Getting to know more about Beach Volleyball


Getting to know more about Beach Volleyball

Beach volley is one of the most demanding sports. Who would have thought that only 100 years after its invention, it would become an official Olympic sport?   Since it officially entered the Olympics in 1996, it has become one of the most popular sports. It has a large fun club, as people are intrigued by the strength and intelligence needed from the players in order to win the game.   Loud music along with the game’s high intensity makes it all appealing for both young and older people. 

A brief story 

Volleyball was invented by William Morgan in 1895 and the man who played the first match in teams of two athletes each, was Paul Johnson, in Santa Monica beach in 1930.   But the origin of beach volley is not quite clear.  Rumor has it that it started in California, when certain families played in teams of 6.  Another rumor says that in the early 1920’s, certain men played beach volley in teams on the beaches of Hawaii.  Most people, however, vote for the California story as the sport’s origin. 

First tournaments and leagues 

First tournaments took place in California in the early 1930’s with two athletes on each team.   The first professional 2×2 championship was held in 1947, once again at State Beach, California.   Just a year later, the sport had its first sponsor (a well-known soft drink company), which wrote history as the first company to support beach volleyball in the U.S.  In 1950 there were hysterical phenomena from the sport’s enthusiasts in the first championship that was help in the USA and in Brazil.  

What are the differences between volley and beach volley? 

  • Beach volley is played with two players on each team, while volley is played with six 
  • In volley, each player has their own role, while beach volley is more free, therefore every player has to multitask 
  • Beach volley’s court is usually 16×8, whereas in volley, it’s a little larger, measuring 18×9 
  • Another different aspect is in counting the points. Volley consists of 5 sets of 25 points, and the team that achieves to get 3 sets first wins. The fourth set is only played when it’s a tie and it lasts up to 15 points. 
  • Beach volley on the other hand consists of two sets of 21 points. In case of a tie, a third set takes place, which lasts up to 15 points. 
  • Concerning the beach volley ball, it is lighter, softer and longer than in volley. It is one thing to play on an indoor court, and another to play on hot sand with the wind taking the ball away. 
  • Finally, the most important difference is that in volley you need to use your fingers, or else it is considered a foul. In beach volley, you can touch the ball with your palm. 

So, if you were wondering witch sport is safer or more challenging, the answer is… both! 

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