Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules. It has been a part of the official program of the Summer Olympic Games since Tokyo 1964. Beach volleyball was introduced to the program at the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics. The adapted version of volleyball at the Summer Paralympic Games is sitting volleyball.
Volleyball was invented in 1895 by the American educator William G. Morgan, a YMCA physical education director in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Morgan intended the game, which he originally called “mintonette”, to be an alternative to basketball that was less physically demanding. It spread rapidly through YMCA networks in the United States and abroad. An international governing body, the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), was established in 1947, and the sport grew into a global phenomenon. Its social history has included diverse communities such as nudists and, more recently, debates over inclusion and fairness regarding transgender athletes. (Full article...)
General articles
-
👁 Image 1 This article shows the roster of all participating teams at the 2022 FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League. (Full article...)This article shows the roster of all participating teams at the 2022 FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League. (Full article...)
-
👁 Image 2 The following teams and players took part in the women's volleyball tournament at the 1976 Summer Olympics, in Montreal. (Full article...)The following teams and players took part in the women's volleyball tournament at the 1976 Summer Olympics, in Montreal. (Full article...)
-
👁 Image 3 The men's tournament in volleyball at the 1996 Summer Olympics was the 9th edition of the event at the Summer Olympics, organized by the world's governing body, the FIVB in conjunction with the IOC. It was held in Atlanta and Athens, Georgia, United States from 21 July to 4 August 1996. (Full article...)
👁 Image
The men's tournament in volleyball at the 1996 Summer Olympics was the 9th edition of the event at the Summer Olympics, organized by the world's governing body, the FIVB in conjunction with the IOC. It was held in Atlanta and Athens, Georgia, United States from 21 July to 4 August 1996. (Full article...) -
👁 Image 4 The Asian Men's U23 Volleyball Championship is an international volleyball competition in Asia and Oceania contested by the under 23 men's national teams of the members of Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC), the sport's continent governing body. Tournaments have been awarded every two years since 2015. The current champion is Chinese Taipei, which won its first title at the 2019 tournament. (Full article...)The Asian Men's U23 Volleyball Championship is an international volleyball competition in Asia and Oceania contested by the under 23 men's national teams of the members of Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC), the sport's continent governing body. Tournaments have been awarded every two years since 2015.
The current champion is Chinese Taipei, which won its first title at the 2019 tournament. (Full article...) -
👁 Image 5 The Liga de Voleibol Argentina (in English: Argentine Volleyball League), officially known as Liga de Voleibol Argentina - Río Uruguay Seguros (LVA-RUS) for sponsorship reasons, is the top level of the Argentine men's professional volleyball league system. It is organized by the Asociación de Clubes Liga Argentina de Voleibol (abbreviated to ACLAV). The LVA has promotion and relegation with the Liga Nacional FeVA, the league immediately below. The league was founded in 1996 under the name Liga Argentina de Clubes (in English: Argentine League of Clubs), and was organized by the Federación Argentina de Voleibol (Argentine Volleyball Federation). 12 teams participated in the first season of the league (the 1996–97), 7 from Buenos Aires (Vélez Sársfield, River Plate, Club de Amigos, Boca Juniors, G.E.B.A., Club Italiano, and Náutico Hacoaj) and 5 from the rest of the country (Mendoza de Regatas, Obras de San Juan, Unión Casildense, Luz y Fuerza de Necochea, and Peñarol de Mar del Plata). Peñarol won the first season, defeating Boca Juniors in the final. However, the club's players were unable to secure their unpaid salaries until 8 years later, when they did so through the judicial process. (Full article...)The Liga de Voleibol Argentina (in English: Argentine Volleyball League), officially known as Liga de Voleibol Argentina - Río Uruguay Seguros (LVA-RUS) for sponsorship reasons, is the top level of the Argentine men's professional volleyball league system. It is organized by the Asociación de Clubes Liga Argentina de Voleibol (abbreviated to ACLAV). The LVA has promotion and relegation with the Liga Nacional FeVA, the league immediately below.
The league was founded in 1996 under the name Liga Argentina de Clubes (in English: Argentine League of Clubs), and was organized by the Federación Argentina de Voleibol (Argentine Volleyball Federation). 12 teams participated in the first season of the league (the 1996–97), 7 from Buenos Aires (Vélez Sársfield, River Plate, Club de Amigos, Boca Juniors, G.E.B.A., Club Italiano, and Náutico Hacoaj) and 5 from the rest of the country (Mendoza de Regatas, Obras de San Juan, Unión Casildense, Luz y Fuerza de Necochea, and Peñarol de Mar del Plata). Peñarol won the first season, defeating Boca Juniors in the final. However, the club's players were unable to secure their unpaid salaries until 8 years later, when they did so through the judicial process. (Full article...) -
👁 Image 6 This article shows the rosters of all participating teams at the women's indoor volleyball tournament at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. (Full article...)This article shows the rosters of all participating teams at the women's indoor volleyball tournament at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. (Full article...)
-
👁 Image 7 The FIVB Volleyball Boys' U17 World Championship is the biennial international youth volleyball championship contested by the men's national teams under the age of 17 of the members associations of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), the sport's global governing body. The FIVB U17 World Championship for both genders was proposed by the FIVB Volleyball Council and unanimously approved by the FIVB Board of Administration during its meeting held in March 2022. (Full article...)The FIVB Volleyball Boys' U17 World Championship is the biennial international youth volleyball championship contested by the men's national teams under the age of 17 of the members associations of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), the sport's global governing body.
The FIVB U17 World Championship for both genders was proposed by the FIVB Volleyball Council and unanimously approved by the FIVB Board of Administration during its meeting held in March 2022. (Full article...) -
👁 Image 8 The Finland Volleyball League (Finnish: Lentopallon Mestaruusliiga) is highest level of men's volleyball in Finland. There are 10 teams in the league. (Full article...)The Finland Volleyball League (Finnish: Lentopallon Mestaruusliiga) is highest level of men's volleyball in Finland. There are 10 teams in the league. (Full article...)
-
👁 Image 9 Volleyball at the 1976 Summer Olympics was represented by two events: men's team and women's team. (Full article...)Volleyball at the 1976 Summer Olympics was represented by two events: men's team and women's team. (Full article...)
-
👁 Image 10 The Mediterranean Beach Games is a multi-sport event organized by the International Committee of Mediterranean Games (CIJM) since 2015. (Full article...)The Mediterranean Beach Games is a multi-sport event organized by the International Committee of Mediterranean Games (CIJM) since 2015. (Full article...)
-
👁 Image 11 The FIVB Volleyball Girls' U19 World Championship is the world championship of volleyball for female players under the age of 19 organized by Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB). It was held in U18 age group until 2021. The first edition was staged in 1989 in Curitiba, Brazil and tournaments have been played every two years since then. The most recent tournament was hosted by Croatia and Hungary and won by United States. (Full article...)The FIVB Volleyball Girls' U19 World Championship is the world championship of volleyball for female players under the age of 19 organized by Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB). It was held in U18 age group until 2021.
The first edition was staged in 1989 in Curitiba, Brazil and tournaments have been played every two years since then. The most recent tournament was hosted by Croatia and Hungary and won by United States. (Full article...) -
👁 Image 12 The following teams and players took part in the women's volleyball tournament at the 1980 Summer Olympics, in Moscow. (Full article...)The following teams and players took part in the women's volleyball tournament at the 1980 Summer Olympics, in Moscow. (Full article...)
-
👁 Image 13 This article shows the rosters of all participating teams at the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Cup in Japan. (Full article...)This article shows the rosters of all participating teams at the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Cup in Japan. (Full article...)
-
👁 Image 14 The FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championship is a double-gender international beach volleyball tournament for athletes under the age of 21. The competition first took place in Le Lavandou, France in 2001. (Full article...)The FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championship is a double-gender international beach volleyball tournament for athletes under the age of 21. The competition first took place in Le Lavandou, France in 2001. (Full article...)
-
👁 Image 15 The Women's U16 Volleyball European Championship is a sport competition for volleyball national teams with players under 16 years, currently held biannually and organized by the European Volleyball Confederation, the volleyball federation from Europe. Only for 2023 edition the age limit was 17 years, and returned to 16 for 2025 edition. (Full article...)The Women's U16 Volleyball European Championship is a sport competition for volleyball national teams with players under 16 years, currently held biannually and organized by the European Volleyball Confederation, the volleyball federation from Europe. Only for 2023 edition the age limit was 17 years, and returned to 16 for 2025 edition. (Full article...)
-
👁 Image 16 The Slovenian Women's Volleyball League or 1A. DOL ženske is a women's volleyball competition organized by the Volleyball Federation of Slovenia. It was established in 1991. (Full article...)The Slovenian Women's Volleyball League or 1A. DOL ženske is a women's volleyball competition organized by the Volleyball Federation of Slovenia. It was established in 1991. (Full article...)
-
👁 Image 17 The men's tournament in volleyball at the 1972 Summer Olympics was the 3rd edition of the event at the Summer Olympics, organized by the world's governing body, the FIVB in conjunction with the IOC. It was held in Munich, West Germany from 27 August to 9 September 1972. (Full article...)
👁 Image
The men's tournament in volleyball at the 1972 Summer Olympics was the 3rd edition of the event at the Summer Olympics, organized by the world's governing body, the FIVB in conjunction with the IOC. It was held in Munich, West Germany from 27 August to 9 September 1972. (Full article...) -
👁 Image 18 The Slovak Women's Volleyball League is a women's volleyball competition organized by the Slovak Volleyball Federation (Slovenská volejbalová federácia, SVF). It was created in 1992, just after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. (Full article...)The Slovak Women's Volleyball League is a women's volleyball competition organized by the Slovak Volleyball Federation (Slovenská volejbalová federácia, SVF). It was created in 1992, just after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. (Full article...)
-
👁 Image 19 The Women's U22 European Volleyball Championship is a sport competition for volleyball national teams with players under 22 years, currently held biannually and organized by the European Volleyball Confederation, the volleyball federation from Europe. As of the 2024 edition, the CEV has aligned the age limit for the men's and women's competitions to U22. (Full article...)The Women's U22 European Volleyball Championship is a sport competition for volleyball national teams with players under 22 years, currently held biannually and organized by the European Volleyball Confederation, the volleyball federation from Europe. As of the 2024 edition, the CEV has aligned the age limit for the men's and women's competitions to U22. (Full article...)
-
👁 Image 20 The Czech Men's Volleyball Extraliga is a men's volleyball competition organized by the Czech Volleyball Association (ČVS), it was created in 1992 Just after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. (Full article...)The Czech Men's Volleyball Extraliga is a men's volleyball competition organized by the Czech Volleyball Association (ČVS), it was created in 1992 Just after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. (Full article...)
-
👁 Image 21 The Dominican Republic Volleyball League (Spanish: Liga Dominicana de Voleibol LIDOVOLI) is a professional volleyball league in Dominican Republic. The competitions are organized by the Dominican Republic Volleyball Confederation (Confederación Dominicana de Voleibol). (Full article...)The Dominican Republic Volleyball League (Spanish: Liga Dominicana de Voleibol LIDOVOLI) is a professional volleyball league in Dominican Republic. The competitions are organized by the Dominican Republic Volleyball Confederation (Confederación Dominicana de Voleibol). (Full article...)
_pictogram.svg){kind=link}
Did you know (auto-generated)
- ... that the USC Trojans team that won the 2022 NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship had been compared to the Marvel Comics' Avengers?
- ... that three first-team All-Americans – Logan Eggleston, Zoe Fleck, and Asjia O'Neal – played on the University of Texas's NCAA volleyball championship team in 2022?
- ... that the Sanok Construction Company operated its own medical clinic and had sports teams for shooting and volleyball?
- ... that in high school Anne Marie Armstrong won three state titles in volleyball, three in basketball, and four in track and field?
- ... that voice actress Mako Morino played volleyball for 14 years, but gave up the goal of playing professionally after being assigned to the non-serving libero position?
- ... that before becoming a legislator, Bettina Petzold-Mähr played volleyball for Liechtenstein when they defeated Lichtenstein?
International volleyball
Selected volleyball images
-
Tactics: Team practising passing
-
Tactics: Kill against three blockers
-
Volleyball court
-
Tactics: The "libero" (defence player)
-
Tactics: Jump serve
-
Play in progress: International match Italy vs. Russia, 2005
-
👁 Image 7Play in progress: The "set" (second contact), Iran vs. Japan, Olympic qualification match 2016Play in progress: The "set" (second contact), Iran vs. Japan, Olympic qualification match 2016
-
Tactics: Defence
-
Play in progress: The attack or "spike"
-
Tactics: Serve
-
Variants; World footvolley championships, 2010
-
Variants: Beach volleyball at the 2016 Rio Olympics
-
Volleyball positions
-
An official signals "ball out"
-
Variants: Sitting volleyball at the 2012 Paralympics
-
Play in progress: Final of the Volleyball French Cup, 2013
-
Volleyball scoreboard (United States)
-
Team handshake at a Polish volleyball match
-
Tactics: Receiving serve
_(29302885046).jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
Current and recent events
- 2019 Asian Championship – Men's • Women's
- 2019 European Championship – Men's • Women's
- 2019 South American Championship – Men's • Women's
- 2019 FIVB World Cup – Men's • Women's
- 2019–20 CEV Champions League (Women's) • CEV Cup (Women's) • CEV Challenge Cup (Women's)
- 2020 Olympics • 2020 Paralympics
- 2020 Women's U19 Volleyball European Championship
- 2020 FIVB Nations League Men's • Women's
Volleyball terms
- Ace : A serve which lands in the opponent's court without being touched, or is touched, but unable to be kept in play by one or more receiving team players.
- Assist : Usually the second of a team's three contacts, an assist is awarded for any set ball that results in a kill on the ensuing attack.
- Attack : Usually the third of a team's three contacts, an attack is any attempt by the offense to score a point against the defense (this does not include free balls or over-passes).
- Stack Blocking : A blocking strategy where the front row players start close to each other at the center of the net, leaving space for swing blocking out to the pins.
- Cut / Cut shot : attack with an extreme angle (nearly parallel to the net).
- Dig : A defensive contact following an opponent's attack resulting in a playable ball.
Get involved
For editor resources and to collaborate with other editors on improving Wikipedia's Volleyball-related articles, see WikiProject Volleyball.
Volleyball leagues
You may also be interested in:
|
General
|
People and organizations
|
Media Other |
Beach volleyball images
The following are images from various beach volleyball-related articles on Wikipedia.
-
👁 Image 1Beach volleyball player from the United States signaling to her teammate. (from Beach volleyball)Beach volleyball player from the United States signaling to her teammate. (from Beach volleyball)
-
A player hand sets the ball (from Beach volleyball)
-
👁 Image 3US women's team has cited several advantages to bikini uniforms, such as comfort while playing on sand during hot weather. Photo shows US national team players (Jennifer Fopma (left) and Brooke Sweat) in their uniforms. (from Beach volleyball)US women's team has cited several advantages to bikini uniforms, such as comfort while playing on sand during hot weather. Photo shows US national team players (Jennifer Fopma (left) and Brooke Sweat) in their uniforms. (from Beach volleyball)
-
Dancers during a match at the 2012 FIVB Moscow Grand Slam (from Beach volleyball)
-
👁 Image 5Ágatha Bednarczuk embraces the home crowd after the 2016 final. (from Beach volleyball at the Summer Olympics)Ágatha Bednarczuk embraces the home crowd after the 2016 final. (from Beach volleyball at the Summer Olympics)
-
👁 Image 6Officials keep score during a beach volleyball match at the 2017 Canada Summer Games (from Beach volleyball)Officials keep score during a beach volleyball match at the 2017 Canada Summer Games (from Beach volleyball)
-
Pictogram for Beach volleyball at the Summer Olympics (from Beach volleyball)
-
👁 Image 9Natalie Cook and Kerri Pottharst at the 2000 tournament. (from Beach volleyball at the Summer Olympics)Natalie Cook and Kerri Pottharst at the 2000 tournament. (from Beach volleyball at the Summer Olympics)
-
👁 Image 10The USC Trojans women's beach volleyball team poses with the National Championship trophy after winning the inaugural 2016 NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship. (from Beach volleyball)The USC Trojans women's beach volleyball team poses with the National Championship trophy after winning the inaugural 2016 NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship. (from Beach volleyball)
-
👁 Image 12Dalhausser and Rogers celebrate their gold medal win in 2008 with George W. Bush (from Beach volleyball at the Summer Olympics)Dalhausser and Rogers celebrate their gold medal win in 2008 with George W. Bush (from Beach volleyball at the Summer Olympics)
-
👁 Image 13Two opposing players simultaneously contact the ball above the net with open hands, known as a "joust". The receiving team is entitled to another three contacts. (from Beach volleyball)Two opposing players simultaneously contact the ball above the net with open hands, known as a "joust". The receiving team is entitled to another three contacts. (from Beach volleyball)
-
👁 Image 14Brazil's Maria Antonelli making a forearm pass, also known as a bump (from Beach volleyball)Brazil's Maria Antonelli making a forearm pass, also known as a bump (from Beach volleyball)
-
A linesman signals that a ball is "in" (from Beach volleyball)
-
👁 Image 16Unlike indoor volleyball, a touch off the block counts as one of the three allowed touches. (from Beach volleyball)Unlike indoor volleyball, a touch off the block counts as one of the three allowed touches. (from Beach volleyball)
-
👁 Image 18Beach volleyball players at the Outrigger Canoe Club in Hawaii, ca. 1915 (from Beach volleyball)Beach volleyball players at the Outrigger Canoe Club in Hawaii, ca. 1915 (from Beach volleyball)
-
👁 Image 19Public beach volleyball courts in Santa Monica, where the modern two-man version originated. (from Beach volleyball)Public beach volleyball courts in Santa Monica, where the modern two-man version originated. (from Beach volleyball)
-
👁 Image 20The Horse Guards Parade hosted the 2012 tournament. (from Beach volleyball at the Summer Olympics)The Horse Guards Parade hosted the 2012 tournament. (from Beach volleyball at the Summer Olympics)
-
A player jump serving (from Beach volleyball)
-
Olympics 2016 tournament (from Beach volleyball at the Summer Olympics)
-
👁 Image 23Unlike indoor volleyball, beach volleyball is played on soft sand which makes it safer for players to dive. Picture shows Nick Lucena of the United States diving to "dig" the ball. (from Beach volleyball)Unlike indoor volleyball, beach volleyball is played on soft sand which makes it safer for players to dive. Picture shows Nick Lucena of the United States diving to "dig" the ball. (from Beach volleyball)
-
👁 Image 25A beach volleyball referee determines if a fault has been committed. (from Beach volleyball)A beach volleyball referee determines if a fault has been committed. (from Beach volleyball)
-
A beach volleyball match at the 2008 Summer Olympics (from Beach volleyball)
-
👁 Image 27A women's match at the 2017 Hermosa Beach Open, one of the tournaments in the AVP tour. (from Beach volleyball)A women's match at the 2017 Hermosa Beach Open, one of the tournaments in the AVP tour. (from Beach volleyball)
-
👁 Image 28A beach volleyball game between members of President Harry S. Truman's vacation party at Key West, Florida in 1950 (from Beach volleyball)A beach volleyball game between members of President Harry S. Truman's vacation party at Key West, Florida in 1950 (from Beach volleyball)
-
👁 Image 29Horse Guards Parade beach volleyball stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London (from Beach volleyball)Horse Guards Parade beach volleyball stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London (from Beach volleyball)
-
👁 Image 30Open-handed tips/dinks are not allowed. Players may instead use their knuckles to attack the ball for a "pokey" shot. (from Beach volleyball)Open-handed tips/dinks are not allowed. Players may instead use their knuckles to attack the ball for a "pokey" shot. (from Beach volleyball)
_(cropped).jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
_pictogram.svg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
_(35525941495).jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
_(34684816854).jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
_(35358811102)_(cropped).jpg){kind=link}
_vs_Borger-B%C3%BCthe_(GER),_Olympic_women%27s_beach_volleyball,_Beach_Volleyball_Arena,_Rio_de_Janeiro,_Brazil_(2).jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
_(34629625214).jpg){kind=link}
Recognized content
|
|
Quotes
- And in the most profound place where land, sea and sky are one - there ye shall play volleyball. – Simon Munnery
- Ambiguity — the Devil's volleyball. – Emo Philips
Sports portals
Associated Wikimedia
The following Wikimedia Foundation sister projects provide more on this subject:
-
Commons
Free media repository -
Wikibooks
Free textbooks and manuals -
Wikidata
Free knowledge base -
Wikinews
Free-content news -
Wikiquote
Collection of quotations -
Wikisource
Free-content library -
Wikiversity
Free learning tools -
Wiktionary
Dictionary and thesaurus
Discover Wikipedia using portals
