Volleyball is a popular sport played all over the world. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the rules and terms used in the game is essential to playing effectively. One of the most common questions that arise when playing volleyball is what the game is called. In this article, we will explore the different names that volleyball goes by and why they are used.
The History of Volleyball
Before diving into the different names of volleyball, let’s take a brief look at its history. Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, an American physical education instructor. The game was originally called "mintonette" and was played on a court similar to a badminton court with a net in the middle.
The objective of mintonette was to hit a small ball over the net without using your hands. The game was very popular in colleges and universities, especially in the United States and Canada. However, as the sport evolved, rules were added, and equipment changed, making it a completely different game.
In 1934, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) was formed to standardize the rules of volleyball. The name "volleyball" became official in 1937 and has been used ever since. Today, volleyball is played by millions of people around the world at both the amateur and professional levels.
Different Names for Volleyball
Now that we have a brief history of volleyball, let’s take a look at some of the different names that the sport goes by.
1. Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball is one of the most popular forms of volleyball played around the world. It was invented in California in the 1930s and quickly gained popularity, especially among young people. The objective of beach volleyball is to hit a ball over a net without using your hands. Players can use any part of their body to hit the ball, making it more challenging than traditional indoor volleyball.
2. Table Tennis
Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a sport played on a table with a small lightweight ball. The objective of table tennis is to hit the ball back and forth over the net without using your hands. This game has its roots in lawn tennis and was first played in the late 1800s.
3. Sepak Takraw
Sepak Takraw is a sport played in Southeast Asia, especially in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. It is similar to volleyball, but players are allowed to use their feet, knees, chest, and head to hit the ball over the net. The objective of Sepak Takraw is to score points by making the ball land on the opponent’s court or forcing them to commit a fault.
4. Table Tennis Volleyball
Table tennis volleyball is a hybrid sport that combines elements of table tennis and volleyball. In this game, players use small table tennis balls and are allowed to use any part of their body to hit the ball over the net. The objective of table tennis volleyball is to score points by making the ball land on the opponent’s court or forcing them to commit a fault.
Why Do Different Names Exist?
The different names for volleyball exist because each version of the game has its own unique rules and equipment. Beach volleyball, for example, uses a larger ball and a smaller net than traditional indoor volleyball. This makes it more challenging to play and requires different skills from players.
Table tennis, on the other hand, is played on a table with a small lightweight ball, making it faster-paced and more difficult to control than volleyball or Sepak Takraw. The rules of each version of volleyball are also different, with some games allowing players to use their hands while others do not.
Expert Opinions
To get a better understanding of the different names for volleyball and why they exist, we spoke with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a professor of sports science at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
