Basic Facts on the History of Volleyball

The game of volleyball has grown from a recreational activity more than 100 years ago to a highly competitive sport that features some of the world's best athletes. Once played only inside a gymnasium and only among businessmen, it is now an Olympic event that is played indoors and out by both men and women.

  1. Identification

    • Volleyball is usually played on either a hard court or in sand, although it is sometimes played on grass and in water. Games on a hard court are generally played by six players on a side, while those in sand are most often played by teams of two.

      An indoor court measures 60 feet long by 30 feet wide, while a sand court is 52 feet, 6 inches long and 26 feet, 3 inches wide. The net that divides the court in half is 7 feet, 11-5/8 inches tall in men's and coed games, and 7 feet, 4-1/8 inches high in women's games.

    Early History

    • In 1895, YMCA instructor William Morgan wanted an activity that businessmen could play together but that wouldn't be overly grueling. He took some ideas from basketball, tennis, baseball and handball and developed the game of volleyball in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

      In 1900, the first ball specifically designed for the sport was created.

      Setting and spiking were introduced to the game in the Philippines in 1917.

      In 1920, rules were instituted to allow a maximum of three hits per side. Two years later, 27 teams from 11 states competed in the first YMCA national championships in Brooklyn, New York.

    Middle History

    • The first two-man sand game was played in California in 1930. The first sand tournament was not held until 18 years later.

      In 1937, the U.S. Volleyball Association (now USA Volleyball) was recognized as the sport's governing body. Ten years later, the worldwide International Volleyball Federation began.

      The first World Championships were held in 1949.

      Volleyball became an Olympic sport in 1964.

    Modern History

    • The Association of Volleyball Professionals was formed in 1983 to oversee beach competitions. A year later, the American men's and women's teams won gold and silver, respectively, at the Olympics.

      In 1988, the Beach Volleyball World Championship Series began. That same year, the men's team won another gold in the Olympics.

      Beach volleyball became an Olympic sport in 1996, and American men's teams won gold and silver medals at the following year's Olympics.

      In 1998, the sport instituted rally scoring (a team scores regardless of whether it serves) and the defensive "Libero" position was created.

      An American men's sand team won gold at the 2000 Olympics. Four years later, American women's sand teams won gold and bronze.

      In 2008, American men's and women's teams won gold in beach competitions, and American men won gold in indoor competition.

    Fun Fact

    • William Morgan named his creation "mintonette," but since it at first involved players simply "volleying" the ball back and forth, the name was changed to reflect that.