| Volleyball Equipment and Setup |
From "Family Sports"
episode SPT-109 |
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Volleyball is the world's second most popular sport, ranking just behind soccer. William G. Morgan, an athletics instructor at a YMCA in Holyoke, Massachusetts, invented the game in 1895. The original intention was to blend elements of tennis, baseball, handball and basketball, but gameplay was intended to be less strenuous than basketball. Once called mintonette, the sport of volleyball is now enjoyed by more than 46 million Americans. Worldwide, 800 million people play at least once a week. Because it's such an accessible sport and requires little in the way of equipment, it's a perfect activity for picnics and other outdoor gatherings. A court can be set up in minutes anywhere that there's a flat, open space.
The basic rules and techniques of volleyball are easy to learn. The game is played by two teams on a court divided down its middle by a net supported on posts. Provided that you've got ample room -- an area about 60 feet by 30 feet -- a backyard or neighborhood court can be easily set up for a modest cost. Choose an area that is flat and free of obstacles. In addition to the court itself, it's advisable to have a "free zone," at least 6 feet wide, on all sides of the court.
Today, inexpensive regulation-sized nets are available that are well constructed and easy to assemble. There are even portable models that come packed in their own carrying case with a shoulder strap. The net itself is 32 feet in width and 3 feet high. Once the net is mounted on the poles, the top is about 8 feet above the ground, although regulation height may vary for women's competition and younger age groups.
The two supporting posts for the net generally come in sections, and the net straps onto the upper section of the posts (figure A) at either side of the court. Begin by assembling the posts and attaching the net. Once the net is attached, place the posts into position and secure them to the ground (figure B) according to the manufacturer's instructions. With most nets, the posts are secured to stakes that are driven into the ground. The bottom end of the hollow post slides over the stake so that it stands upright.
Once the posts are installed, they are secured with tension wires. Two wires connect at a 45-degree angle to stakes driven into the ground (figure C) to prevent back-and-forth sway. A third connects straight out from the post to keep the posts from collapsing inward and to hold the net taut. Once the wires have been installed, the tension of the net is adjusted with a hand-crank (figure D).
The next step is to measure out and mark the boundary lines. Since there is a 60-foot sideline, measure back from the post 30 feet on one side of the net (figure E), then do the same on the other. Mark the corner locations with a flag and then pound a wooden stake into the ground at those locations. Repeat the process for both the left and right side of the court. Once you have stakes at the four corners of your court, use a cord to temporarily mark off the court's boundaries. The string, stretched around the perimeter of the court and held in place by the stakes, will help you mark off perfectly straight boundary lines. Mark the boundary lines with spray paint, marking chalk or lime (figure F). Keep in mind that spray paint is semipermanent and will remain there until next time the grass is mowed. Chalk and lime are easily removed or washed away. Once the boundaries are marked off, remove the string, stakes and flags.
Nets are available in a variety of grades and quality levels and come with some optional features. The best nets, like the ones used in pro competition, are supported at both top and bottom by a tension cable. Others have only a supporting wire at the top. Some have a scoring feature and use a clip to help players keep score (figure G). Lightweight, inexpensive nets are also available for players who are more interested in fun than in serious competition. Nets constructed from vinyl material (figure H) are designed for outdoor courts and are able to withstand the elements. Cloth nets are intended for use indoors.
There are also various types of balls designed for different styles of play. Balls with a composite covering (or padded composite) are preferred for serious competition. Vinyl balls are good for outdoor play since they can withstand getting wet and can even be used in the pool. Textured rubber balls (figure I) are ideal for the beach. Cloth-covered balls are a recent innovation and are great for kids. They can also be used for practicing aggressive spikes and attacks without fear of hurting your opponent.
RESOURCES :
USA Volleyball
USA Volleyball is the national governing body for the sport of volleyball in the United States.
Web site: www.usavolleyball.org
Volleyball World Wide
An online resource on the sport of volleyball.
Web site: www.volleyball.org
Volleyball magazine
774 Marsh Street, Suite C
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Web site: www.volleyballmag.com
Volleyball.com
An online retailer for volleyball equipment and products.
Web site: www.volleyball.com
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