Volleyball
BACKGROUND
The sport was created in 1895, in the US, by a sports teacher looking to keep his pupils occupied in the winter. It is now an Olympic sport.
PRINCIPLE
- Aim of the game: teams must smash the ball to the ground in the opposing team's half by sending it over the net.
- Duration/Gameplay: Two sets lead to win (3rd or 5th set tiebreak) In the first four sets, the first team to 25 points with a 2 point lead wins. The tiebreak set is won by the first team to score 15 points. Every time a team wins a rally, it scores a point.
- Team numbers: 2 teams of 6, with 6 substitutes including 1 libero
- Net height is 2.43m in men's volleyball, 2.24m in women's, and 2.35m in mixed matches.
- Court dimensions: 9 x 18m
- A 3m "attack" line divides the court into back row and front row zones
- Players can play the ball with their hands or arms, but are not allowed to touch the ball with any other part of their bodies.
THE PLAYERS
Setter: Player who sets the pace and directs the team in attack. Very skilled at controlling and passing the ball.
Hitters: Players who receive and finish the attacking pass over the net.
Middle: Attacking players. Very strong blockers.
Opposite or Right side hitter: Tall player, usually the most skilled in the team.
Libero: Often replaces the middle blocker to receive the ball: the most skilled blocker and receiver.
