Volleyball - General Information

History of Volleyball

Origins

Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, a YMCA physical education director in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Originally called "Mintonette," the game was designed as a less physically demanding alternative to basketball for older members of the YMCA.

Evolution of the Game

• 1895:William G. Morgan invents "Mintonette" at YMCA
• 1896:First official game played; name changed to "Volleyball"
• 1900:Special ball designed for the sport by Spalding
• 1916:Philippines introduces the "set" and "spike"
• 1920:Three hits per side and back row attack rules established
• 1947:FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) founded in Paris
• 1964:Volleyball debuts as Olympic sport in Tokyo
• 1996:Beach volleyball added to Olympics in Atlanta
• 1998:Libero position introduced

History of Beach Volleyball

Beach volleyball originated in Santa Monica, California in the early 1920s. The first courts appeared at the Santa Monica Playground, where families played 6-on-6 games. The modern two-man beach volleyball game was first played in Santa Monica in 1930.

Beach Volleyball Timeline

• 1930:First two-man beach volleyball game in Santa Monica
• 1947:First official two-man tournament at State Beach, California
• 1965:California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) founded
• 1976:$5,000 first prize tournament draws 30,000 spectators
• 1983:Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) founded July 21
• 1987:FIVB Men's Beach World Championship held in Ipanema, Brazil
• 1993:IOC grants beach volleyball Olympic medal status (Sept 21)
• 1996:First Olympic beach volleyball tournament in Atlanta