Volleyball was originally developed in the U.S. as an alternative to basketball and quickly became popular around the word. It started indoors, then later migrated to the beach. Now both indoor and beach volleyball are Olympic sports. Is youth volleyball the right sport for your child--one that could turn into a lifelong fitness activity to enjoy?
The basics: Six players per team are on the court at any given time. They line up in two rows of three and rotate through each starting spot. But each player also has a position (such as setter, blocker, and hitter) that she maintains regardless of where she is in the rotation. (Beach volleyball is usually played with just two players per side.)
The team's goal is to keep the ball in play on its own side of the court, and to end the opposing team's rallies by forcing the ball to the floor on the opponent's side. "Each time the ball crosses over the net, a team gets three contacts before they must send the ball back to the opponent's side. Ideally, the three contacts will be a pass, set and hit, but it can be three passes or any other combination of contacts as long as they are legal contacts," explains Beverly Oden, About.com Guide to Volleyball, in her roundup of volleyball rules.
Age kids can start: For United States Youth Volleyball League (USYVL) teams, age 7. Park and rec or YMCA programs will also begin at about this age. Some leagues will have kids play on smaller teams (2 to 4 kids per side) when they are learning. They may also use a lighter weight ball and a lower net.
Skills needed/used: Ball handling, endurance, teamwork.
Best for kids who are: Agile, with good hand-eye coordination and ability to react to visual clues.
Season/when played: Usually winter for interscholastic play; rec leagues are available year-round, indoors and out.
Team or individual? Team.
Levels: USYVL groups kids by age: 7-8 years old, 9-10, 11-12, and 13-15. Most community programs will have a similar breakdown. USA Volleyball starts with an 8-and-under team for Juniors and progresses up from there (all the way to Masters teams for players 75 years and up!).
College and university teams are regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (beach, or "sand volleyball," is an up-and-coming NCAA sport). Elite amateurs can strive to reach the Olympic Games in both indoor and beach volleyball. There is also a professional league for beach volleyball players. Both boys and girls can play volleyball at all levels and many teams are coed.
Appropriate for kids with special needs: Yes; volleyball is a Special Olympics sport and can also be played in a sitting position ("seated" or "sitting" volleyball is a Paralympic sport).
Fitness factor: Can be high, with lower body, upper body, and trunk all getting a workout.
Equipment: Your child will need athletic shoes. Kneepads are sometimes recommended. To practice at home, invest in a ball and a net (you can get a portable one to take to a park if you don't have enough outdoor space at home).
Costs: Equipment costs are low (shoes, uniforms, some protective gear). School team fees are also low, but your family may be expected to participate in team fundraisers. In private leagues, an 8-week season may cost $100 to $200. For an elite or travel team, costs can rise rapidly and often include fundraising efforts.
Time commitment required: One to two hours per week of practices and games for beginners; requirements escalate as kids rise through the ranks of school and travel teams. If your child plays with an elite team, expect to travel to tournaments frequently, and to spend time volunteering for the club.
Potential for injury: Medium. Like basketball, volleyball is a fast-paced game and there is potential for contact (with other players, the ball, or the floor). An emphasis on lateral movement means ankle sprains are the most common injury in volleyball. Finger injuries and overuse injuries of the shoulder are also common. You can get a tip sheet on preventing volleyball injuries from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.
How to find a program:
- United States Youth Volleyball League (USYVL)
- YMCA (search for your local Y, then check to see if it has a program)
- USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association)
Governing bodies:
If your child likes volleyball, also try: Soccer, basketball, tennis, badminton
