has crossed the net within the boundaries
during play.

Poles and Standards: The net is secured by

poles and standards on each side of the court.
These provide stability and maintain the
proper height and tension of the net. The
poles are typically made of steel or aluminum
and are firmly planted into the ground or
secured to a base.

Protective Padding: In indoor volleyball, there

may be protective padding installed on the
walls and other hard surfaces surrounding the
court. This is to prevent injuries during fast-
paced play and collisions.

Footwear: Players typically wear lightweight, non-marking athletic shoes

specifically designed for volleyball. These
shoes provide good traction, stability, and
support for quick movements and jumps.
 Benefits of Playing
Volleyball

Playing volleyball offers numerous physical, mental, and social benefits.

Here are some of the key advantages of engaging in volleyball:

Physical Fitness: Volleyball is a dynamic and fast-paced sport that requires

agility, speed, coordination, and strength. Regular participation in volleyball
helps improve cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall
physical fitness. The constant movement, jumping, and diving contribute to
increased stamina, flexibility, and improved body control.

Teamwork and Cooperation: Volleyball is a team sport that promotes

collaboration and cooperation among players. It requires effective
communication, coordination, and trust to successfully execute strategies and
work together to achieve a common goal. Playing volleyball helps develop
interpersonal skills, enhances teamwork abilities, and fosters a sense of unity
and camaraderie within a team.

Hand-Eye Coordination: Volleyball involves precise hand-eye coordination

as players must quickly react to the ball's trajectory, accurately pass, set, or
spike it. The repetitive hitting and passing actions enhance hand-eye
coordination and reflexes, which can be beneficial in various other sports and
daily activities.

Mental Acuity: Volleyball is a mentally stimulating sport that requires

strategic thinking, anticipation, and quick decision-making. Players must
analyze the opponent's movements, predict ball trajectories, and adjust their
positioning and techniques accordingly. Engaging in volleyball enhances
cognitive skills, concentration, problem-solving abilities, and spatial
awareness.

Benefits of Playing
Volleyball

Balance and Agility: Volleyball demands quick changes in direction, lateral

movements, and precise footwork. The sport improves balance, agility, and
body control, as players must maintain stability while executing various skills
such as jumping, landing, and changing direction rapidly.

Stress Relief and Mental Well-being: Engaging in physical activities like

volleyball helps reduce stress levels and promotes mental well-being. The
combination of physical exertion, social interaction, and the release of
endorphins during exercise contributes to improved mood, reduced anxiety,
and enhanced mental resilience.

Social Interaction and Networking: Volleyball is often played in a team

setting, providing opportunities for social interaction, building friendships,
and fostering a sense of belonging. Participating in volleyball leagues, clubs,
or teams allows individuals to connect with like-minded individuals, develop
social skills, and expand their network.

Healthy Lifestyle: Regular participation in volleyball encourages an active

lifestyle and promotes overall health and wellness. It instills discipline,
commitment, and a sense of responsibility towards physical fitness.
Additionally, engaging in volleyball provides an enjoyable and engaging way
to maintain an active lifestyle, helping to prevent sedentary habits.
It's worth noting that the benefits of playing volleyball may vary depending
on the intensity and frequency of play, individual effort, and the level of
competition.
 Terminologies in Volleyball
Volleyball has its own set of terminologies used to describe different aspects
of the game. Here are some common terminologies in volleyball:

Serve: The action of a player hitting the ball from behind the service line to
initiate play.

Ace: A serve that lands directly on the opponent's court without being
touched, resulting in an immediate point.

Pass: The act of receiving and redirecting the ball to a teammate, usually
done with a forearm or overhead pass.

Set: The technique of using fingertips to redirect the ball to a teammate for an
attack. The setter positions the ball near the net, allowing another player to
spike it.

Spike: A powerful downward hit of the ball by a player above the net level to
score a point. Also known as an attack or a hit.

Block: A defensive action at the net, where players jump and attempt to stop
the opponent's attack by intercepting the spiked ball.

Dig: A defensive move where a player makes a forearm pass to save a spiked
or hard-driven ball close to the ground.

Side-out: When the serving team fails to score a point, resulting in the loss of
serve to the opposing team.

Rotation: The clockwise movement of players on the court after winning the
serve.
Libero: A specialized defensive player who wears a different-colored jersey
and is allowed to substitute for back-row players without counting as a
regular substitution.

Terminologies in Volleyball
Fault: A violation of the rules that results in the opposing team being awarded
a point. Examples include stepping on or over the line during a serve or
touching the net during play.

Kill: A successful attack that results in an immediate point for the spiking
player or team.

Rally: The continuous exchange of the ball between teams, starting from the
serve until the point is awarded.

Rotation Order: The predetermined sequence in which players rotate

positions on the court.

Timeout: A brief pause in the game called by a team's coach to discuss

strategy, make substitutions, or provide rest to players.

Match Point: The final point needed to win a match.

Overhead Pass: A pass made with both hands using a pushing motion above
the head, also known as a set or an overhead set.

Foot Fault: A violation that occurs when a player steps on or over the end line
or the centerline while serving.

These are just a few examples of the terminologies used in volleyball. The
sport has a rich vocabulary that encompasses various skills, techniques, and
game situations.
 Positions in Volleyball
There is so much more to volleyball than just rotating around the court. There
are seven different positions in volleyball, and each player has a specific role
to play. In order to take your understanding of the sport of volleyball to the
next level, it is important to know the significance of each position.

Outside Hitter (aka OH, outside, pin, left

side)
An outside hitter hits and blocks from the left
side of the court. Normally, they also carry
the responsibilities of passing and playing
defense when they get to the back row. The
outside typically gets the most sets, especially
when the setter is out of system, due to the
fact that the outside set is one of the easier
options to set. An outside’s responsibilities
include hitting from the front and back row,
passing in serve receive, playing left or middle-back defense, and blocking.

Opposite Hitter (aka OPP, pin, right side)

Opposite hitters earned that title because they
are opposite to the strong (left) side hitter,
meaning they hit behind the setter. In a 6-1,
just like an outside hitter, an opposite has the
option to play all the way around, passing,
playing defense, and hitting out of the back
row. An opposite’s responsibilities include
swinging from the front and back row,
playing right-back defense, and blocking the
other team’s outside hitter.
 Middle Blocker (aka MB, middle hitter,
middle)
Middle blockers are the team’s best blockers,
and they hit mostly fast-tempo sets from the
middle of the court and behind the setter.
Typically, the libero goes in for the middle
when he or she rotates to the back row. Middle
sets are some of the most difficult to set and
require good passes, therefore middles often
get the fewest sets but have the best hitting percentages.

Setter (aka S)
A setter’s primary responsibility is to take the
second ball and set it up for one of the hitters
to attack. Often referred to as the quarterback,
the setter is the decision maker of the team and
is in charge of leading the offense. In a 6-1,
the setter plays all the way around, meaning
that he or she has defensive responsibilities, as
well as blocking duties when in the front row.
A setter’s responsibilities include setting the
ball on the second contact to the hitters on the court, directing the offense,
playing right-back defense, and blocking the other team’s outside hitter.

Libero (aka L)
Liberos wear a jersey of a different color and
play in the back row five out the six rotations,
usually subbing in for both middle blockers.
When the libero comes in for another player, it
does not count as a substitution. Liberos are
defensive and serve-receive specialists who
are typically fast and are able to change
direction quickly. Liberos are not permitted to
attack the ball from above the height of the net, and they can only overhand
set a front-row attacker from behind the 10-foot line.
Defensive Specialists (aka DS)

Much like a libero, a defensive specialist plays in the back row and is
responsible for playing defense and receiving serve. Unlike the libero, they
do not wear different colored jerseys and are required to abide by the normal
substitution rules, meaning they are only in for three out of the six rotations.

Serving Specialist (aka SS)

A serving specialist is a player who subs in
just to serve. These players typically have a
very tough or very consistent serve, and they
come in for a player who is less strong
behind the service line, but otherwise very
valuable to have on the court as an offensive
or defensive threat.
 Basic Rules in Volleyball
Volleyball follows a set of rules that govern the gameplay and ensure fair
competition. Here are the basic rules in volleyball:

Team Composition: A volleyball team consists of six players on the court,

with specific positions assigned to each player. Teams can have additional
players on the bench for substitutions.

Scoring: Each rally begins with a serve, and a point is awarded to the serving
team if they win the rally. The receiving team can also score a point if they
win the rally and regain the serve. Points are awarded for various scenarios,
including the opponent's errors, successful attacks, or ball out of bounds.

Rotation: Players rotate positions in a clockwise manner after winning the

serve. The rotation order must be maintained throughout the game.

Serving: The server stands behind the end line and must serve the ball over
the net to the opposing team's court. The serve must clear the net and land
within the boundaries of the opponent's court.

Serve Receive: The receiving team must pass the served ball and initiate
their attack. The receive is typically done using an overhead pass or forearm
pass to set up an attack.

Ball Contact: Each team is allowed a maximum of three contacts to return

the ball to the opponent's court. The most common contacts are a bump
(forearm pass), set (overhead pass), and spike (attack).
Ball In Play: The ball is in play from the moment the server makes contact
with it. It remains in play until a point is scored, an error occurs, or the ball is
out of bounds.

Ball Out of Bounds: If the ball lands outside the boundary lines or touches
any object outside the court, it is considered out of bounds, and the opposing
team is awarded a point.

Net Contact: Players are not allowed to touch the net during play. It is a fault
if a player makes contact with the net, interferes with the ball crossing the
net, or impedes the opponent's play.

Substitutions: Substitutions are allowed throughout the game. However, the

rules regarding substitutions can vary depending on the level of play and the
specific competition regulations.

Faults: Various faults can result in a point being awarded to the opposing
team. Examples include serving or attacking out of bounds, touching the net,
committing a foot fault, or making an illegal ball handling contact.

Match Format: Volleyball matches are typically played in a best-of-five sets

format. The first team to win three sets wins the match. Sets are usually
played to 25 points (with a 2-point advantage), but variations exist depending
on the level of play.
 Pointing System in Volleyball
In volleyball, a point is awarded to a team when specific game situations
occur. Here is a breakdown of the pointing system in volleyball:

Serve: When a team successfully serves the ball into the opponent's court and
the opponent fails to return it, the serving team is awarded a point. This is
known as an "ace."

Side Out: A side out occurs when the serving team fails to score a point,
either by making an error or the opponent successfully defending their attack.
In this case, the opponent gains the serve and has an opportunity to score.

Ball Out of Bounds: If the ball lands outside the boundary lines or touches
any object outside the court, the opposing team is awarded a point.

Faults: Various faults committed by a team result in the opposing team being
awarded a point. Some common faults include:

Serving Fault: When the server fails to serve the ball correctly, such as
stepping over the service line, serving out of turn, or committing a foot fault.

Ball Handling Fault: When a player illegally contacts the ball during a hit,
set, or pass, such as a double hit or a lift.

Net Fault: When a player touches the net during play or interferes with the
opposing team's play by reaching over the net.
Antenna Fault: When the ball hits the antenna, goes over or outside the
antenna, or passes through the net outside the antenna, resulting in the
opposing team being awarded a point.

Violation of Rotation Order: If a team violates the correct rotation order, such
as serving out of order or having improper player positions during the serve,
the opposing team is awarded a point.

Attack and Block: When a team successfully executes an attack and the ball
lands in the opponent's court without being successfully defended, a point is
awarded. However, if the attacking team commits a fault, such as hitting the
ball out of bounds or touching the net during the attack, the opposing team is
awarded a point.

Game Point and Match Point: In a set, the team that reaches 25 points (or a
predetermined number) with at least a 2-point lead is awarded the set. In the
final set (if applicable) or match point, the team that reaches the designated
number of points wins the match.
 Pointing System in Volleyball
Volleyball requires a combination of various skills to be successful on the
court. Here are some of the basic skills in volleyball:

Serving: Serving is the action of initiating play by sending the ball over the
net to the opponent's court. There are different types of serves, including the
standing float serve, jump float serve, topspin serve, and jump serve. Serving
with accuracy, power, and strategic placement is essential.

Passing/Receiving: Passing, also known as receiving, involves using either a

forearm pass (bump) or an overhead pass (set) to control the ball and direct it
to a teammate for an attack. The goal is to make a clean and accurate pass,
allowing the team to execute their offensive plays effectively.

Setting: Setting is the technique of using the fingertips to redirect the ball to a
teammate for an attack. The setter plays a crucial role in setting up the
offense by accurately positioning the ball near the net for the hitters to spike.
Proper technique and decision-making are essential in setting.

Spiking/Attacking: Spiking, also called attacking or hitting, is the act of

forcefully hitting the ball over the net into the opponent's court to score
points. Hitters must jump, time their approach, and execute a powerful and
well-placed attack. Developing good hitting technique and reading the
opponent's defense are key.

Blocking: Blocking is a defensive technique used to stop the opponent's

attack at the net. It involves jumping and reaching high to intercept the spiked
ball and redirect it back to the opponent's court. Proper footwork, timing, and
effective hand positioning are crucial in successful blocking.

Digging: Digging is a defensive skill used to save a spiked or hard-driven ball

from touching the ground. It involves making a low, controlled pass using the
forearm or hands to keep the ball in play. Quick reflexes, good body
positioning, and anticipation are important in effective digging.

Footwork: Good footwork is essential in volleyball to move quickly and

efficiently on the court. Proper footwork allows players to get into position,
make accurate passes, set up for attacks, and be ready for defensive plays.
Agility, balance, and quick direction changes are key components of
footwork.

Communication: Volleyball is a team sport that relies heavily on

communication. Players need to communicate with each other to call for the
ball, coordinate plays, and provide support. Effective communication helps
improve teamwork, coordination, and overall performance on the court.

Ball Control: Having good ball control is essential in volleyball. This

includes skills such as receiving serves, passing accurately, setting with
precision, and controlling the ball during attacks. Developing consistent and
controlled ball-handling skills is crucial for success in the game.

Court Awareness: Being aware of the positioning of teammates, opponents,

and the ball is important in volleyball. Having good court awareness helps in
making quick decisions, anticipating plays, and adjusting positioning to be in
the right place at the right time.

These are some of the fundamental skills in volleyball. Developing

proficiency in these areas through practice, proper technique, and game
experience is essential for players to become effective and well-rounded on
the court.