WATCH THAT SPIKE

The game of volleyball, originally called "mintonette", was
invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, after the invention
of basketball by only 4 years. Morgan, a graduate of the
Springfield College of the YMCA, designed the game to be a
combination of basketball, baseball, tennis and handball.

                       

The first volleyball net, borrowed from tennis, was only
6'6" high.

                     

The offensive style of setting and spiking was first
demonstrated in the Philippines in 1916. Over the years
that followed, it became clear that standard rules were
needed for tournament play, and thus the USVBA (United
States Volleyball Association) was formed in 1928.



In 1930, the first 2-man beach volleyball game was played,
though the professional side of the sport did not emerge
until much later.


The first beach volleyball association appeared in
California (1965), and the professional players united
under the auspices of the AVP (American Volleyball
Professionals) in 1983.


In 1984, the US won their first medals at the Olympics in
Los Angeles. The men won the Gold, and the women the Silver.