Research Paper - Volleyball Essay Example

The test of time and volleyball! Volleyball is a game for two teams in which the object is to keep a large ball in motion, from side to side over a high net, by striking it with hands before it touches the ground. Today, volleyball is known as a sport for high school, college and the Olympics mainly played by women. But, where did volleyball initially begin? In 1895, the first game of volleyball was played in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Developed by William G. Morgan of the YMCA, it was for older men because it was a less demanding game than basketball. The game was originally called Mintonette. Taking a tennis net and cues from basketball and baseball, the game was developed. The net was only six foot six inches high at first, which is about the height of an average man. During this time there was no limit of the number of players on a team or a limit of the number of times that one side could make contact with the ball before sending it back over the net. The name volleyball emerged when the set and hit (or spike) idea was developed in 1916 in the Philippines and the players began to “volley” the ball back and forth across the net (Oden). While the YMCA was spreading the sport, so were others. The game was embraced by the US military and became the highlight of their free time. Soldiers stationed everywhere began teaching one another the game and taught the local schools as well, unintentionally spreading the sport to many nations. Today, volleyball is still played in the military and has become a competitive sport during the off time. The military has formed teams, both men and women in the Army, Navy, and other branches. They have a set schedule of games to compete against one another during the time that they have. These games are open to everyone on the particular base and they do encourage outside participation. When volleyball began, it was an indoor sport only. Around the 1920’s, the game was brought to the beach for the first time. Where the first