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Volleyball

Volleyball was invented in 1895 as a recreational pastime by American William G. Morgan, the physical education director of the Young Men's Christian Association chapter in Holyoke, Massachusetts. His game, which he originally called "Mintonette," was treated as no more than casual recreation until American servicemen exported it during and after World War II to Asia and Europe. It quickly became popular not only in the United States, but around the world.

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The Basics
Each team has six players. Players score points by successfully landing the ball in the court of the opponent without its being returned. The ball is hit back and forth over the net with the hands, fists, forearms, head, or any part of the body above the waist. Only three hits are allowed on a side before the ball goes over the net and no player may strike the ball two times in a row.

The only significant difference between men's and women's competitions is the height of the net, which is 7 feet 11 3/4 inches for men and 7 feet 4 1/2 inches for women.

Competition
Teams compete in an initial round-robin tournament. The top teams then advance to single elimination rounds.

Volleyball matches are decided on the best three out of five sets. A team wins a set when it scores 15 points, provided the margin is two or more points. If the leading team is not ahead by two points, play continues until one team has 17 points, regardless of the margin.

News, History, and Fast Facts

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Archery

Badminton

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Track & Field

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General Sports Links
Olympians will compete in dozens of sports this summer. Even though Gateway to the Summer Games can't feature them all, you can learn about each and every one by visiting the sites listed below.


Portions of the above text were excerpted from Share the Olympic Dream--Volume II.
© 2001 by Griffin Publishing Group/United States Olympic Committee.

For information on purchasing Griffin materials, please visit the Griffin Publishing Group Web site at http://www.griffinpublishing.com.

 

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