History of Volleyball

Volleyball originated in the United States during the year 1895 at a YMCA. It ranks 2 nd only to soccer in regard to participation. More than 46 million Americans play volleyball today. 800 million people play volleyball at least once a week.

William G. Morgan Invented volleyball at a YMCA in Holyoke, Mass. Blended elements of basketball, baseball, tennis and handball. He wanted a sport that required less contact than basketball.

When volleyball was first created it was called mintonette. Morgan raised a tennis net to 6 ft. 6 inches.

Important Dates/Events 1896, July 7th - at Springfield College the first game of "volleyball" was played Volleyball was presented at the Playground of America convention as one of the most popular sports 1916, in the Philippines, an offensive style of passing the ball in a high trajectory to be struck by another player (the set and spike) were introduced. The Filipinos developed the "bomba" or kill, and called the hitter a "bomberino".

Important Dates/Events The NCAA was invited by the YMCA to aid in editing the rules and in promoting the sport. Volleyball was added to school and college physical education and intramural programs. 1917, the game was changed from 21 to 15 points.

Important Dates/Events 1920, three hits per side and back row attack rules were instituted. Late 1940s Forearm pass introduced to the game (as a desperation play). Most balls were played with overhand pass The International Olympic Committee (IOC) designated volleyball as an Olympic team sport, to be included in the 1964 Olympic Games.

Important Dates/Events 1960's new techniques added to the game included - the soft spike (dink), forearm pass (bump), blocking across the net, and defensive diving and rolling The libero was introduced internationally Rally-point rules introduced.